iD gra #ND then there were At least that's how many police investigations we have been told about relating to the job grant scandal plaguing the federal Liberal government. Even at that it’s been like pulling teeth trying to get accurate information from any- one in government let alone the minister responsible, Jane “Dough” Stewart. Sources in Ortawa have suggested there are many more investigations yet to be revealed to the public, which seems to be a little shell- shocked with the daily revela- tions. Interestingly enough, although I suspect not for the prime minister, none of the investigations include any of the 459 projects flagged by that damning internal audit that exposed this mess in the first place. Don’t forget the load of codswallop Jean Chretien served up to the Canadian people from the outset of this scandal when he stressed there were only 37 projects of the 459 examined that had prob- lems. While it was true the audit flagged the 37 projects saying they required fur. her review, Chretien said the rest of the thousands of projects were mailbox ~ Las Knight crime and punishment fine. Clearly that’s not truc. It remains to be determined whether that was just political damage control or the prime minister was deliberately mis- leading the House. Given that three of the investigations involve the PM’s own riding and his pal, Rene Fugere, is in this up to his chin, I suspect the latter may be true. Fugere is a long-time Liberal high-flyer and crony of Chretien. He never registered with the Office of the Ethics Commissioner as a lobbyist even though that is clearly the role he has taken. He seems to have a miraculous way of greasing the bureaucratic wheels to obtain grant money merely by asking. Add to all of this 14 inves- ugations relating to federal funding under the umbrella of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). On Monday, Mounties announced charges of fraud and forgery in three ni scandal of the cases involving attempts to get money from the agency. One of the files under investigation in which charges have yet to be laid involves a company called Planta Dei Pharma Inc. The company is now bankrupt and had secured $915,000 in funding from the ACOA and a further $70,000 from Jane “Dough’s” gener- ous staff. Despite the police investi- gations, despite the forensic audits, despite the findings of the internal audit, Jean Chretien has all but announced he is now going to seek a third term in the top job. He has not called for any- one’s resignation nor has he disciplined any of the myriad of civil servants who have failed utterly in their responsi- bilities. The RCMP has yet to step in and set up a broad investi- gation. Why not? It’s not like they need a complainant to initiate such action. As the federal police force, it is not only within their jurisdiction but, I would argue, it is also their duty to find out what is going on. The. Liberal party of Jean Chretien has been using these grant programs as their own political slush fund, buying our votes with our money and greasing the palme of their friends. There is absolutely nothing in any of this that merits the dispensing of so many dollars. The HRDC ministry itself’ has admitted that many of the “jobs created” numbers are not realistic. Any government that claims to “create” jobs hasn’t got a clue. Yet, listening to the pathet- ic bleating from Stewart one might think that she either believes what she is saying or she, too, is lying. I suppose we are no longer shocked by the spectre of a politician lying. It seems as though we expect it. Why do we no longer get angry when our government throws our money around for their own benefit while waiting rvoms in hospitals begin to look like bread lines? There seems to be po doubt that our system is bro- ken. Our supposed democracy functions more as a dictator- ship. Power is centralized in the office of the prime minis- ier. Cabinet ministers have lit- ue power to do anything not sanctioned by the unelected power brokers surrounding the PM, and backbenchers might just as well stay home for all the clout they have. A poll reieased this week suggests that over 60% of 7 at. emaeameterttttraten Sex education editorial was lost in a ‘fog’ Dear Editor: I disagree with your editorial “Sex Education” (March 1) that states that - boys are doing relatively poor- ly in schoo! because discipline and competition have been replaced by a “feel-good co- operative. fog.” You suggest that girls need a “fog” to excel, while boys need a com- petitive atmosphere. Asa Grade 1} student at West Vancouver secondary * school, 1 find that discipline, * structure, competition, and Correction Notice in our B 2-3 Shades of Spring flyer, “3:4 tha Echo sheer shawl #18 on page 9 Ml be jate - rainchecks will be avaliable at the store. On page 15, ‘Tthe neckerchief. shown top right corner should have read “Scarf, oblong, _bead-embroidered, our _|price $45"...: : In our B2-3B Casual Living flyer, the Mayiag Atlantis washer #51121 on page 12 is not exactly as shown. Sorry for any inconvenience +, this may have caused “BUYING A \ ‘Tyler Smith Offers Internet prices to the public. Ruy or Lease Tade-ins accepted co-operation arz combiaed to produce an atmosphere in which all students are encour- aged to excel. If. boys are “falling further behind in a host of subject areas” it is cer- tainly not because they are unable to find their way through the fog created by “feminist cheerleaders.” S.LAURSEN & SON draperies & blinds Itd. the Lower Mainland for over 28 years 5 wres.sldrepesandblinds.con: a Custom Rods, Upholstery & Be rads © “a Atk about ee Seni gBedpre For Free Estimate call 922-4975 or 987-2966 Drapery Labour $14.95 per panel lined. Low Low Pzicss inst Country Furniture © Harvest Tables * Antique Skis & Sleds Dressera © Jelly Cupboards * Coffee Tables * Sideboards @ And much morel A good selection of Antique Blanket Boxee in stock, starting at $395.” : . Authentic Canadian Country Furniture The Urban Settler Antique Company4 67 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver 988-3410 ff Tues-Sat 10:30-5:30pm ¢ or by appointinent www.urbansetiler.com Erin Nicholls West Vancouver Park Royal Wednesday, March 15, 2000 ~ North Shore Nows ~ 7 Canadians think Jean Chretien should retire. Most, however, think he is doing a good job. One wonders what those peo- ple surveyed think a bad job is. The Liberal government of Jean Chretien is at least as cor- rupt as the Brian Mulroney crowd. The various police investigations may yet reveal that Mulroney was a virtual boy scout compared with the current crew. If the public cannot get upset by this scandal then truly, I despair for the future. The corruptinn, patronage and feather-nesting will continue with our hard-earned dollars until we, as a country, finally scy enough is enough. Any Lube & Fitter needs full RCMP probe The air must be cleared for Canadians to have any respect remain for our so-called lead- ers. The money taps at HRDC must be shut off immediately. Likewise for the Department for Indian Affairs and Northern Development and all the other tools of corruption used by those intoxicated with power in Ottawa. Finally, the RCMP needs to shed its political yoke and re- assume the arm’s length rela- donship with this government, step in and conduct a thor- ough and far-reaching investi- ion. Enough is enough. — lknight@direct.ca 4 er i ab sonices.. Oll, «lly warranty; 21 pt. 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