26 - Friday, October 9, 1992 — North Shore News BC. does gain from deal FINALLY! THE new constitutional proposal is out and it seems that some of us are actually reading it. I’ve read it, and for once, it doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, it looks like there are many good ideas in the proposal. The first ministers seem to have tackled a lot of issues, from parliamentary reform, all the way through to aboriginal rights. Listening to a talk show on CKNW the other day, I heard a caller complain that B.C. was get- ting ripped off, and that ‘‘those Quebecers got their damned way with us again.”” The poor guy probably didn’t take the initiative to actually read the document, otherwise he would have known that B.C. actually gains quite a bit in this new agreement. Let’s look at the whole parlia- ment for starters. Under the new system Ontario and Quebec both give up {8 Senate seats, while B.C. keeps its six seats, for now. And in return, Quebec and On- tario will get an equitable number of House of Commons seats. And what about us? Well, as British Columbians, we zain seven more seats in the Commons than we had before (four immediately, with a guarantee of three more afier the 1996 census readjust- ment). And what exactly do Senate seats mean? these Well, there will be a total of 62 senators, six from each province and cne from each of the ter- ritories, making it an equal, yes equal, Senate. Not only that, but for the first time ever, the Senate wil! be an elected body. That means that the West will hold a whopping 40% of the Senate seats, while the twin towers, Ontario and Quebec will combine for less than 20%. Now in particular, let’s examine the House of Commons iiself. Over the next six years, if the agreement is accepted, B.C. stands to gain the seven already men- tioned. Under the old formula, we would only have gained five — and that, by 2001. Some people have noticed: that some provinces do not get exactly 100% representation by popula- tion. If we were to calculate exact- ly the percentages, we would soon see that Ontario would have to get 30 new House seats by 1956, while the Yukon wouldn't even have a Memter of Parliament. So how can people go around saying that B.C.’s been short- changed? We, as a province, stand to gain more than any other region of Canada, when we coun- sider the tota! parliament. Then there are those who say Quebec got a special deal that gives it a minimum of 25% of the seats in the House of Commons. Wow! For those of us who have had any type of education on Canada at all know that Quebec has and has always had at least 25% of the Canadian” population and usually more. We must also remember that Canada takes a large part of its tradition and laws from the Quebecois culture. This merely “ assures one of our founding fa- thers that it will have its deserved 25% of Commons seats, so that, while they do not dominate the rest of Canada, nor will the rest of Canada dominate them. Realistically, there may be some flaws in the agreement’s section on institutional reform, but as British Columbians we stand to gain a lot. Let us look at the big picture and realize that we’re .the ones who are, in reality, winning ig. Students voice constitutional concerns From page: 28. try to accept then:. Natalie K.,.-J6: At first 1 didn’t ” yeally care, but after talking about it with my mom I got the picture. - If everyone’ voted. Yes; it would give Quebec all of these privileges and that’s not fair. _ Hf we all voted No, then Quebec would separate and there wouid . be economic consequences. . » - Hf I had the power to vote, Pd ‘vote No, because I think Quebec : wouldn’t really leave. . © “If Quebec were to leave, ‘well, we’re a strong nation . and we'll survive without Quebec. - Scott L., 16: From what I’ve been told, Quebec will get more Seats somewhere and we'll proba- ‘bly pay more taxes. Quebec has been riding the free train for too long. If given the power to vote, I'd vote No. I don’t want to pay more taxes. Cory L., 16: No. The French should remain a part of Canada. {’m unsure about it, but it’s a decision they’d have to make. It’s ali up to the politicians. The Mar- itime provinces might join the Monika J., 17: 1 don’t see what difference it makes. If Quebec remains with us, it will be the same as it is now. But if Quebec leaves, there will be a little bit less population and no French on our pop cans. Right, én Downtown West Voneonser - Sie Ambleside Inn Continental cuisine at its best Resewe Mow for your Clrishnes Party “Private Reve for Weddings and Wleotings Don’t forget to call bsr bin, Reoule Dinner SS Detabn end (2th Bubhet Brouck Sundays tlam-3pae Dinner Tuesday-Sunday Gpae Lunch Tuesday-Friday Yoon 922-0101 1495 (onize Drive, West Unucower Through my research I found that some students don’t seem to “really care if Quebec goes or not. Youth Views is written coopera- tively by the students of Sutheriand Secondary School’s Video Production career prepara- tion course. Kris Tuyssuzian is one the class’ five students. Last week we asked for your reaction to Wayne Gretzky’s announcement that he may not be able to play hockey any more. I think Wayne Gretzky should retire, because if he plays hockey any more his back’s going to be further damaged because of leaning over and body-checks and maybe he might get into a fight. I watch a lot sports on T.V. but the only enes ¥ don’t watch are stupid sports like golf, car racing, or motorcycle racing. I don't watch soccer ei- ther, Do I watch hockey? Yeah, I do try to watch as much as I can. { think Wayne Gretzky is a gocd player. I reaily hope he decides not to quit the NHL (National Hockey League) because of this injury. FE think this herniated whatever will become better. He should think about the opportunity he’s got and go with it. Wayne Gretzky, he’s getting old. He’s 33 now, he’s getting pretty old. I don’t really follow Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky is 2 good player but he’s getting old and they gotta start draf- ting the rookies, bringing up the rookies, ihey’ve got to look to the future. Pm an avid hockey fan. Pm really sad to see Wayne Gret-~ zky leave hockey. He is the greatest player ever to play hockey. He reached all sorts of records and has broken all sorts of records in half the time that Gordie Howe did and it took him only 13 seasons. I think it's a shame that he’s out for back problems. He has taken a lot of beatings and has gotten hit. But he's not a wimp because be has been the best and people have been trying to put him out of the game for 13 years. . All my freinds say Mario Lemieux is better, but 1 think Gretzky is better because be puts ail his heart and soul into the hockey games, he just loves hockey so much. Mario will never be as good as Gretzky was, Gietzky is the only one. Mario shows wp at play-off time and plays really well, so people think he’s good. Also he smokes and I don’t think hockey players should smoke. Who cares? I’m sick of Wayne Gretzky getting ali the people. if Wayne is injured, perhaps maybe he shouid seek a thera- pist. He’s a great hockey player but he’s tight and aiso he never pushes anybody because he’s 2 feminist. I think Wayne Gretzky is a jerk. ¥ think he shoufdn’t play anymore because, well, I don’t ~ dike him. I don’t watch sports on T.Y. but I think Wayne Gretzky is definitely a jerk. | Choose Your Associates Well - ...and earn a degree You can choose Arts or Science. Either way, you'll come out of Capilano College’s new two-year Associate Degree program with the knowledge and credentials that will put you on the career path you want or provide a solid foundation for further study. Capilano College’s commitment to excellence shows in everything we do. You've probably already heard about our outstanding faculty, our terrific student services and our small classes where you really get to know your classmates and instructors. We devote our efforts to helping you succeed. Learn more about our new Associate Degree programs or the College’s many other academic and career/vocational programs. Call the Capilano College Advising Hotline at 984-4990, 2055 Purcell Way - North Vancouver « B.C. + V7J 3H5 » 986-1971 Capilano College