TheReview Wednesday, March 25,1992 — A7 ST. ANNUAL “SNEAKER WADDLE” “Dancing all around Good Time” SAT., MARCH 28 DOORS: 7:30 PM. MUSIC: 8:00-1:00 A.M. KNIGHTS OF PHYTHIAS HALL SIDNEY 4TH ST. e Canned Music « Prizes « Adult Party Games Tickets in advance only - $6.00 ea. or group of 10 $50.00 Queen gets short shrift Victoria - There was a lot in the Speech from the Throne about giving women more say in the affairs of British Colombia, a praiseworthy effort indeed: There will be legislation to bring pay equity to public sector workers. The bill is to end the discriminatory pay gap between men and women. The throne speech also promised to give women better representation on the boards of Crown corporations. Not a bad idea either. Most of those boards are now run by the old boys’ club. But there is one woman who could argue with the Harcourt government-professed commitment to deal women in — Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In the past, throne speeches referred to “my government,” which is perfectly correct since the queen is the titular head of our government. That tradition was scrapped by the NDP. The latest throne-speech read by Lieutenant- Governor David Lam had humorous references to “this government’ but none to “my govern- ment.” I understand there was a debate about that in the back rooms and, it appears, the traditionalists lost. Being a traditionalist myself, I thought it worth mentioning. Now to the throne speech itself. Hold on to your wallets; Premier Harcourt and his crew will be on the prowl for more taxes. And as for election promises, if they cost money you may as well forget them. Most of the measures alluded to in the throne speech will either cost no money or their cost can be deferred for a year or two. Take the freedom of information legislation, which will probably be introduced in this session by way of a so-called exposure bill — which means the government will invite response to its proposals before actually implementing the final draft of the bill. The government will bring in fair-wage policies . for all publicly-financed construction projects. This means that on public projects, non-union companies would have to pay their workers union-scale wages. The ombudsman’s jurisdiction will be expanded to include municipalities, regional dis- tricts, school boards, universities and hospitals. The government -will also put an end to politicians voting for their own pay increases. Responsibility for the MLA’s wages and benefits is to be handled through an independent mechan- ism. And, as promised, the government will bring in tougher conflict-of-interest legislation. — “The people of British Columbia rightfully expect the highest standard of ethics from cabinet and all Members of the Legislative Assembly. This government will introduce amendments (to existing legislation) to strengthen the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act,” the throne speech said. Women are to be the beneficiaries of a number of government initiatives. One is to make sure that pay equity exists in the public services which will guarantee that women get the same pay as men if they have the same responsibilities. The other measure is to bring more women onto the boards of Crown’ corporations. Predictably, the Liberal opposition didn’t have a lot of praise for the throne speech, criticizing it for not dealing with economic measures. “There is no strategy for economic growth or a vision for the future of British Columbia,” was the official Liberal response to the throne speech. And speaking of the Liberals, Gordon Wilson obviously had second thoughts about opposing the appointment of Joan Sawicki as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Gordon had heaped scorn on Sawicki over the firing and hiring of a secretary in the Clerk’s Office who was thought to have ties to the previous government. In the end, the Liberals seconded Sawicki’s appointment, albeit some- what grudgingly. But then, you don’t have to go to Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition to get an earful of criticism about the government. About a hundred protes- ters, many of them dressed in weird fashion, showed up outside Parliament Buildings on opening day to lambast the Harcourt government for not having done anything to save a number of valleys and watersheds from the effects of logging. It’s safe to say that every one of, those self-proclaimed environmental watchdogs voted for the NDP in the last election and now they want to collect their reward. Not having performed the miracles expected eared Premier Harcourt the particular wrath of one of the protesters who showered him with pine needles. Great symbolism, I suppose. 656-1597 of 652-3678 (must be 19 yrs. or older) “Sponsored by the Waddling Dog Slow Pitch” LM is pleased to announce the relocation of the ROYAL OAK BRANCH to 4480 WEST SAANICH RD. in the Royal Oak Shopping Center on MARCH 16, 1992 HOURS: MONDAY to FRIDAY 7:30 am to 4:30 pm ISLAND MEDICAL LABORATORIES LTD. Trivett gets community award a=— & LONGTIME COMMUNITY worker Don Tri- vett was recognized recently for his service to the Peninsula with a C-FAX Merit Award in the Community Leader of the Year category. In making the announcement as part of its 1992 awards, C-FAX said that Trivett is noted in particular for his role in the development of Sidney Days. When Trivett became president of the Peninsula Celebration Society in 1983, Sidney’s town festival consisted of a small parade and bonfire. Under Trivett’s guidance it became a three-day festival featuring a 72-entry parade, a car rally, children’s carnival, 10K-run, boat- building competition, native canoe races, band concerts, a volleyball tournament and a sidewalk sale. Other events Trivett has assisted include the Olympic Torch Run, the Dixieland Jazz Festi- val, the May Day Celebration, and the Christ- mas Sailpast. Currently, he spearheads the Chamber of Commerce’s Commonwealth Games * OK x INTERESTED IN production for television? Shaw Cable 11, the community TV channel for the Peninsula, will hold an orientation day for prospective volunteer television producers on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Program ATT “OG SE Gala 3 COURSE DINNERS IN APRIL 95 STARTING AT s) from our great daily specials plus our CC, regular menu. i ia 41 atti Capiain Bissett’s and Fathom’s Lounge SEAFOOD - PASTA - STEAKS BEACH NIGHT WITH S-SCAPE - LANCE AND RAY MARCH 21 TILLER’S PUB 8:00 - 12:30 Bak the waterfront DINING & BY THE SEA a 9537 BEACON AVE. iciney “726% ‘Tim Zahar EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATION Real estate agents build a business over time, and a lot of our TODAY'S REAL ESTATE Arlene Davidsen success depends on referrals we get from satisfied buyers or sellers. This is one reason we work hard to exceed your expectations of our service. If you’ve done business with an agent who did a superb job selling your old house or finding you a new one, the best way to say thank you is to give his or her name and phone number to everyone you know who may be considering a move. Not only are you doing the agent a favor, you're also helping out your friends by steering them toward someone who is competent, knowledge- able and conscientious. Buying a house or condo can be a great experience, or it can get a little scary if you don’t have a strong professional guiding you through the process. In addition, we try extra hard to please people who are referred to us by friends or past customers. Good agents are in the business for the long term, and the best way to prosper in real estate is by giving a very high quality of service, and by doing it consistently. Let our years of experience and market saavy serve you. Consult with us, Tim or Arlene, on your next move. NRS Properties Ltd. 652-5171. Steering Committee and is president of the coordinator John Carswell says many people are Peninsula Bingo Association. not aware just how much the community channel 2s depends on volunteer participation. “Volunteers CHANGE FOR A GOOD CAUSE has been are the focal point of our programming — they’re collected at Sidney Travel for the last couple of not only in front of and behind the cameras, years. When travelers return to the Peninsula from _they’re often the producers, directors and editors.” foreign destinations, many of them drop their Shows in production include Shoreline Magazine, unused foreign currency into a box at the Sidney a gardening show, a sports show, and live shop. Sponsored by the Greater Victoria Women _open-line shows, plus political and special events in Travel, all proceeds go to UNICEF, to shows, “The community channel is designed as establish multi-faceted projects of long-term ben- _an alternative to commercial television with an efit to children in cooperation with government. emphasis on local perspectives,” Carswell said. Brochures promoting the program are available at © “Our facilities are first-rate, but we can’t produce member travel agencies and include a poem community television without the help of our penned by former B.C. Aviation Museum presi- | community members.” The orientation is free but : dent Pat Phillips, a Saanichton resident. pre-registration is required. Call 655-1700. . Ef * & ees