The record, 25 mai 2005, mercredi 25 mai 2005

THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Music man Greg Dewing comes home.See Page 8 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#(X>4OO07682 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 Magog gets new dialysis unit Quebec government chips in over $1 million By Brion Robinson Magog People living with failed kidneys in the MRC Memphrémagog can soon forget about making frequent trips to Sherbrooke for hemodialysis treatment when the Magog hospital begins offering its own services by 2006.Hemodialysis treatment helps flush harmful fluids, minerals and wastes from the body after kidneys weaken or fail.The new unit will act as a satellite centre with the Sherbrooke’s Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) and maintain close contact with nephrology specialists in the city.The first phase of the new unit will have six beds while phase two will include an expansion of the hospital with the capacity to treat about 72 patients.Jean Dezane Osborne, from Magog, has made hundreds of trips back and forth to the CHUS since she started dialysis treatment five years ago.“It’s the traveling that gets to me,” Osborne said, noting she makes three trips to the hospital every week.It usually takes about four hours for the the dialysis machine to flush her system of the toxins that can build up over just a couple of days.Osborne usually leaves home around 6:30 a.m.and gets back around noon.She said it’s exhausting.“When it’s done, I go home and sleep.” she said.“I’ve got nothing left.” People like Osborne need these treatments to survive.Healthy kidneys clean the blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes.But when they fail, harmful wastes build up in the body and can cause blood pressure to rise.When this happens, patients need help to re- PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL SglgP?Orford MNA Pierre Reid was on hand for the announcement of a new hemodyalisis unit for Magog Hospital.place the work of the failed kidneys.“We want to bring these services closer to residents of the Memphrémagog region,” said Jacques Marcoux, president of the administration council for the health centre, Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Memphrémagog (CSSS), noting the population is aging and that this treatment will be in more demand.Please see dialysis page 4 ¦»«o.Wtot/em Wfc' 85ülPil PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL Moroccan born cyclist Driss Kadiri has been taking his message of peace and respect for handicapped people around the world for the past 12 years.See Page 3 for story.Bulletin heights Country Club SPRING 2005 SPECIALS From opening to May 31st, 2003 Reservations 2 golfers ilTLCllIclillg Cart 19)876-2113 Weekdays $50.Weekend $60.4115 Rte 143 «golf» page 2 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 • —IHE—i.RECORD Local ski patrol marks 50th anniversary ANNE SHARPE/SPEC1AL Ski Patrol Presidents ; left to right: Luce Pinard, Charles Catchpaugh and Wendy Herron.I ^ '¥>,4 Æ4k ' ~ * By Anne Sharpe Special to The Record In 1955 the first Canadian Ski Patrol had its beginnings at Mount Orford, starced by the late Arlene Whittier, who assumed the presidency of the first Eastern Township Zone.This zone with the Orford patrol and one at Mt.Adstock in Thetford Mines, pioneered the concept of volunteers, trained and being on duty at slci centres, to care for injured skiers.Whittier’s introduction to CSPS came when her son Carl was involved in a skiing accident at Orford, and two patrollers of the then fledgling system, administered first aid on the hill.Whittier, already a firm believer in volunteering for the benefit of others, started her patrol.It wasn’t long before this first patrol turned out a first aid team that won international honours at a competition in the United States.This year the E-T Zone of CSPC celebrates its 50th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the group appropriately met at the Mt.Orford ski centre, then held a commemorative banquet at the Orford golf clubhouse.It was also an occasion to recognize outstanding patrollers, to thank the deserving and to officially mark a change in command.Luce Pinard, who has served as zone president for the past 11 years turned over the reins to Wendy Herron, who introduced zone officers for the coming 51st season.Brenda Whittier-Hutchins, daughter of Arlene Whittier was present to provide information on the first patrol, and provided photos that were projected off the wall.Also attending were two members of the first patrol, Gerard Tessier and Jean Claude Longpré, and two members of the world-championship first aid team, Pierre Longpré and Jeannine Gagné-Marcotte.The zone’s oldest surviving presi- dent, Charles Catchpaugh was in attendance, and gave credit to those serving with him in his six years in office, for the wonderful efforts they made, boosting the E-T Zone to eleven patrols and close to 200 members.This effort earned the Eastern Townships division recognition as the most progressive zone in the system.By the end of thel961-62 season, there were 11 patrols located at Orford, Mt.Adstock, Glen Mountain, Owl’s Head, Mt.Echo, Bromont., Colrane, North Hatley, Pinnacle Mt., Shefford Mt., and Lantern Inn near Magog.Past President Catchpaugh reminded the gathering that they have been identified as the nation’s smallest service club, yet doing some of the most important volunteer work across Canada.He said that this zone, initiated by Arlene Whittier, who encouraged helping others, has a wonderful tradition, and he hopes the same enthusiasm that launched the E-T Zone 50 years ago will continue.Three CSPC presidents attended the Eastern Townships Zone of Canadian Ski Patrol’s 50th anniversary dinner Saturday, May 21.Luce Pinard is stepping down after nine years as president; Charles Catchpaugh, oldest surviving past president served from 1960 to 1966, and Wendy Herron who’ll take over for the 51st season.’ BASF donates $1,500 to the CHUS Foundation Funds to be used for the ‘Centre Femme Jeunesse Famille’ BASF Canada is taking part in the 12 heures de golf de Force Financière Excel with a contribution of $1,500.The tournament is part of the prestigious “Tournoi de golf Domtar” fundraising activities and will take place Wednesday, May 25, at the Sher- brooke Golf Course.Proceeds will be donated to the CHUS Foundation (Fondation du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke) for its ‘Centre Femme Jeunesse Famille’ project.The Centre Femme Jeunesse Famille is part of a shift towards family services initiated by the CHUS Health Centre.A key project in the region, the Centre will be built in the next few years at an estimated cost of $30 million.“The CHUS plays a pivotal role in im- proving health care in the region.At BASF, we are committed to having a positive impact on the communities in which we do business.For that reason, it is important for us to support the CHUS Foundation fundraiser,” said Francois Potvin, Technical Sales representative for BASF’s paper business.“As a BASF employee and resident of the region, I believe it is imperative to play an active role in the community and in the creation of the Centre Femme Je- unesse Famille,” he added.Fourth largest hospital in the province, the CHUS Health Centre is the only one playing the role of both university and regional hospital.The Health Centre has a staff of almost 5,000 employees and approximately 500 physicians.It offers an array of health care services in two hospitals, the Fleurimont and the Hotel-Dieu hospitals, both centrally located in the Sherbrooke community.Weather Today: Sunny with cloudy periods.Winds northeast 20 km/h with gusts up to 40.High 17.Thursday:Rain.Low 5.High 12.Friday: Periods of rain.Low 5.High 13.Saturday:Cloudy with 70 per cent chance of showers.Low 8.High 17.Ben by Daniel Shelton f OKAY, THEN.A I TWO PaWRSM : u GIVE YOU A COLLAR m THIS ICE BUCKET' AUPTlMTS MT FINAL PRICE., (^SEVEn) \ MAGS in TAKE EIGHT COLLARS. T- \ jœcord; Cyclist peddles peace, respect By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke After 12 years of pedaling around the world and spreading a message of peace and hope, Driss Kadiri, a Moroccan born with polio, will park his bicycle by December.Kadiri, 48, started the final leg of his bike tour in North America earlier this month and plans to travel down through the United States this summer.He originally planned to pedal across Canada but was worried the colder temperatures and traffic would set him behind schedule.He started his voyage in 1994 to spread a message of peace and show the world that people living with disabilities can live independent lives.“I want to show the world that people living with a handicap can do what they want to do,” he said, noting that he also stresses the importance of peace among people.On a typical day he rides between 70 and 120 km and day by day he has crossed Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.During that time he has passed through about 97 countries, met hundreds of journalists, pedaled thousands of kilometres, and met countless people of all races and cultures.Kadiri bought his bike in Holland for about $3,000.Since he started pedaling, he’s replaced 30 tires and some 200 inner tubes.But his brakes and chain are the originals.Kadiri pulls out a blue plastic note pad with a map on the cover.The map has black markers tracing his routes around Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.The folder also holds letters written in Arabic, French and English giving recognition and permission to travel in countries he’s already crossed.Kadiri suffers from chronic hereditary polyneurotherapy, a nervous system condition that causes pain and weakness and this condition has left him unable to walk properly.Born with polio, a black and white photo shows Kadiri as a baby with his twisted ankles and feet pointing inward.Since that time he has had seven corrective surgeries to help him walk properly.He walks with a limp but he can still ride his bike.He said pedaling through Europe was fairly simple because of the numerous bike trails along the road and the proximity of towns to one another.During his travels Benjamin Moore ^Moore The Colour Experts L ^ ü We pay (he raxes til «ay 3H 2005 txlerior Benjamin Moore Paint High quality Benjamin Moore Exterior (tain 3.79 litre Benjamin Moore fckj Tile Colour I A|)erls * Peinture Universelle 2273 King West Shopping Centre Sherbrooke 569-7432 Available at 3.79 litre Benjamin Moore •SETA’ The Colour Kxperts < Peinture Mercier 3071 Portland Blvd (facing Carrefour) Sherbrooke 565-1800 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 page 3 Adult students part of pilot project PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL Kadiri’s handicap has also been his inspiration.he meets with community groups and speaks about the importance of respecting people with handicaps.He continues his mission with talks at centres around Sherbrooke hosted by the Moroccan association for the Estrie region.Although his pedaling days are coming to an end, Kadiri has no plans to slow down.“When I take a step I think ahead to the next step,” he said, noting he plans to write more books and make public appearances to raise awareness of the rights of people with handicaps.brobinson@sherbrookerecord.com Staff f » jhe Eastern Townships j School Board is partici-A.pating in a pilot project to help adults without high school leaving or vocational training diplomas find life, career and educational options.Two adult education counselors from the board will help at least 12 adults create their own ‘Record of Learning’ based on their own events, experiences and accomplishments outside formal academic settings.Each participant will meet at least eight times with a counselor, and at the end, a variety of options will be made available to the participants, from returning to school, changing careers, seeking formal recognition for learning or branching off in a completely different direction.The ETSB is one of only three English school boards pi- loting the project, which will be offered by all the province’s school boards beginning in September 2006.The ETSB’s involvement in the project gives the board some input into what the final assessments will look like.The pilot project is being monitored by the Ministry ol Education, as well as a research team from the University of Laval.In preliminary trials last year, participants often said they had increased self-confidence after the process.Employment counselor Nancy Beattie said adults frequently underestimate themselves, particularly when they lack higher education.More participants for the trial are needed.Any interested adults can contact Marilyn Anaka at 819-566-0250 oi Nancy Beattie at 819-566-2422 as soon as possible.=H> GALAXY FILM CIRCUIT Movies from around the world in English will land in the Eastern Townships on the 4"‘ Thursday of each month Fidelity Card - 3 movies: $15 General admission $6.50 THURSDAY MAY 26th at 7 P.M.Information: 821-4481 BORN INTO BROTHELS Documentary by Ross Kauffman, Zana Briski.While documenting the experiences of prostitutes in Calcutta’s red-light district, photojoumalist Zana Briski befriended many of their children and decided to provide them with a chance to record images from their own lives.Supplied with cameras by Briski, the children present a portrait of their harsh world that is both unique and insightful.All profits will be handed to the Bishop’s/Champlaip Refugee Sponsorship Committee j page 4 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 Lussier remains free of prison pending appeal ^RECORD Dialysis By Stephen McDougall Special to The Record Former Drummondville pediatrician Jocelyn Lussier, recently sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting three of his patients, is now free and living at home pending an appeal of his conviction, according to his lawyer Gilles Rhéaume.“We were able to get him free from prison the day after his sentencing,” said Rhéaume.“He is now at home with his wife and four children and he is permitted to seek out a job as long as it has nothing to do with medicine.” On May 18, Lussier was sentenced to three years in federal prison by provincial court judge Conrad Chapdelaine.But Lussier’s lawyers Gilles Rhéaume and Pierre Poupart got in touch with the Quebec Court of Appeal and had the sentence suspended because they are appealing their client’s conviction.He had been found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting three adolescent boys in January and filed an appeal of the conviction the following month.The lawyers argued their client would spend time in prison for nothing if the conviction is overturned on appeal.“That time is lost forever if he is found innocent in the long run,” said Rhéaume.“This way, he can spend time with his family until his appeal is heard.” Rhéaume said there is no chance Lussier can get another job as a pediatrician because his doctor’s license was taken away by the Quebec College of Physicians and Surgeons after the conviction.He said his client is free to look for other work if he so wishes while the appeal process is ongoing.“The same conditions of restraint imposed by the judge during his trial are still in place,” said Rhéaume.“He cannot leave the country because he surrendered his passport to authorities.He still has to stay away from adolescents other than his own children.” Rhéaume said his client is still considering whether or not to appeal the type and length of his prison sentence.Rhéaume had hoped to get his client a sentence of house arrest for one year.Cont’d from Page 1 The new unit not only helps people from the region, but it also helps lighten the load at the hospital in Sherbrooke.“The CHUS wants to help because a time may come when their services will be even more saturated with patients,” Marcoux said.The heavy price tag for the new service weighs in at about $1,650,000, with over half of that amount coming from the health ministry.The Member for the National Assembly for Orford and Minister of govern- ment services, Pierre Reid, said the $1,050,000 in government funding will help speed up treatment for people in the region.“This new unit is just part of a much bigger project,” Reid said, adding the dialysis unit will hasten service for patients.“The government doesn’t want to create line-ups,” he said.The health and social development agency for the Estrie region and the Agence de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux de l’Estrie also offered financial support.The new unit will create around 25 badly needed new jobs in the region.brobinson@sherbrookerecord.com PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL cement soda: £0fi£»l Mayors of the MRC Memphremagog were pleased with yesterday’s news of a hemodialysis unit for Magog Hospital.TTTWWT Proud to contribute for the better health of our community! «si PROMUTUEL Promutuel Appalaches - St François Promutuel Coaticook - Sherbrooke Promutuel Drummond Promutuel Monts et Rives Promutuel Vatmont Fondation du CHUS, 580 Bowen Street S, Sherbrooke QC JIG 2H8 / (819) 820-6450 - 1-866-820-6450 - www.fondationchus.org Fondation Centre hospitalier UNIVERSITAIRE DE SHERBROOKE Purchase of a Steris Sterilizer For the Outpatient Clinic This piece of equipment is used to sterilize cystoscopes.It greatly improves the quality of cleanliness, reduces thesterilization time and increases the number of examinations.Without this sterilizing machine, the sterilization of a cystoscope took one-day.Thanks to the Steris apparatus only a half-hour is required for complete sterilization which means that one of the three cystoscopes is always available, and the waiting time for examinations is much less.has enahkef the GMV$ to purchase new equipment ANOTHER PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FINANCED THANKS TO YOUR DONATIONS AT A COST OF $25,000 Briefs Roadwork in Stanstead Road work is underway on Autoroute 55 in Stanstead to pave the new bridge over the Tomifobia River.J The work, which will close a northbound lane of the highway, is expect- ! ed to finish June 20.Work crews will j be on site from 7 a.m.to 6 p.m.Mon- j day to Friday, but one northbound j lane will remain closed.The south- j bound lanes, leading to the border, | will both be open.Jazz Service in Georgeville The annual Jazz Service will be held in St.George’s Church, Georgeville on Sunday, May 29 at 4 p.m.The I Georgeville Occasional Choir, the j Stanstead College Choir and the St.George’s Choristers, all directed by Sarah Hoblyn and Sonia Wells with Marc-Daniel Belair at the keyboard and Laurent Grignet on percussion.There will be a retiring collection towards the choirs’ expenses.All are welcome.Valentine’s Day Valentine the giraffe is set to begin her second life.Valentine, the mascot of the children’s television show “Bêtes pas Bêtes”, passed away last January at the age of 26, but her skeleton arrived this morning at the Granby Zoo’s Horace-Boivin Pavillion.Visitors can admire her 5-metre high skeleton, which took 400 hours to reconstruct, when the zoo opens for the summer season on May 28. ^RECORD: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 page 5 Bromont to get new library, cultural centre Partnership was key to success of project By Joshua Bleser Bromont uebec Minister of Culture and I lCommunications, Line V^Beauchamps, and Brome-Mis- ^^fisquoi MNA Pierre Paradis announced Tuesday the construction of a municipal library and cultural centre in Bromont.Pauline Quinlan, Mayor of Bromont, and Viviane Schofield, director general of the Commission Scolaire Val-des-Cerfs (CSVDC), were also present at the press conference.The library will be located adjacent to the École de la Chantignole gymnasium and will serve the school’s increasing student population as well as all Bromont residents.The new building will be 629 square metres -nearly four times the size of the current library - and its construction is being made possible through the partnership of the Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCC), the Town of Bromont, and the school board.The ministry and the municipality will each contribute $613,300 to the project, while the school board will sell the land on which the library is to be built, to the Town of Bromont for the symbolic price of $1.Construction is slated to begin in September and should be completed by June 2006.Mayor Quinlan and Paradis outlined the primary aims of the project, namely to create space for two additional classrooms in École de la Chantignole and to contribute to what Quinlan called the municipality’s family and culture-oriented policy.Minister Beauchamps added that the subsidy was granted because the plan exemplifies an enthusiastic partnership among governments at the municipal and provincial levels as well as the public sector and future users of the new cultural centre.Beauchamps noted that the announcement coincides with the recent opening of the Grande Bibliothèque Nationale in Montreal.The new library in Bromont is part of a province-wide network of libraries with access to the Bibliothèque National's four million documents.Beauchamps stressed that these community libraries are not to be austere places, but rather “living spaces” animated by a vibrant community spirit.To that end, the library in Bromont will include job-searching and other community resources.In addition, Paradis assured the English-speaking community that the current ratio of English volumes - 20 per cent - will be maintained as the library’s collection grows.All four speakers highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which included discussions and planning sessions among town councillors, school board commissioners, the directors of the Montérégie division of the ministry of culture, and, of course, the public.Schofield noted that the project survived three moratoriums at school board meetings, and by the time Paradis presented the idea to Beauchamps, the latter says she “couldn’t say no.” The library is the first part of a four-stage plan that includes a new soccer field and new walking trails, the renovation of the arena, and the construction of a pavilion adjacent to the arena, which will house what Quinlan calls a “campus” of recreational and community facilities.The pavilion will be heated and cooled with energy recycled from the arena’s ice-making process, thus representing what Paradis terms a “marriage of nature and culture.” The total cost of the project is $3-million.It is expected to be completed in December 2006.Saving is a pleasure that costs you nothing: Step-up Bonds Capital guaranteed 100%.Attractive rates guaranteed for 10 years.Redeemable without penalty each year on the anniversary date.Minimum purchase $100.2.05 num purchase $100.,.7t.750% ¦j st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Posted rates may vary with market conditions.10th year 1 % BONUS the first year for new RRSP funds.Call us Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m., and Saturdays during May, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.Épargne Placements /~\ a 1 E3 E3 Québec » o www.epq.gouv.qc.ca page 6 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 RECORD Letter to the editor LibeRaL MorS Hish Ground Community Forum Victoria Day bash is a ‘right royal washout’ Commitment, opportunity, power Dear Editor It is not surprising that many Canadians who follow the unfolding saga of federal politicians have increasing trouble separating political commitment and the drive for power on the part of the aspirants.Who is committed to what?Surely those seeking leadership committed to the groups they sought to lead, e.g., Scott Brison to the Progressive Conservative Party and Belinda Stronach to the (new) Conservative Party of Canada?Yet both are now Liberal cabinet ministers.The press indicate that a romance has been shattered.Surely Peter MacKay could have managed this one by declaring himself as a born-again Liberal, moving smoothly to cabinet rank alongside his onetime competitor.He knows about commitment, about the lust for power and, indeed, about opportunity.At the June 2003 P.C.leadership convention, Jim Prentice and Scott Brison did not want to see either Peter MacKay or David Orchard win (gain power).MacKay seized the opportunity for power by signing the now famous and well-known agreement with Orchard, a four-part commitment, a deal soon broken, before he made any comments in the House regarding the integrity of the Liberals.Shed a tear or two for Peter MacKay.He took the opportunity to gain power through a commitment to David Orchard, a pole star of unchanging principle since the ‘80s, but it was a hollow victory.Did MacKay miss an opportunity for power by not accompanying Ms.Stronach across the aisle into the arms of the Liberals, without jeopardizing any approach to that other cathedral aisle that he might have travelled?Arthur N.Langford Simcoe .— THE — RECORD P.O.Box 1200 Sherbrooke JIH 5L6 or 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax: 8195693945 e-mail: new5room@sherbrookerecord.com Website: www.sherbrookerecord.com Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819)5699511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 569-6345 Nelson Afonso Corresp.Editor .(819) 569-6345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 569-9931 Serce Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 569-9931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 Advertising (819)5699525 Circulation.(819)5699528 Newsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside.Knowlton.Quebec JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 2435155 mail subscriptions GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 114.40 8.01 9.18 $131.59 6 months 59.00 4.13 4.73 $67.86 3 MONTHS 30.00 2.10 2.41 $3431 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 7, 1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Hollinger Canadian Newspapers L.P.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record.1195 Galt East.Sherbrooke.QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARO, CNA, QCNA It rained, again.The birthday girl was late, the cake soggy, the celebrations curtailed and the guests left in droves before the end.Poor Alberta.No place could have tried harder for Queen Elizabeth.But the elements reduced the province’s extravaganza, a year in the planning, to a washout.Having survived a deluge in Regina, Saskatchewan, the Queen again unpacked her beige waterproof cape, unfurled another transparent umbrella (black trim rather than pink - just how many did she bring?) and struck out for the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, the provincial capital, for another dousing.This was the Victoria Day public holiday, named after the Queen’s great-great-grandmother, on which Canadians celebrate her official birthday.It was also the day chosen for “one of the largest parties in our history” to mark 100 years of Alberta’s membership of the Confederation.The Queen did her best, despite her plane arriving 15 minutes late.She wore a fur hat at a jaunty angle and matching cuffs, which looked suspiciously like fox.The outfit was presumably chosen to honour the city’s origins as a fur-trading post, but that did not deter Alberta’s premier, Ralph Klein, from trying his best to dislodge it.Leaning in as the Queen cut a sodden vanilla and butter-cream cake in the shape of Alberta’s legislative building, an errant spoke of his battered umbrella narrowly missed her eye, stabbing the fur brim.The Queen had arrived with Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in tow, only to discover Edmonton’s preparedness for rain rather lacking.The wet stage was too slippery for the planned dance spectaculars.Only the valiant “White Buffalo Dancers and Drummers” made a fist of it, with just one moccasin-shod foot giving way and sending its owner sprawling in a flurry of bedraggled feathers.In a modest triumph, the traditional 21-gun salute was fired, but from only three field artillery pieces, the fourth having been damaged in a traffic accident while being towed to the stadium.Only 20,000 Edmontonians of the 50,000 who had free tickets turned out to huddle on the exposed stadium seats.Among the guests of honour, war veterans sat on polythene-draped seats, protected by plastic see-through ponchos handed out by organizers.First Nation leaders sat alongside them, buckskin and damp feathers protruding from rainwear.Indeed, as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh walked through a welcoming avenue of plastic-clad well-wishers they might have been forgiven for believing the rain poncho to be Alberta’s traditional attire.After their arrival many of the crowd bailed out, with barely 5,000 there at the end.This was the second of the tour’s three set-piece events to be ruined by rain.Canny Calgary will stage the third inside, and will delight in Edmonton’s misfortune.Its people still smart over losing the vote to be the province’s capital a century ago.Before the Queen could retire, Edmonton had one more treat in store.At a banquet, where she nibbled on bison tenderloin, Premier Klein announced that Highway Two, the 260 km Edmonton to Calgary corridor, would be renamed “The Queen Elizabeth Highway.” Not only, he boasted, would it be the only highway in Canada named for Her Majesty, but it would Canada’s “longest highway named after a member of the Royal Family”.“This just goes to show that we don’t do things by half-measure in Alberta!” Klein crowed.“Happy Birthday, Ma’am.Happy Birthday, Alberta.” London Daily Telegraph The Record welcomes your letters to the editor.Please be sure to sign your letter and include a telehone number.Only signed letters are considered for publication. • ¦THE ¦¦¦ RECORD Wednesday, May 25, 2005 page 7 When politics play a role in judicial appointments Part II : Time to DEPOimazE the process Those who believe that rewarding party-friendly lawyers with judicial postings must cease have every reason to praise last week’s development in Ottawa.The federal opposition parties got together and demanded that parliament inquire into the process for appointing federal judges.So let me throw out a modest opinion .If the government complies, it would be a great opportunity to start a debate about what has always been a sacred cow: only politicians can appoint judges .Truth be told, there is no doubt in my mind that when political patronage is extended to the appointment of judges it denigrates the image of our justice system .More importantly , it has the effect of reducing the chances of more qualified candidates who have no political pull .Maurice Duplessis era Anyone remotely familiar with Maurice Duplessis’s legendary political patronage system knows precisely what can happen when the choice of judges is openly and strictly based on politics.It wasn’t so much that as premier of the province of Quebec from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 to 1959, Duplessis did his very best to personally appoint all provincial court judges.What was so remarkable was that he never tried to hide his belief that judicial appointments were meant solely for loyal supporters, even if they didn’t always have the proper qualifications.Judicial councils don’t prevent POLITICAL PATRONAGE While there are those who claim that political patronage no longer exists because of the role played by judicial councils, I disagree.They argue that because governments appoint only candidates who have successfully met all of the selection and screening requirements which includes in-depth interviews in so far as the provincial councils are concerned, they are therefore not political patronage appointments.The real question is what transpires once the list of qualified candidates is submitted to the Minister of Justice and on what basis the prime minister or premier makes the final selection.If, ultimately the appointee’s political affiliation is a consideration, in my view that is political patronage.Judge’s independence While most people agree that political patronage must be rooted out if we want to improve the integrity of our justice system, the reasons are not always understood, much less agreed upon.For example, some legal pundits believe that when political connections play a role in the nomination process, they risk compromising our justice system by undermining the independence of the judiciary.I don’t agree that it goes that far even though I’m committed to an appointment system that would be totally de-politicized.While judicial independence has always been recognized as the cornerstone of our centuries old “rule of law” tradition, in my opinion it doesn’t follow that the nomination process of judges must be free of politics in order to guarantee their independence.The required element of judicial independence means that once a candidate is appointed to the bench, not before, he or she must be free from political influence or any other interference.It is precisely for this reason that our judicial system provides our judges with security of tenure, security of financial remuneration and institutional administrative independence.In simple English this means that when judges have been involved in politics prior to their appointment, they’re expected to put them aside and judge cases on their merits.This very point was recently confirmed by no less than Chief Justice Michel Robert of the Quebec Court of Appeal.When asked to comment on Corbeil’s allegation that to get appointed as a judge, candidates needed to have “ friendly relations” with the Liberals, Justice Robert is reported to have said during an interview the Canadian Press, “There’s nothing wrong with people having political ties as long as they give them up when they become judges.” Justice Robert is in a very good position to know about judges who have had a former political life.He was president of the Liberal Party of Canada between 1986 and 1990 and was appointed by former prime minister Jean Chrétien to the Quebec Court of Appeal in 1995 and then as Chief Justice in 2002 .U.S.SYSTEM IS FAR MORE POLITICIZED Needless to say, if judicial independence meant that the nomination process must be free of political considerations, what conclusions must we draw from the American legal system?On the state court level at least 50 per cent of the judges stand for election at some point in their judicial careers.Those who support the election of judges argue that no matter who appoints judges, the process will always be politicized.From their perspective it is far better that the decision be left to the citizens at large than some independent committee or worse, a select group of politicians.They argue that if the citizens can elect the lawmakers, and vote on constitutional amendments, why not let them have fhe right to elect judges?On the other hand, it may not be quite that simple if, as some critics claim, there is a risk that certain judges may not want to displease their voting constituencies or hinder their campaign contributions.Even the appointment process of their federal judges (including the Supreme Court Justices) is highly politicized compared to our own.However, contrary to state judges, they are appointed for life so as to be shielded from political pressure.Nevertheless, the mere fact that the president appoints them subject to Senate approval means that most nominees face intensive questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding their views on current political questions.Further evidence of the importance of politics can be seen from the filibusters which the Democrats were using up to the weekend in order to systematically block Republican supported judicial nominations.Conclusion What with the proposed inquiry into the process for appointing federal judges in Canada, our lawmakers have an excellent opportunity to study ways to depoliticize the entire system.As I tried to point out, the independence of our judges is not the issue.What the public is entitled to is a process that is geared to nominate the most qualified candidates without regard for their political stripes.The mere possibility that lawyers who are either well connected or who are generous and exclusive contributors to the ruling party might have a better chance to be appointed is a true insult to the dignity of the office .comments: henryk@endirect.qc.ca Henry R.Keyserlingk Walk a mile in my shoes Local MS Society to hold 6th annual walk-a-thon The Multiple Sclerosis Branch 2000 invites the public to attend the 6th annual walk-a-thon to be held this year in Richmond on Saturday June 4 beginning at St.Francis Elementary School 355 College St.Bigger and better every year, this year promises to be one you will be sure to remember.Aimed at bringing families and friends together in a festive day, the association will announce the beginning of MS support meetings at the Pavillion Richmond foyer 980 Me Gau-ran Room, 1116 June 18.This event is hosted by Radio 104.5 Generation Rock! A small donation of $2 at the registration desk gives you a chance to win one of the numerous prizes.Hot dogs, soft drink, chips and other snacks will be available along with animation, pony rides, a petting zoo, sack races, clown acts and face-painting.There will also be a wheelchair and blindfold obstacle course to test your skills.Live country music with Stanley Me Kelvey and the Country Gentlemen will be heard between noon and 1:30 This year the MS Branch 2000 honours Garry Johnston of Melbourne who, in spite of this disease, has brought much honour to the MS Association with his leadership and Debbie Me Kelvey Austin who has literally kept the funds coming in to keep the branch going.You do not have to walk to join in -there are cars and a hayride to carry the weary Remember all of the funds raised go to the MS Society in this region to directly assist people afflicted with MS in the Eastern Townships.As well, two new monthly MS support groups will begin holding meeting, one in Stanstead at the Hyatt St (Chapel) and the other in Richmond at Pavilion Richmond Foyer. / » page 8 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 • —THE in RECORD Music Man comes home to show off his dream ‘Fiji looking forward to Jerry’s pizza, ’ says Dewing By Jen Young Record Correspondent Lennoxville native Greg Dewing will be coming home this week to soak up some of his favorite scenery and to introduce his music students to the important influences he experienced in his childhood.More than 20 years ago Dewing chose an uncertain path and moved to Edmonton, a move he says that has made his dreams come true.“I grew up in the Townships’,” said the high school band, concert choir, and composition teacher.“I always wanted to be a music teacher or work in agriculture.I studied agriculture at McDonald College but after 1 got into the field, I decided that being a music teacher was my calling and 1 moved to Edmonton in 1982.” The fact that his brother and a couple of his high school friends were already living out west made it easier for Dewing to pick up and go.Presently, the father of two teaches music at Edmonton's St.Joseph’s High School.The school practices ISDL (individualized self-directed learning) methods, and Dewing believed that performing in Lennoxville would be a valuable learning experience for his 43 band students who will be on stage here by the end of the week.“ISDL is very different from Alexander Galt where I went to school,” said Dewing who recently built a state-of-the-art recording studio for his music-loving students.“St.Joseph’s is a senior high and holds GradeslO to 12, and just that makes a big difference,” he said.“ISDL allows the students to progress at their own pace and it is much like a university style of teaching.The children are given seminars instead of a classroom so when the Exchange with Canada Program became available, I knew that I wanted to bring the kids to Galt because 1 can still teach them while we’re on the bus.” Dewing had another reason for transporting his students across the country.1 want them to see my old high school and my old hometown so they can see the differences.I have fond memories.In Edmonton there are testing centres set up in the school and with the help of Galt we will also set one up for the students in Quebec so they don’t miss any tests.” While the Edmonton students are away from home for nine days, each JENNIFER YOUNG/SPECIAL Greg Dewing attended local schools before beginning an award-winning career as a music teacher in Edmonton.This week he is returning to the Townships, students in tow.the Parent View Web site, which allows parents to watch their child’s progress every day.Dewing will also be posting his statistics on the Teacher View site so his fellow teachers will be able to keep up with his as- sonally.“We’re so excited that he is coming down,” she said.“We are just so proud of him.” The group touched base mid week and have a full agenda of performing that will start Friday at Dewing’s former elementary school, LES, and then it’s on to Alexander Galt where his students will share the stage with Chris Obermier’s band students.During their nine-day stay, Dewing plans to spend some time catching up with old friends.But he mostly looks forward to introducing the kids to things they’ve never experienced before, like Quebec City and a dairy farm.“These are city kids.Some of them have never even seen a dairy farm because we only see beef farms out west,” said the professional trumpet player.“We will visit the Coaticook Gorge and pop our heads in the ice cream factory and then we will tour Montreal, especially Ben’s smoked meat place.” Though this visit is like a dream come true for Dewing, he says that Edmonton is booming economically, the province has been awarded new funds in health care, and he is living exactly the life he dreamed he would.“It’s a different way out here.It’s flat and busy but I’m not sure if it’s the city or actually me who’s busy.The sun goes down at 11 p.m.and comes up at 3 a.m.which takes some getting used to but I love my job and my life,” he concluded.“It’s not like work at all.I look forward to the kids every morning.I’m just really, really lucky.” Friday night’s band performance at Alexander Galt’s auditorium is open to the public.sessments.Not only is Dewing coming home sporting an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment by introducing his students, whom he says he lives for, to his hometown, but he also comes home with a high honour under his belt.Last week he was presented with The Excellence in Teaching Award of Alberta from the province’s Minister of Education, Gene Zwozeesky.“I couldn’t believe it,” said the avid pizza lover who admits no pizza is as good as Jerry’s Pizzeria.“It was a great honour and very humbling.I was one of four senior high school teachers in all of Alberta who received the award.When I was presented the award at the Westin Hotel and I learned of the qualifications, I was overwhelmed.It was a huge honour just to be nominated.” Out of 500 nominations, Dewing made it to the 150 chosen, then to the final 23.Throughout the province, 23 awards were given in different stages of academics.Dewine’s mother.Bettv looks for- An information session for expectant mothers on the role of midwives will be held Saturday, June 4 at 2:30 at the Bromont Community Centre.Since last April, midwives have had the right to assist in the delivery of newborns at home, in the hospi-! tal or birthing centre.During the session.Isabel le Brabant, a midwife and author will speak about the choices available to women and explore the question of opening ! a birthing centre in the region - a sub :rh.has already attracted the interest • of the CLCS in Granhv Welcoming Baby Wednesday, May 25, 2005 page 9 '—— " ' - i ib I HK ¦ 1 " —i^———p RFrnpn Our School's Page Pope Memorial The end of the school year is fast approaching and everyone is looking forward to sunny days! May 13 was the Language Arts Festival at Bishop’s University.Nine students from Pope Memorial attended and as in previous years they enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities with authors, illustrators and storytellers.The swimming program is nearly over with four of the five weeks done.Approximately 50 students are participating in this program that is offered at Bishop’s University.We are very fortunate to be able to have the children participate and not have class time lost.Parents and teachers have volunteered as supervisors.Mrs.Lowry has been holding Yoga classes after school for any students interested.Classes take place every Thursday.The Compton County Track Meet will be held May 27 in the Memorial Park in Bury.This is a chance for students from Bury, Sawyerville and Cookshire to meet and compete in such activities as long jump, high jump and ball toss to name a few.Parent Support Group volunteers will run the canteen and profits will go the cafeteria fund.Parents, friends and neighbors are all invited to come and encourage the students in this day of sport activities.If May 27 is rained out then the Track Meet will be held June 1.The ETSB Track Meet held annually in Danville will be held on June 3.The Pre-Kindergarten program will wrap up its activities on June 10.Mrs.Couet is planning a year-end celebration for the students and parents with a potluck lunch being organized.Already planning has commenced for the Kindergarten class of September 2005.Orientation for this class will be held on the morning of June 20.This years class along with Cycle I students are looking forward to Fun Day which will take place at Cookshire Elementary School.All types of games and activities are being planned for them to enjoy.The end of year trips for Kindergarten, Cycle I and II will be a day at Val Estrie.Cycle III will also spend a day and stay over night at Val Estrie.;»w jfrlitjH i H mm www.mydad.In every President auto Centres Make the most of this spring with Michelin*! % S The perfect balance of performance and value for your passenger car or minivan.HydroEdge* Pay with your SEARS Card OR Don’t pay anything before 3 or 6 monts** Ultra premium all-season* tire.' For terms and conditions, see your Michelin' tires owner s manual.•While ail-season tires are designed to provide reliable performance in some winter conditions, the use of four winter tires is recommended r'o» optimal winter performance.* * Subject to credit acceptance See conditions in store i t*i.'i Auto Centre www.presidentire.com THIS OFFER IS AVAILABLE AT A PRESIDENT AUTO CENTRE NEAR YOU! Carrefour de PEstrie, 3150, Portland Blvd., Sherbrooke (819) 780-1288 michelin.ca page 10 Wednesday, May 25, 2005 ; -THE ¦! RECORD Bishop’s College School Christiana Fizet, Julia Jaworski, Sarah Henderson and at the podium is Carolyn Jong.First Fruits Gala and Launch of 22nd annual First Fruits Antholog>r The 22nd annual First Fruits launch took place May 18 at the Gelber Conference Centre in Montreal.First Fruits is an anthology of fiction, essays and poetry in English, French, Hebrew and Yiddish as well as original artwork by high school students in grades seven to twelve from Montreal and area schools.Sherbrooke Directory FILM WUH I'UW HASf OF ?» UJI» I*MS WUH PROC l!SS INCI UI3I D otr a f «ce I coupon p*> toilonwi Noi vjIk) IA twnb'nMiO'l WM»v arty «tiw off»»___ V«l»l imld UovrudKi « 2005 Ti roptmt^ou om