20 - Sunday, July 1, 1990 - North Shore News AFFLUENCE@ 5 INFLUENCE A ~ In the political hot seat COLLINS WAS BORN TO BE A POLITICIAN EVEN BEFORE the ink had time to dry on her new sta- tionery, Mary Collins found herself surrounded by con- troversy. Barely a month after Prime Minister Brian Mulroney installed her as Minister Responsible for the Status ef Women, Collins, Tory MP for Capilano-Howe Sound, had to scramble to defend her governnient’s decision to chop $1.7 million from women’s pro- grams, which sent women's centre workers into a fury. ‘Collins was forced to console groups in almost every province and to convince them that the Conservatives were still committed to the women of Canada. It would be an understatement to say that the timing of Mulroney’s cabinet shuffle couldn't have been worse for Col- lins. “To put it mildly, it was like initiation under fire,’’ said Col- lins, who is now able to laugh about her ordeal. At the time, however, it was one of the most difficult actions she has had to defend since being appointed to the federal cabinet in January of last year. “It was difficult, yes,’” she says over a breakfast meeting in her Capilano riding. ‘‘It gets involved in the political end of it. I was trying to separate the two, but that wasn’t easy. When you're constantly being badgered by the opposition about an issue, then your colleagues think, well, it’s just purely political, and if you give in you’re just giving in to the political opposition. “‘Whereas when I started to look at it, | really didn’t feel that was the issue. The issue was, without the funding the women’s centres would not be able to operate and the services they pro- vide for women would be lost.’’ The cuts so infuriated women’s groups that Collins found women showing up at her office demand- ing help. She concedes that in cer- tain areas, their anger was justified. “Although the Secretary of State...had been talking to some of the centres, saying ‘you're go- ing to have to look for more in- dependent funding’...most groups thought that would be in three years, that they were going to be given time to make that transition. So that, just chopping it (the funds) off all at once was a real shock that J felt was very unfair, because they didn’t have the ca- pability to raise money over that short a period of time.’’ relationships. SHAKE YOUK FAMILY? We invite you and your Canadiana farnily to enjoy the unique experience of sharing your home with a Japanese student of high school to university age this summer. Students will be arriving in August for short durations to upgrade their English language skiils as well as learn more about our Canadian culture. These young people are known for their polite behavior, and many student / family visits develop into lasting If you are interested or would like more information, please call Pat at the office or at his residence: 681-5989. 5BCJ SERVICES CANADA INC. #304, 842 Thurlow St. Vancouver, B.C. 689-5722 Suitable remuneration is provided. The funds were reinstated two months later. Collins explains it took a lot of twisting of fellow cabinet ministers’ arms to get it, but it would only be temporary. After that, the centres would have to look to their communities for funding. Kathy Dornan, who was full- time coordinator for the North Shore Women’s Centre during the crisis, said she was skeptical about the centre’s future. But one board member, who requested anonymi- ty, is convinced the centre can become self-supporting after fed- eral funds run out. “There’s no reason why, in an affluent community like the North Shore, we can’t have women's centres. I think it is going to take work, but we’re strong and we'll goon.” And Collins is adamant that the federal government should not be viewed as a bottomless wallet. “Any time you cut government spending it's tough,’’ she says, “‘There’s no magic pile of money.’” Collins, who today at 49 is divorced with three children, was born to be a politician. However, it took her a long time and a lot of work to get there. From her beginnings with UBC’s Progressive Conservative Youth Party to an I1-year rela- tionship with the Ontario gov- ernment, to a federal recruitment officer, political life was always in the cards for Collins. Elected MP in 1984, she became Associate Defence Minister four years later, And apart from the recent cuts to women’s centres, it’s been NURSING & .. ‘HOME CARE..- CARING EXPERIENCED STAFF * ANs x LPNs * Aides * Homemakers * Live-in? 24 HOURS A DAY DRAKE . MEDOX 987-0861 HEALTH SERVICES” NEWS photo Tercy Peters MARY COLLINS, MP for Capilano-Howe Sound, dicusses her concerns, goals and achievements during a meeting at Park Royal Hotel. ““As an MP), you know that unlike other MPs, her reputation one fatal mistake could end it all."’ is so far untainted. And Collins is eager to keep it that way. smvoth sailing all the way. While she may not be as outspoken as other Tory MPs, Vancouver Museum Gift Shop Chinook Fair July 6, 7,and 8, 9am-8pm_ _—:1100 Chestnut St. in Vanier Park Native Carvers Demonstrations in argillite, gofd, silver and wood, 11am to 4pm daily. Street Banner Blow-Out! Past editions of Vancouver street banners now at discount prices. From $5 each. (Tony Onley Limited Editions not included) Traditional Salmon Barbecue July 7th & 8th, 11am - 4pm. North side of the building, behind the restaurant. Derek and Gary Wilson, Hai:Ja(Kwakiut!) natives, cook a traditional native salmon barbecue and the Vanier Room's John Primmar grills German sausages. A se US Robert Davidson Signing This renowned artist will sign his nowest releases of a 1991 Calendar, posters and cards. Friday, July 6, 11am - 3pm in the Foyer. (Museum Members get 20% off all Gift tems and 10% off all books. Non-members get 10% off all Gift Items Special Gift Certificate Draws hourly. Plenty of free parking Call 731-4158 for more information