The record, 1 novembre 2007, jeudi 1 novembre 2007

THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#0()40007682 Thursday, November 1, 2007 Masked Man 1 jT syf li.lt jP.Ck jg'-JS wÊÊmmm ggr JplHj 1 Bpr 1 W PERKY BEATON About 100 Université de Sherbrooke students protesting tuition hikes took part in a walk to Premier Jean Charest’s riding office at the Place des Congrès Wednesday when a handful attempted to block traffic.Six were arrested, taken to police headquarters and released after the demonstration was over.A Sherbrooke police spokesman said the students were given clear direction on how to proceed during the march.Those who refused to follow the rules will be charged with contravening a municipal statute for interfering with the work of police and fined $141 each.After a 13-year freeze, tuition rates at Quebec’s universities are to increase S100 each year until 2012.A terrible anniversary The Eastman bridge collapse By Wendy Denman Record cob res pondent One hundred years ago today, at about 9:45 ajn., the peace of the small village of Eastman was shattered by a huge bang as a train crashed through the town’s trestle bridge — landing more than 50 feet below in the Missisquoi River.The train's in the water, the train’s in the water.’ people yelled as they ran towards the river,* said Jim Sweet."It must have been quite a sight and quite a noise.The people that were there are all gone now, but over the years they've told their stories.It was a wry major Please see Train cm Page 4 The straight dope Plundered pot plants By Maurice Crossfield Knowlton Brome-Missisquoi is apparently the most popular place in the Townships to grow marijuana, and racks up the dubious distinction of being home to a third of all pot seized by police in the region this year.“There are any number of reasons, but I think a lot of it had to do with the number of calls we got from the Please see For on Page 6 uiie Rodier aucjioprothesiste « MAGOG 2.G&, St- Patrice West Ô19.Ô47.Z244 > COATICOOK Clinique familiale 271 Child &19.349.4&0& » STANSTEAD 2» Notre-Dame W.(bn Plane VMUncourt 1.077.302-277» « LACOLLE GO rte 202 1.077.302.277» Full service o-P hearing aids page 2 Thursday, November 1, 2007 RECORD jrjrm Happy Halloween! Photographer Perry Beaton spent some time on Halloween snapping pix of trick-or-treaters in Lennoxville.Weather Today: A few showers ending late in the day then cloudy.Wind 20 km/h gusting to 40.10 degrees.Friday: Sunny.Low minus 5.High plus 5.Saturday: Sunny.Low minus 6.High plus 5.Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud.Low minus 2.High plus 5.Ben by Daniel Shelton Trucks tangle with wires Route 249 Traffic on Route 249 in St-Denis-de-Brompton was tied up for a few hours Tuesday when a pair of transport trucks got snarled up in downed hydro wires.The tractor trailer, trucks were coming towards each other on Route 249 near the intersection of du Moulin at about 9:45 a.m.and clipped each other as they passed.Both trucks then went off the road and one took out a utility pole.“They became tangled in the wires so Hydro Québec had to come in to try to deal with the situation.” said Sûreté du Québec spokesman Const.Louis-Philippe Ruel.The truck drivers were not hurt in the mishap.The provincial highway was closed while the crews cleared away the power lines and debris, with the road being reopened to traffic by the middle of the afternoon.Divvying it up Hospitals split fundraising cash Staff Sherbrooke The foundations of local hospitals and health and social service centres yesterday split the proceeds from the year’s Maison Desjardins house raffle.The funds are divided according to the numbers of tickets sold by the various foundations taking part.The lion’s share of the pot, some $280,000, is being shared by the foundation of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, which gets $137,000, and the Health and Social Service Center - University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, which pocketed $105,000.The foundations of regional health and social service centres also got a share, including the Centre hospitalier de Lac-Mégantic ($14,140), the CSSS de Coaticook ($6,804), the CSSS in Asbestos ($6,360), the CSSS du Val-St-François ($6,308) and the CSSS du Haut-St-François ($4,311).The 2007 campaign, the 12th in a row, did not meet the same success as the 2006 one which set a record, but the cost of the Maison Desjardins and the furnishing were considerably more expensive this year because of the size of the house, explained Michel Fortin, director of the CHUS hospital foundation.The elderly couple that won the house found it so big, they put it up for sale.: ——THE — RECORD Thursday, November 1, 2007 page 3 Briefs B-M business awards The top businesses in Brome-Missisquoi were honoured in the annual Porte sur TAvenir gala on the weekend.La chèvre et le chou took top honours as the region’s best agricultural business, while Fre-lighsburg’s Le Domaine Pinnacle won the agrifood category.Brome Lake businesses did well, with Le Cyprès winning best tourism business, Galerie Knowlton taking the best arts and culture category and Intérieurs Bousada in the best business with more than 11 employees.Etchea Traiteur -Agur Galerie was recognized as the best small service business.In the one to 10 employee category, Chaussures R.L.Brault of Cowansville took home the gold.Inotec Industries and Graymont took the small and large manufacturing categories respectively.Meanwhile Cowansville Mazda and Fromagerie des Cantons shared the best new business award.The Centre de santé et des services sociaux de La Pommeraie took home two awards: best service business with more than 11 employees, and it shared the best business of the year award with Bedford’s Graymont.On the community front the Pays des Vergers homecare cooperative was given the nod for best non-profit organization, while Groupe Ecos-phere was recognized for its local and environmental involvement.The Mont Sutton ski hill was given a special prize for its human resources management.The annual gala is put on by the Cowansville and Region Chamber of Commerce and covers all of Brome-Missisquoi, not just chamber members.Housing starts down in Sherbrooke Housing starts in the Sherbrooke area have slowed this year and are likely to continue doing so despite a robust housing market, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.While the CMHC recorded 1,545 housing unit starts in 2006, that figure will drop 6.8 per cent to 1,440 in 2007.The slowdown is expected to continue into 2008 when experts are forecasting 1,380 housing unit starts.That’s still above the average for the Sherbrooke area of 1,050 housing starts.CMHC Senior Market Analyst Helene Dauphi-nais stated in a release that continued low mortgage rates, job creation and the arrival of new immigrants will keep the housing sector busy over the next year at least.Meanwhile the seller to buyer ratio will remain below eight to one, meaning that the market will continue to favour those who are looking to sell rather than those who are looking to buy.Lots of tourists in Memphremagog Despite a slow start to summer the Memphremagog MRC is reporting a good tourism season.In all about half of those surveyed registered an increase in sales this summer over summer 2006, while 32 per cent saw business remain steady and 18 per cent saw fewer sales.The most active sectors were in the hospitality industry.outdoor activities and spas.The survey, released Tuesday, showed that 36 per cent of tourism-related businesses renovated or expanded, while 42 per cent offered at least one new service or product this season.The increase in tourism was also seen at the regional tourism bureau, which saw nearly 10,000 people stop to ask for advice or directions, up 10 per cent over the previous year.Even the Internet was busy, with some 60,000 visits to the www.tourisme-memphremagog.com web site over the summer, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous summer.Problematic post boxes all over Rural Eastern Townships residents are not the only ones who are seeing their roadside mailboxes condemned by Canada Post.The agency estimates that nearly a third of the number of rural mailboxes across the country will have to go.The mail carrier is currently conducting a three-year assessment of all 843,000 rural mailboxes across the country after having received some 1,000 complaints from postal carriers operating in these areas over the last 18 months.“Since we have been evaluating rural mailboxes we can say in general terms that 70 per cent can keep them and 30 per cent must find an alternative,” said Line Brien, a spokeswoman at Canada Post.So far, Canada Post has ruled that 1,150 boxes in Stanstead, Sutton, Eastman, Racine and La Patrie will have to go.The percentage of problematic boxes in the Townships is higher than elsewhere: it’s near 40 per cent.“Often postal workers delivering mail do so while standing on the road, there isn’t a shoulder, and they can encounter vehicles coming from both directions, and this can result in accidents,” Brien said.“Because there’s so much concern, especially on road safety matters, and because of complaints from postal workers, we decided to launch a countrywide operation.“Heavy traffic volumes in particular, make pulling off the road and merging back into traffic unsafe — a situation made worse where curves, hills or other obstructions make it impossible for other drivers to see the mail carrier vehicle stopped at the side of the road or merging back into traffic," noted Canada Post on its website page dedicated to the assessment program.Prior to 2006 Canada Post would visit home-owners of problem mailboxes if there was an incident or a complaint, but now Canada Post is being more proactive, Brien said.To prevent accidents the carrier has equipped vehicles with rooftop signs and flashing amber lights, but this hasn’t proven enough to limit the risks.In some cases owners are being asked to move their mailbox to a safer area.In other cases they can either use alternatives such a community mailboxes, piggyback on their neighbour’s mailbox, or receive free lockbox service at a local post office or local outlet offering postal services, such as pharmacies.- CanWestNews Service Announcing the new www.sherbrookerecord.com ¦ THE»' - to your dining room.RECORD Now with delivery page 4 Thursday, November 1, 2007 : - ¦ ¦ —THE i RECORD 1 *V-‘ t t Sr>Sp*?f*j •SP! 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MtUIHlS ÎVlfJÏII •99'y‘ r donatio bfaezé COURTESY JIM SWEET The mangled bridge above; below, efforts to pull the engine out of the water and, at right, success.build a temporary track and get it onto the Orford Mountain Line.That took a lot of work,” continued Sweet.He is a long time resident whose grandparents also lived in Eastman, and he loves investigating the town’s past, collecting photographs, old letters and oral histories.The train was carrying fruits and vegetables: apples, oranges, carrots and potatoes to Sherbrooke: “Of course that cargo scattered everywhere.Legend has it there was a lot of canning and preserving going on in town that fall.” “The bridge was rebuilt in 1912.Until then trains used the Lower Bridge over the Missisquoi.” That was the second time the Eastman Bridge was rebuilt.The original was downed by a cyclone in 1888.“But the 1912 bridge is still good; trains are going over it today.” Over the summer Sweet mounted an Eastman train expo on his property, displaying the material he’s collected over the years.“I think it’s really important that people who live here know the history of the place, particularly those who are new in town, and there are a lot of people moving in.“We had over 350 visitors sign our book this summer and I was really surprised we got so many.A lot were interested in the bridge collapse.I’ve got a lot of pictures of them pulling that engine out.“It was the engine’s maiden voyage.They got it back to Montreal and then put it on a line out West and would you believe it went through a trestle bridge over the Fraser River.Far as I know they left it there.That engine just didn’t like trestles.” • Sweet said that Nov.1, 1907 is a day that should be remembered.“There is nothing to commemorate the crash.I think the town should put a plaque by the bridge at least, let people know what happened.It’s a small town, this was a big event, an important part of our history.” Proud to contribute for the better health of our community’ t vffrythinq starts u*ith trust rid PROMUTUEL Train: Cont’d from Page 1 event in the town.” The two engineers perished, and the bridge was badly damaged but still stood.“The train crashed right through a trestle into the water, it was a difficult problem getting it out.They had to Fondation du CHUS, 580 Bowen Street S, Sherbrooke QC JIG 2E8 / (819) 820-6450 - 1-866-820-6450 - www.fbndauonchua.orR 6m maêké tü# CMVS I# purchase mm equipment Cento nosmM.it» UNtVEa«TAiaE de Sheuukxwt For patients comfort and security The CHUS-Fleurimont Hospital's neurosurgery-orthopedics-traumatology department recently acquired additional protective cushions for bed-rails.This purchase was made possible thanks to the raffle for a trip held by doctors and other personnel.The cushions provide increased comfort and additional safety for patients who are delighted with this acquisition. RECORD Thursday, November 1, 2007 page 5 COURTESY MICHEL ST-JEAN ”- .yC "s .v ' a»; " ¦ ¦ m 'S&b- U U ¦msjA Brome Lake resident Warren Woodworth spoke of the healthy benefits of volunteering, both for the volunteer and for the people they help.Taking the pulse of public health 300 responses out of 47,000 B-M surveys Staff Knowlton Preliminary results of a public health survey in Brome-Mis-sisquoi were released earlier this week, and will be followed up by a round-table group to study concerns in greater detail.“The environment, the health of our rivers and lakes was the biggest concern raised in the survey,” said Josée Darche of the Centre de santé et des services sociaux de La Pommeraie.Over the last few weeks a survey has been taking the pulse of area residents 'On public health.Though some 47,000 questionnaires were printed up, only about 300 have been filled out and returned so far.Darche said the survey can still be completed by residents, and the answers will be added to the growing database.Presented by Chris Cooper, the preliminary results show that people are fairly pleased with the health and social services they get.The environment was of concern, likely due in part to the blue-green algae problem that affected the region’s lakes this summer and last.There was also a strong feeling that the region is not getting its fair share of government financing in a number of areas that touch on public health, from the continual delays in final approval for the expansion of the emergency room at the Brome-Missisquoi Perkins Hospital to the state of Cowansville’s sidewalks.When it came to being able to find a family doctor, reaction was mixed.For some the issue was of high concern while for others it was not — likely for those who already have a family physician.The discussion that followed the presentation at the St-Leon School in Cowansville was in a mix of French and English and touched on a number of subjects, Darche said.“Mr.(Warren) Woodworth talked about how volunteering is good for your health, which considering his health, it was a very good example,” Darche said.She noted that the retired Woodworth is in excellënt health and actively volunteers for a number of organizations.Other speakers included Brome-Missisquoi MRC director general Robert Desmarais, who spoke of the role municipalities must play in promoting public health.Access to walking and cycling paths and other infrastructures can have a direct impact on health and quality of life, he said.Rev.Tim Smart touched on the need for spiritual health in the community, noting that being healthy is about more than staying free of illness.A naturopath took the opportunity to talk about the need for promoting healthy habits before people get sick.Along with the condition of the sidewalks, another speaker said people in Cowansville walk less because they don’t feel as safe, and called for a stronger police presence.The evening wrapped up with a resolution to continue the work begun by the survey: Some 10 people have already volunteered to take a seat on a Brome-Missisquoi Health Network Round COURTESY MICHEL ST-JEAN Rev.Tim Smart said spirituality plays an important role in health.table.Made up of those from varied sectors, the group will look at ways to address the concerns raised in the survey and at the meeting.“It was a very successful meeting,” said Darche.“People came from across the territory to take part in it.” The Your Health is Your Business survey is still in circulation.It can be picked up at CSSS La Pommeraie facilities, in medical clinics, pharmacies and on the Internet at www.santemon- teregie.qc.ca.Completed questionnaires can be sent by fax to 450-266-5578, or mailed to the Communications Department of CSSS La Pommeraie, 950 Principale, Cowansville, J2K1K3.Michel Duval Advertising Consultant 819»569»9525 Fax 819*821«3179 m \ mduval@sherbrookerecord.com \x ui ( < mi > page 6 Thursday, November 1, 2007 JŒCORD: Community Forum Harper deserves praise for meeting the Dalai Lama But it should be obvious The prime minister received praise and criticism this week for meeting the Dalai Lama.In a way, I find the praise more disturbing.Stephen Harper deserves every bit of praise for doing the right thing, but it’s a sad commentary that such a minimal endorsement of the _____ United Nation’s founding principles should be praised instead of being taken for granted.After all, Harper could hardly have done less than even former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin felt obliged to do about three-and-a-half years ago.In 2004, after flip-flopping for a while, first about whether to meet the Dalai Lama at all, and then whether to confine any discussion to religious matters, Martin announced he was prepared to talk about Chinese human rights abuses.“I’m always open to discussing the question of human rights,” he said to reporters just before meeting Tibet’s spiritual leader.He may have said it between gritted teeth, he may have said it under his breath, but he said it.He may have met the Dalai Lama surreptitiously, in the residence of Ottawa’s Catholic Archbishop, instead of welcoming him on Parliament Hill, but he did meet him.It may be no great achievement to show more backbone than the United Nations, but I’m still glad two Canadian prime ministers did.Compared to how the world body treated the Dalai Lama 12 years ago, even Martin cut a fine figure, let alone Harper.In June, 1995, as the UN was celebrating its 50th anniversary, an item appeared on the back pages.It described how UN officials, worried about hurting China’s feelings, deleted a human rights plea by the Dalai Lama from a book marking the world body's 50th anniversary.Called “A Vision of Hope”, the book was one of the documents commissioned by the UN to congratulate itself.Associated Press reported one of the UN book’s authors naively decided to Viewpoint George Jonas quote the spiritual leader of Tibet in a section dealing with human rights.The Dalai Lama, forced into exile some eight years following the annexation of his country by communist China in 1951, apparently uttered some innocuous remarks about the importance of freedom in the world.Cautious, mild-mannered, and resolutely diplomatic, he didn’t even mention China by name.However, the mere inclusion of his pious platitudes proved too much for the sensibilities of the UN.A certain Gillian Sorenson,a senior official handling the project, said the comments were unacceptable.Using a remark by the Dalai Lama — as another UN official explained — “was construed as implicit criticism of China, a (UN) member state.” Well, heaven forbid that we should criticize a member state of the UN, implicitly or otherwise, for offending the principles for which that august body was established.On the contrary, whenever we celebrate the UN on the occasion of one of its birthdays, we should be meticulously protective of those who trample on its principles, like the rulers of Beijing, and rigorously exclude those who try to uphold them by word or example, like the Dalai Lama.This was 12 years ago but nothing much has changed.Those who criticize Harper for meeting the Tibetan leader worry about the feelings of China’s leadership.Oh, is little China hurt?Too bad.She’ll get over it.There’s no doubt that some muggers, being sensitive, take offence at anyone comforting their victims, but I doubt if Canada needs to elevate mugger’s sensitivity into a foreign policy consideration.For Harper not to have gone as far as Martin would have been truly unthinkable.I doubt if it was ever on the table even as a remote policy option.Some readers may wonder how Sorenson’s career developed after her exclusion of the Dalai Lama from the UN half-centenary celebrations in 1995.Well, in 1997 she was appointed by former secretary general Kofi Annan as assistant secretary-general for external relations, a job she held until 2003.In that position, she was described as having been “a key diplomatic contact between Annan and important religious leaders, scholars, and political figures devoted to human rights issues.” These days, as senior adviser and na- tional advocate at the United Nations Foundation, Sorenson makes speeches rather than policy.Billed as a “tireless advocate for peace, progress, and justice around the world,” she gave a convocation address on Oct.19.It was entitled “U.S.and UN: Can this Marriage be Saved?” God, I hope not.George Jonas writes for CanWest News Service J "THÉ Hte POOPED 1© LETYaJGofhRjdoR PERfôpm