_ Anew vision for Canada

(Editor's note: at this time of
impending crisis in the affairs of
our country, the article following
gives a reasonable perspective.
Many people are simply tired of
hearing about the whole issue, but
It’s too important to all of us that
we must not tune out, but try all
the more to make Canada work.)

A Policy Resolution
of The Canadian
Chamber of Commerce

Ata time when many Canadians
are asking themselves, “Is Canada
worth saving?”’ the Canadian
Chamber of Commerce believes
that the answer is a resounding
AES”

In the past 124 years, Canada
has attained an important position
in the community of nations,
largely because of its unique
strengths which include:

— a democratic hermitage, a tra-
dition of tolerance, and a reputa-
tion for generosity;

— a society recognized for its
respect of human rights and social
justice;

— 4 vast territory with abundant
natural resources; and

— an economy which has pro-
duced an enviable standard of
living.

We have accomplished a great
deal together. However, the current
constitutional arrangement, the
“status quo,” is inappropriate for a
growing country in an increasingly
competitive international market-
place.

The current system does not

adequately respond to the needs
and the aspirations of all Canadi-
ans, nor to the global competitive
challenges that we face. Change is
necessary, and we must now focus
on facing the future, not on
defending the past.

It has become clear that the
current arrangement is not satis-
factory to most Canadians.

Some see an increased input to
the political decision-making pro-
cess, and greater opportunities for
their Tegions.

Others believe that their regions
might be better off forging their
future alone, or in new partner-
ships.

Those who contemplate the dis-
mantling of Canada must under-
stand that such a step would exact
a significant economic and social
cost from all Canadians and
weaken our ability to compete in a
world that is rapidly coalescing
into larger economic groupings.

It is surely easier for fellow
Canadians to forge agreements
than for countries to make treaties.
Dialogue must continue and
change must be managed responsi-
bly.

The Chamber seeks a new
vision for an internationally-
competitive Canada under which
our citizens can rally — one that
will provide the social justice and
continued prosperity to which all
Canadians aspire.

There are no illusions as to the
magnitude and complexity of this
unprecedented challenge.

It will demand new attitudes
from Canadians, and most impor-
tantly, from their political leaders.

Canadians expect them to rise
above partisanship and regional
bickering, and to set aside the

“Information

Line
— 1-800-
663-4242

Canadian Cancer Society

“survival instinct” engendered by
current economic and political
pressures.

Recommendations

1. That all levels of govern-
ments, the business community,
labor groups, as well as individual
Canadians, work together to fash-
ion a new partnership to:

— recognize the unique charac-
teristics and strengths of all Cana-
dians;

— build a more competitive
economy recognizing our compar-
ative advantages;

— provide opportunities for our
aboriginal people to realize their
potential;

— identify more clearly the
responsibilities of each level of
government with a view to elimi-
nating duplicate jurisdictions and
curbing spending powers;

— establish a decision-making
process within a framework of
sound and effective management
of the economic and financial
affairs of the nation;

2. That the Canadian Chamber
of Commerce, and its members,
continue to be actively involved in
public debate of Canada’s consti-
tutional arrangement.

TheReview Wednesday, February 5, 1992 — C4

PLANNING FOR THE Commonwealth Games in 1994 is one
thing the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has
committed its involvement towards. Here Chamber Presi-
dent Paul Deeton (eft) shares a chuckle with Common-
wealth Games director Jim Reid (centre) as Chamber
tourism Committee chairman Denis Denischuk (right) looks
on. The Chamber's political action committee has been
lobbying local municipal councils to support the Common-
wealth Games Society with funding.

Membership

open fo all |
businesses on
the Peninsula

Membership is open to all busi-
nesses in this area. What do you
get for your membership? There
are many reasons why businesses
benefit from their membership,
and members’ reasons may vary,

Two of the most significant
reasons are the opportunity to
access group benefit plans for
small business at reduced group.
rates, and the reduced MasterCard
rates for Chamber member mer-
chants.

Call us at the Chamber office
656-3616 for more information.

Rates for membership are as
follows:

Individual business $1077.00.
1-3 Employees $107.00
4-9 Employees $160.50
10-19 Employees $192.60
20-PlusEmployees $267.50

(includes G.S.T.)

Chamber members.

Rate yourself as a :
Chamber member . . . just for fun!

The following "Self-Evaluation Form for Chamber Members" appeared in a recent issue of a national
Chamber newsletter. We've reprinted it here simply for the entertainment and enlightenment of our own

To find out how you stack up as a Chamber member, just write your point total item by item in the
boxes at the left, then add your score at the bottom. An evaluation ranking is provided.

Be sure to give yourself partial credit if you wish. For example, if you feel you attend “some” Chamber
events but not "most," then give yourself 8 or 10 points instead of the full 15 for that item.

Chamber member self-evaluation:

Supports Chamber financially. | pay my dues on time and also contribute to other special assess-

ments related to the Chamber, such as retail dues, special promotions or industrial recruitment

Seeks volunteer assignments with Chamber. Each year, | deliberately seek out at least one Cham-

ber committee, project or special event and take an active role to make it a success. (Examples:
Serves as Ambassador, builds booth for festival, helps plan annual retreat, leads membership

Responds to Chamber's call for help. | usually respond when | am personally approached to

volunteer small amounts of time to the Chamber. (Examples: Takes a shift at a festival booth,
greets visiting dignitaries, registers guests at Chamber golf tourney, paints wall at office, writes

Attends most Chamber events. | actively attend mest Chamber-sponsored events. (Examples:

Business After Hours, annual meeting, ribbon cuttings, seminars, legislative breakfasts.)

Promotes positive action and open communication. | speak positively of the Chamber in my contact

with others and try to squelch negative "street talk" about the Chamber when possible. lf | have a
gripe, | discuss it with the Chamber executive director in an appropriate manner, time and place.

Supports other Chamber members: | buy from fellow Chamber members as often as possible for

my business and personal needs. | am pleased to offer discounts to other Chamber members, refer
business to other Chamber members and advise or otherwise assist them upon request.

Believes in the basic Chamber premise: That by effectively coordinating the resources and talents

of business and professional people, we can enhance our community's economic and cultural
prosperity and enrich its quality of lifel

How Do You Stack Up?

80-100 Points: You are an excellent Chamber member and a tremendous asset to your community. Don't lose that

enthusiasm!

60-79 Points: You are a good Chamber member and help formthe solld nucleus of supporters upon which your Chamber

thrives.

40-59 Points: You are an average Chamber member. You probably pay your dues, attend some functions and support

its philosophy, and you should be commended for that.

25pts. | expenses.

'S Pts. campaign team.)
‘Spts. letter to legislators.)
15 pts.

10 pts.

10 pts.

10 pts.

Total Points
(100 possible)

Below 40 Points: Your Chamber Involvement Is below average. You should consider Increasing your contact with the
Chamber, for the betterment of yourself, your business or profession . . . and your community!

&