News Viewpoint

Bill Question Mark

Bill Vander Zalm’s decisive victory in the Socred lead- ership race makes the immediate future for British Columbians an even bigger question mark.

As premier-designate Mr. Vander Zalm is less pre- dictable than any of the 11 other candidates whom he trounced. The NDP, labor leaders and teachers will, of course, make the most of his ‘‘confrontational’’ re- cord. But some of his famous one-liners of the past — shovels for welfare recipients and no more French on cornflake boxes — are a shaky guide to how he'll now perform in B.C.’s top job. Happy surprises should not yet be ruled out.

The most interesting factor in the equation is the unexpected support given to him by his defeated front-runner rival Bud Smith, the archetypical mid- dle-of-the-road Tory with strong links to the Ottawa establishment. Aside from virtually assuring an even- tual cabinet seat for Mr. Smith, this startiing alliance brings brains and potitical smarts to the Vander Zalm team which might do much to refine the new premier’s ebullient, shoot-from-the-lip image. Also significant in that context was the post-ballot pledge of support he won from runner-up Brian Smith, another moderate Tory with handy eastern connections.

Indeed’ — given his charisma and obvious love of popularity — Mr. Vander Zalm might even have to be alert to the trap into which Prime Minister Mulroney has fallen. Trying to be all things to all people and loved by everyone will NOT solve B.C.’s many urgent problems.

One thing only is certain. The months ahead won't be dull, either!

Nurses’ action is disruptive

Dear Editor: the best interests of the patient.

Ms. Tammivaara identifies scheduling as a problem. The current scheduling provisions have been in the agreement for some time and have proved workable. We believe that it is in everyone’s best interests to, at this time, maintain the status quo.

Turning to the salary issue, it is true that in the early 1980s, B.C. led ail other provinces in the compensation paid to our nurses. But then the unfortu- nate economic downturn hit B.C. Certainly we have dropped behind four other provinces in terms of compensation. Other industries have experienced the same phenomenon vis-a-vis wages paid in other parts of Canada.

But it should be noted that other industries in B.C. have experienced massive lay-offs — employment in nursing has in- creased by approximately 1,000 positions since 1983.

It is regrettable that, under the circumstances, the nurses have chosen to threaten our health care system with strike action. Our managers and trustees willdo everything possi- ble to ensure that our patients do not suffer in the face of what we believe to be un- necessarily disruptive action on the part of the Nurses’ Union. Peter J. McAllister President and Chief Executive Officer Health Labour Relations Association

of British Columbia

A recent letter published in several B.C. newspapers sub- mitted by Shiela Tammivaara of the B.C. Nurses’ Union (BCNU) demands response.

At the outset, it should be made clear that Health Labor Relations Association has made an offer to the BCNU Bargain- ing Committee which we believe reflects economic reality in this province. We proposed that the agreement remain unchanged with the exception that wage rates would be moderately in- creased over a three-year term.

Ms. Tammivaara alludes to two proposals to which the employer refused to accede. The utilization of the grievance procedure to deal with patient care problems is a matter that the Health Labor Relations Association, acting on behalf of the industry, will not consider further.

It is patently ridiculous to put patient care problems in the hands of arbitrators who typi- cally deal with issues of discipline and contract inter- pretation. Procedures to deal with patient care issues are already in place in our hospitals; nursing staff, as well as physicians and administrative staff, are all involved in monitoring patient care dilligently and on a continuing basis.

To turn such matters over to outside third parties, who are nut knowledgeable in patient care delivery, would not be in

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Motorcycles are marvellous

Dear Editor:

Although | have no argument with your position on motorcycle helmet laws, your comment that

“Motorcycles have become lethal bz left unanswered.

It has been difficult enough to impi sve the im- age of motorcycle riders over the years without your kind of sensationalist and erroneous comment.

Motorcycles are not lethal rockets. The control

NV DISTRICT

of these wonderfully powerful and manoeuvrable machines is entirely in one’s right hand, and a rider

rockets’’ cannot tress.

with skill can reach levels of enjoyment generally thouglit to be limited only to adventures on a mat-

So be kind, editor, give us a break, better yet

hobby.

Baker slighted

Dear Editor:

To follow-up Michael Becker’s report published on June 20, we feel that criticism lashed out on

July !4 by Mayor Baker was a

misuse of power.

The public could not effectively respond in that forum because we were restricted only to ask ques- tions for clarification.

Contrary to the mayor's com- ments, we were neither misinform-

ed nor premature.

There was a public presentation

of the final draft of the Lower

Capilano Neighbourhood Plan by McLaren Plansearch on June 24, where Garden Avenue was to become the through traffic route in our neighborhood. Many council members were there.

The mayor must be misinformed for the protest was not about widening Garden Avenue, but the

proposed through traffic route.

Our protest was on July 6 and 7. It is appropriate to protest a pro- posed plan once a public presenta- tion of it has been made and be-

fore council has made a decision.

Once a decision is made, it may be extremely difficult to reverse. In a democratic country, we do not need elected officials to dictate to us when to protest a proposed plan that could affect our homes.

We agree with M. Anderson’s concern of wasted taxpayers’ money, published the week of July 6. The $35,000 spent for a plan that falls short of solutions is of questionable value for taxpayer dollars.

Most of the consultant’s rec- ommendations were either rejected or put on hold pending future study. The only major items adopted were the recommenda- tions for parks, recreation and open space — items that are like recommending motherhood.

On the other hand, our protest did not consume a tremendous amount of effort and money to at least elicit response and action. Dalia Gottlieb-Tanaka Garden Avenue Resident North Vancouver

take a rider training course and join us in this great

Henry J.M. Gerber North Vancouver

SPCA thanks

News

Dear Editor:

This is a note of thanks for do- ing the splendid article on our North Vancouver Volunteer Pro- gram, Shelter Dog Walk.

I'd be grateful if you made the writer aware of our appreciation too.

The volunteer response was ter- rific. We had 10 new people join and many other inquiries about the work we do, which only can help us find more adoptive homes for the homeless and unwanted pets of our community.

Sylvia Zilla

Executive Assistant

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals