MAIL BOX north shore news Fix Family Relations Act Dear Editor: The misuse of the Family Relations Act to change guardianship for foreign students to access free Canadian educa- tion is wrong. About a year ago, I witnessed at the North Vancouver provincial court how a ‘ parent was granted her request to leave her four children, ages eight to 14 with a Canadian guardian, a resident of North Vancouver, who used to be a neighbor in the old country. As reported by the North Shore News on Oct. 10, this practice is still going on. The issue of foreign students and the “satellite students” in the North Vancouver schools was raised during the last municipal election. As a candidate for the school board at the time, I received numerous phone calls from concerned local residents with regards to this issue. I agree with Judge Ellen Burdett that the purpose of the Family Relations Act is to ensure, among other things, that when families break up or parents are unable or unavailable to look after their children, a legal guardian might be appointed by the court. ] believe that it is wrong for anyone to advise foreign parents to leave their chil- dren in Canada with a legal guardian as a means to obtain free education, while the parents return to their own countries. Aside from being a misuse of the leg- islation, this practice raises the concern of the effect on the emotional well- -being of the children who are separated from the parents, some at a very young age. This is a high cost to pay in exchange for a Canadian education. The issue of the “satellite students” is not limited to the North Shore. I suggest that the North Vancouver School Board request of Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh, that a committee be set up in conjunction with the federal Immigration Department to review the Family Relations Act in order to stop this practice. Alfredo Sepulveda North Vancouver Gan’t see forests for the iawyers’ fees Dear Editor: “Mountain and Cove Forest inthe .District of North ‘Vancouver are to be : preserved “in their natural state.” This was the message that “thousands 6f people on the ‘North Shore and throughout “the Lower Mainland voiced “: through letters, phone calls and .- : public hearings. In 1995, GUARD, a power- ful grassroots movement, fought to preserve these pre- cious areas of accessible forest. North Vancouver District respected those wishes and after a thorough public process, rezoned these lands to (Park, Recreation and Onn Space). Unfortunately, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (a federal Crown corpo- ration) and the provincial Ministry of Environment, Lands-and Parks did not agree and decided to sue the munici- pality, challenging its right to rezone this land. So here we are, paying lawyers for three lev- els of government to fight it out in court when the wishes of the taxpayers are foud and clear: preserve and protect Mountain and Cove forest! Eric Andersen Co-chairman, GUARD LICNS GATE Lions Gate has to be Dear Editor: “+ Re “Cash lined up for new bridge.” Fist of all the Lions Gate Bridge should be . repaired. The government has allotted monies for that. A third crossing is needed; eg. a tun- el, which would: be a_ better idea for the nvestors to use their $1 billion for. _It would be a more sensible idea, because : building another bridge is not going to solve ACADEM' FOR ao MATHEMATICS & science a ; fixed first the traffic problem in just another five to 10 HOSPITAL A Caring Community Calendar years even. 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Screening Mammography If you are a woman aged 40 or over, may urself to this program. ‘or an appointment call 984-5714. Maternity Sibling Tour Sat. Nov § at 10:30 AM. meet on 3rd floor by elevators Atour for children whose moms are expecting a aa baby. For info. Pe Wend Parton at 984-5864. Relaxation Group Thursdays at 10 AM. t in the Medical Day Centre For cancer patients, their families and/or ivers. For information call Joyce Auld at 984-3709. Asthma Education Mondays at 5 RM. pe, bad Chemotherapy Unit igned for alla ages, the propa is limit four people per session. aie pre- register cal] 984-3722. _ Diabetes Fitness Mon. Wed. & Fri. at 10:30 AM. in the Medical Day Centre For info. call Marilyn Hicks at 983-6540. nce ov & on OF OF ee & 3 coupons per party. RESTAURANT WHITE ROCK 536-7320 RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED OR JUST DROP BY, HORSESHOE BAY 921-8188 Patients & family please be aware that discharge | time at the hospital is 10 aM. Your cooperation is appreciated. 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