CUPE Boiling Over Without Contract
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Oshawa Generals next game Friday, Oct. 10 vs Erie Otters at 7:35 p.m. at G.M. Centre and Mon. Oct 13 vs London Knights at 2:05 at GM Centre $1.00 www.oshawaexpress.ca Your Independent Local News Source Vol 3 No 50 Wednesday, Oct 8 2008 CUPE boiling over without contract By Cynthia McQueen potential strike from the Canadian Union of With regard to the boil water advisory, John there’s a water main break or if there’s adverse The Oshawa Express Public Employees (CUPE). Presta, Director of Environmental Services for samples.” Just a few years after Canada’s worst E. the Region of Durham says, “We just wanted Presta also commented this does not hap- Local residents should be prepared for a Coli outbreak killed 6 people in Walkerton, a to make the public aware that there may be pen very often. boil water advisory Thursday in the wake of a warning like this should not be taken lightly. these advisories in the area depending if See HIGH Page 5 FlahertyFlaherty getsgets thethe bootsboots By Cynthia McQueen The Oshawa Express Jim Flaherty was a no-show on Monday when he was literally given the boot by members of Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Local 222. Demonstrators threw their empty work boots at Flaherty’s Whitby office to protest the more than 200,000 jobs lost since Stephen Harper’s Conservative government took power in 2006. In a media release given in lieu of a personal appearance, Flaherty says he shares the concerns of the local workers and the families of people who have lost their manufacturing jobs in Oshawa-Whitby. Oshawa alone has lost 6,100 jobs since the Conservatives came to power in January 2006 and as a result local supporters have become members of the Danny Williams Anything But Conservative (ABC) campaign. “Vote, even if you have to hold your nose to Jim Flaherty do it,” says Ken Lewenza, National President of CAW. “I’m a wishful thinker. I think it’s still possible to send Harper packing 100 per cent and not lead any government.” Chris Buckley, President of Oshawa’s CAW Local 222 office calls for the government to “stop bleeding us. Send [Harper] away from Ottawa.” Truckloads of safety boots tagged with workers names littered the front door of Flaherty’s office. Some boots flew through the air Photo by Katie Strachan/The Oshawa Express and struck the front door amid chants of “Shame” and “Wake up and Chris Buckley, President of Oshawa’s CAW Local 222, speaks to protestors and fellow union members outside Conservative candidate smell the safety boots.” Jim Flaherty’s riding office in Whitby on Monday. While the media release reiterated the Conservative platform pledging $290 million investment in GM and the introduction of a $250 million Automotive Innovation Fund, the written statement didn’t hold any answers as to how those empty boots would be Money shortage cramps riders’ style filled. One sign summed it up, “Where are our jobs Jim?” By Katie Strachan and Aaron Dudezki would beg to differ that it’s always the bus usually have to wait until the next Many in the crowd feel the North American Free Trade The Oshawa Express quickest route. scheduled bus comes along. Agreement is responsible for the missing jobs as more manufactur- The buses are jammed full of people Says one regular rider Angelina ers close shop in Canada looking for cheaper pastures abroad. If you have ever traveled on a often forcing passengers to stand while Selinas, “I was on the bus when the driv- To cheers from the crowd, Lewenza calls for “Fair trade, not free Durham Region Transit (DRT) bus, par- riding the bus, which has resulted in er slammed on the brakes and I fell and trade.” ticularly on the Taunton Road line dur- falls and potential injuries to riders. knocked six other people over.” She Commenting on the John Deere plant slated for closure in ing rush hours, you know it’s busy. Once the bus hits capacity beyond adds she was uninjured in the fall. Welland, Lewenza says, “If you can’t assemble in Canada, you can’t Many students going to the local col- standing room only, the driver rolls the Another student who did not want to sell in Canada.” lege, university and high schools find sign to Out of Service and continues on be identified says “sometimes the bus Now thousands of work boots are without owners, and Flaherty’s the route extremely useful in getting to past patrons waiting outside at stops. driver will tell us to take our backpacks office donated the boots to the Salvation Army. “Hopefully they will and from school. However, many riders Passengers that don’t make it on to the See LOCAL Page 5 be of use to people in need.” Fourth home for senior’s opens By Katie Strachan raised more than $1 million. entertain residents, their health is just as The Oshawa Express The new wellness centre triples the important. There will be footcare and existing Oshawa Community Health blood pressure clinics hosted regularly. Two murder cases linked A new facility that combines health- Centre’s space and brings lots of different An affordable meal service is available care and a home for seniors has opened its services, including regular check-ups, to older adults as well as other communi- The region’s only two homi- Investigators do not believe doors officially to residents of Oshawa. cure, rehabilitation and support, under one ty members. A full-course meal is served cides in 2008 have been linked. these murders were random The grand opening of Conant roof making it easier for residents. during lunch that usually includes salads, The DRPS Homicide Unit acts, nor do they believe only Complex on Saturday included a ribbon- Highlights include child care so that sandwiches or soups. has confirmed the murders of one individual committed both cutting ceremony, cake and a barbeque. parents can use the services of the clinic A big hit with the residents so far has Khristian Gerri Ottley on murders. Residents were given guided tours while their child is being minded in play- been the senior’s lounge. January 14 and Jeffery David One arrest has already been through the complex and various demon- rooms, eight medical examination rooms “When we designed this lounge we Warne on January 26 were sep- made in the Warne case, but strations were held throughout the day. designed specifically by physicians, child looked at the behaviours of older adults. arate events, but they have sev- that investigation is not over. The 28,000 square ft. complex is and youth activity rooms, two baby exam We couldn’t just plan for today, we had to eral factors in common, The two investigative teams home to the newest community health rooms and an open concept waiting room plan for 10 years down the road,” says although the two victims did originally assigned in January centre, Dr. Bryce A. Brown Wellness known as the atrium.The clinic also has Elizabeth Moore, Executive Director of not necessarily know each 2008 have been merged into Centre, and is the fourth Oshawa Senior specialized rooms for family counseling, a the Oshawa Senior Citizen’s Centre. other. one team as the investigation Citizen’s Centre in the city. diabetes education team and a full func- The complex also has a lot of “shared” According to D/Sergeant J.J. moves forward. The spacious building is decorated in tioning lab. spaces between the two facilities. There is Allan, forensic results from Anyone with new informa- soothing colours from top to bottom. It “Instead of sending patients some- a games room with a pool table, cards, both murder scenes are moving tion about this investigation is has been furnished with comfortable sofas where to have their blood test done or an computers and flat screen TV’s and a the investigations forward and asked to contact Detectives and the many windows let in lots of natu- EKG, they can do them here,” says Lee gymnasium complete with a stage for the Homicide Unit is currently Cliff Carr 1-888-579-1520 (ext. ral light. Kierstead, Executive Director, Oshawa hosting dances or plays. contacting a number of individ- 5407), Terry Haight (ext. 5247) The site was formerly Conant Public Community Health Centre. The Hope Centre of Learning is the uals for DNA tests. or Chuck NASH (ext.5402.) School. Parts of the school remain an ele- The newest Senior Citizen’s Centre dream of Dan Carter and his life partner ment of the complex however it has features exciting active programs and Paula Beebe. The room encompasses new Hindu temple vandalized received a big addition and a complete services. The OSCC offers fitness, gener- technologies, history books, biographies Durham police are asking type of ignorance will not be overhaul. al interest courses and a number of recre- and personal computers. It will introduce the community to identify the tolerated in Durham Region,” The Complex has been made possible ational programs for the older adults in the people of all ages to be able to expand person(s) responsible for van- the Chief says, “Members of through the support of the City of community to participate. their knowledge. dalizing the Devi Mandir this Temple contribute greatly Oshawa, the Ministry of Health and Long Programs include cribbage, shuffle- “We are looking forward to the day Temple on Brock to the richness and Term Care and the Hands up for Hope board, basketball, darts and foosball.