Zo north shore news AIL wy f 3 ty HERE You ARE, YOUR CHANGE. YouR, RECEIPT. AND MY RESUME. Fire response clarified Dear Editor: Re: Brady Fotheringham’s article Wed. Aug 11, 1999 “West Van fire crew not called to accident scence.” Some clarifications are required regarding the context of the information within this piece. I had made it very clear to ~ Mr. Fotheringham thar all of the facts surrounding this tragedy’ were unclear at that tme. Investigations would be required by all agencics before the chronology of events could be determined for certain. T had also made it clear to Mr. Fotheringham that [ am the B.C. Ambulance liaison for the West Vancouver Fire Department and that we enjoy a good working relationship with B.C. Ambulance paramedics. I was hesitant to make any com- ments as I was currently gather- ing information regarding the utilization of the fire crews through the B.C. Ambulance unit chief for West Van. As our fire department has no marine rescue capability in the western half of West Vancouver, we were not close to the accident scene off of Point Atkinson, but rather to the fed- eral fisheries dock where B.C. Ambulance had established its triage arcas. Our crew was eventually able to witness B.C. Ambulance paramedics working very hard under difficult conditions that night. They should be recog- nized for doing so. Jay Browalee West Vancouver Firefighters Association immigration system rotien Dear Editor: - Re: the Chinese boat peo- pie. These - people — aren't refugees by any definition: they weren’t starving, they weren’t beaten, they’re not even economic refugees because they could afford the huge fees. : These people are criminals _ by any definition: they have entered Canada illegally. “But what’s the point of blaming them? Canada has welcomed criminals thousands of ‘times before. Rather we - should be tracking the system ‘back, and then digging it out at it roots. Join the Club _by Sept 12, 1999 & receive a Caribbean or Mexican Cruise for two FREE? Book a Club tour and enjoy a 3 DAY ‘POOL PASS! Call for details SBS-4135, toc 222 Nortu SHORE WINTER CLUB Where families come to play together. It took root years ago with Mulroney piously embracing a boatload of illegals off the east coast. The trade has flourished like a poisonous plant ever since, growing weed-like, choking out legitimate immi- gration, Canadian open-heart- edness, and social resources. Find the real problem to find the real solution. Find the Canadians who are benefiting from this corruption. I suggest — concerned Canadians pursue a class action against the Canadian law riak- ers, judges, and immigration bureaucrats who are aiding and abetting those who break the laws of Canada. And | hope that all the many decent, law- abiding Chinese Canadians who are just as upset as other Canadians are, will join. M.J. Seton North Vancouver LET'S DANCE _ RA.D. BALLET - JAZZ - LS. \.. cee igore ey .D. MODERN TAP - HIP-HOP - MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMING COMPANY PRESCHOOL CLASSES IS NORTH SHORE ACADEMY OF DANCING 1819 CAPILANO ROAD — th Aoshny so (3 BLKS. N. OF MARINE DR.} wing 987-3814 Box Friday, August 20, 1999 — North Shore News - 9 rain drain explained Dear Editor: While Hana Mercer may believe that “Egos (are) fuelliag our brain drain denial” itis more likely that egos are being fuelled by the “brain drain” claim. Her comment in the North Shore News (Friday, July 30) that “those who leave (Canada for the United States of America) care mostly for the ability to be on the cut- ting edge of their profes: sions” is a dubious one. It also implics that there are insufficient brains in the U.S. and that all jobs filled by Canadians Uhere are “cutring edge.” It may make those teaving Canada feel self important but itis a false pic- ture she presents. The reason most: Canadians are Jeaving for the U.S. is because that they cannot find work in their chosen fields (be they “cut- ting edge” or more mun- dane) or because they can carn more money there. The rate of remuneration, which may be sipnificandy higher south of the border, not taxa- tion per sc, is the reason for higher carnings. Those who believe that “brain drain” exists and that it is a problem always cite high taxes as the cause and low taxes as the solution. The “brain drain” proponents also restrict their focus to the U.S. to avoid the fact that while (according to Statistics Canada) approximately 8,500 university-educated Canadians went to the U.S. between 1990 and 1996, about 32,809 aniversity-cdu- cated peopie came to Canada. So, although — Statistics Canada reported (in October 1998) a small net outflow to the U.S., Canada has an over- all “brain gain.” And this despite our higher level of taxation, The reason someone in the US, can “look forward to parting with only about 22% of aosis figure wage" is because the fax system there favours the wealthy and is far less redistributive ins nature than is ours. Canada is a more egalitarian country precisely because those who carn 2 “six figure wage” are taxed at a higher rate than someone earning, much less, While this may not scem fair to people like Ms. Mercer, a progressive tax system is sensible and it is the norm for industrialized countries, the U.S, being the obvious (and unfortunate) exception. Let’s not use “brain drain” — be it real or imag- ined — as an excuse for low- ering taxes, Doing so will only underming a standard of living (among the highest in the world) that provides the ultimate reason as to why most Canadians choose to remain in Canada, Ken Timewell North Vancouver boasts a wider selection of contemporary home furnishings and accessories at a great price. The © family owned and operated business, which started in Vancouver over 10 years ago, has built a rep- utation on providing high quality furniture at an excellent price. “The difference is the workman- ship, the materials, and the service,” said manager Raaj Arora who happens to be an interior dec- orator as well. “We design and manufacture all our furniture right here in Vancouver, even the upholstery is produced locally,” continues Raaj. This allows Akal to control the materials used when constructing the furniture. “All of our products are made by craftsmen using only the best materials,” said Raaj. The additional benefit to manufacturing locally is the fact that they can pro- duce &stom orders very quickly. “You design it and we will build it,” stated Raaj. Akal also offers free on-site interior decoration consultation for the convenience of their customers. Their helpful and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help make your home beautiful. Raaj extends a warm invi- tation to everyone on the North Shore to come down and visit their new showroom as “seeing is believing”. Bed eis! 449 sare value S7ate $ Chaise Lounge Market value $999 : Solig Ww, : ‘So. Sale $499 “tue sed Pay Bers Sate $490 1045 Marine Drive, North Vancouver } (Beside the Avalon) = 904-1113