The record, 5 décembre 2003, vendredi 5 décembre 2003

THE S RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 Audi Sherbrooke Autohaus 4421 Bourque Blvd., Rock Forest (819) 564-AUDI (2834) Bob Walsh is coming to town.See Talk 85 CENTS WWW.SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Friday, December 5, 2003 Sherbrooke’s Librairie Smith bookstore to close Last Christmas for English-language bookstore By Tom Peacock FT" jhis Christmas might be the last I time anglophones brave the -A.crowds at the Carrefour de l’Estrie in search of some holiday reading material.The Librarie Smith bookstore, the only bookstore that caters primarily to anglophones in the city, will close its doors for good next month.Manager Donna Berwick said the first she heard of the closure was when employees of Le Chateau boutique next door came in and started measuring the bookstore’s space, which they are planning to take over.“We haven’t heard much more than rumours,” said Berwick, who has worked at the book store for 21 years.Please see bookstore Page 3 starch stes T# .Bookstore manager Donna Berwick said she lemed of the impending closure frm the neighbours.TOM PEACOCK IMaWiiMBIMHWBl Vermont governor signs trade deals with Quebec Links with Tships universities împortan t to governor By Rita Legault Sherbrooke Vermont Governor James Douglas stopped in Sherbrooke yesterday as part of a two-day trade mission in Quebec.While in Quebec City the governor met with Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Environment Minister Thomas Mul-cair.The trio, along with the Vermont Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Elizabeth McLain, signed an environmental cooperation agreement on managing the waters of Lake Memphremagog and its watershed, reviving an agreement Douglas’s predecessor signed 14 years ago.The agreement sets up the Quebec-Vermont Steering Committee for the Management of Lake Memphremagog to implement the deal which calls for better coordination between the two governments to manage the quantity and quality of water in the watershed.The group, which will be made up from a half dozen representative from each side of the border, will also set up working groups to deal with specific issues and draft an annual report on activities.Please see governor Page 7 Vermont Governor James Douglas met with Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perrault to talk trade.2 Queen St.Lennoxville 565-1376 —.mOTDr7 HARLEY-OAVIDSON lilLIT MSIlfM LSSNOXViLLE Come and see our special Christmas Gift Shop! ¦*< t* iqjo Results QULBEC TVA the network of draws 649 6/6 5/6+ 5/6 4/6 3/6 H 27 31 BONUS: WINNERS 0 5 363 19,339 307,268 Total sales: Next grand prize (approx.) 33 35 (Ql) PRIZES $5,000,000.00 $107,914.30 $1,189.10 $42.80 $10.00 $14,821,830 $10,000,000 Draw 2003-12-03 Ql Q3 15 19 29 30 BONUS: (22) WINNERS PRIZES 6/6 0 $1,000,000.00 5/6+ 3 $16,666.67 5/6 25 $500.00 4/6 1,599 $50.00 3/6 26,376 $5.00 Total sales : $602,921.50 E|tra Draw 2003-12-03 NUMBER PRIZE 602886 $100,000 Claims: See back of tickets in the event of discrepancy between this list and the oHical winning list of L-Q.the latter shall prevail.Weather Today: Sunny.High minus 10.Saturday: Sunny.Low minus 16.High minus 9.Sunday: Sunny.Low minus 11.High minus 5.Normals for the period.Low minus 11.High minus 2.RECORD Friday, December 5, 2003 PAGE Ben by Daniel Shelton IP SAY MAX PASSED THE "CHIU?PRIENPLY" TEST PONT TOU THINK?- HYING COLORS' WITH Bishop’s College School (BCS), an independent boarding school which has been providing superior secondary school education to students from across Canada and from over 30 countries around the world since 1836, participated in the annual Toy Tea held in Montreal to benefit 5000 children of battered women, children with AIDS and other children’s charities in Montreal.On Wednesday, Dec.3, the 5th floor of Ogilvy’s was transformed into an Draw 2003-12-03 The Bishop’s College School choir performs at Ogiivy’s in Montreal.idyllic Christmas or Hanukkah scene that saw proud parents and happy, excited children.The students, ranging from six years to 19 years, all sang the carols of this festive season.However, what brought the more than 200 people together was not the decorated room, tea and cakes rather it was the need to help others less fortunate.For the last 12 years the Toy Tea has been held at Ogilvy’s department store where schools from the Montreal area send their choirs to participate in this seasonal event.BCS, the school that travels the furthest is now a regular participant in this important event.Headmaster Lewis Evans explains, “it is important for our students to learn to give back to the community.Our school feels very much a part of the Montreal community, especially as we have so many alumni and current families living in the city.So for us, to travel two hours, each way, is the least we can do to help the children who may not have as much as our own Heritage Huntingville holds candlelight service “The Christmas Candlelight Service at the Huntingville Universalist Church, located on Route 147 in Huntingville, will take place on Sunday, Dec.7 beginning at 4 p.m.Everyone is invited to join us in a celebration with traditional carols and readings.Refreshments will be served after the service.” students at Christmas.” Ginger Petty, Founder and Director of Toy Tea, remarked, “this year we have had even more success because for the first time the public schools participated.In the past it was solely an independent school initiative.Of course none of this could have happened if it weren’t for the 120 volunteers that worked countless hours for this event.” The BCS choir sang only for 15 minutes but as the school bus rolled away from the busy downtown core of Montreal, everyone agreed that it was time well spent.COURTESY BCS Ginger Petty, Founder and Director of Toy Tea performs with the Bishop’s College School choir.Brief BCS sings to give back to the community » —THE - RECORD Friday, December 5, 2003 page 3 Bernier trial delayed to prepare defence By Rita Legault Sherbrooke The trial of.Hugo Bernier, who is charged n the kidnapping and first degree murder of Sherbrooke resident Julie Boisvenu, will be delayed a month to allow defence lawyers more time to prepare their case.Discussions in court yesterday are the subject of a publication ban, but after arguments by defence lawyer Marc Labelle, Superior Court Justice Paul-Marcel Bellavance agreed to a one-month delay for the trial that was tentatively scheduled to begin with jury selection at the end of March.But all that may change in January after lawyers for the defence petition the court for a change of venue due to the publicity the high-profile case has received in Sherbrooke.The defence lawyers, who will present their arguments on Jan.8, also contend some local reporters broke a publication ban during the preliminary inquiry.As lawyers discussed the details of his trial with the judge, Bernier sat quietly in the prisoner’s dock.Cuffed hand and foot, the accused is still sporting a full beard that has changed his appearance.Boisvenu, the 27-year old Sherbrooke woman who disappeared on St-Jean Baptiste Day weekend in June of 2002 after a night a celebrating a promotion with friends, was the subject of a highly publicized manhunt after her car knocked over a fire hydrant in downtown Sher- brooke.Her battered body was discovered in a ditch a week later by a cyclist on Rivard Road in the borough of Brompton.The subsequent search for her killer and eventual arrest and arraignment of Bernier for murder, kidnapping, forcible confinement and sexual assault, as well as the suspect’s various court appearances, received extensive coverage across the province.After hearing from more than two dozen witnesses during a preliminary hearing which began with a few days of hearings in April and wrapped up after several more days in the fall, Quebec Court Judge Michel Beauchemin decided in October there was enough evidence to send Bernier to trial.PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL wr Mt Bookstore: Cont’d from Page 1 “But when we called the boss in Montreal, he told us yes, the store was closing in the middle of January." Both Berwick and employee Blanche Chrétien, who has worked at the Smith bookstore for ten years, admitted to being very upset by the news.“We’re the only bookstore within 100 miles, except Black Cat books in Lennoxville.It’s a real blow to the community” Berwick said.“We work at the bookstore because we like books, and we need books.Now we’re going to have to go to Montreal to shop for them," Chré- TOM PEACOCK Defence lawyer Marc Labelle needs time to prepare defence.Dennis Glezos CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Corporation and Personal Tax Accounting and Payroll Services Business and Tax Consulting 175 Queen, Suite 204 Lennoxville Tel.: 819-823-0800 $ tien said.Berwick theorized that the closure might be a result of a downward turn in business at the mail during recent months, coupled with the high cost of renting a space in the mall.She said opening the same store in a different, cheaper location might be an alternative.“In this mall, the cost is too high.Maybe downtown, or maybe in Lennoxville,” she said, adding that she has no immediate plans to try and revive the store in another location.The last time the bookstore threatened to close, a public outcry ensued, and instead of Sherbrooke’s only English bookstore slated to close.closing, the store moved into a smaller location.The English language bookstore in the Carrefour was originally a Classic Bookshop.Smith-Books (then called W.H.Smith) acquired Classic Bookshops in 1985.In April 1995, SmithBooks and Coles merged to form Chapters Inc.and then, in 2001, Chapters merged with Indigo books.The Record placed a call to media relations officer Sorya Gaulin at Indigo in Toronto, but she did not return the call by press time.Retirement living in Knoxvlton .* ¦ ,• 'A place to call home!" 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PARTY Wednesday, December 31st, 2003, 8:30 p.m.at the Delta Hotel, 2685 King St.West Sherbrooke 2 orchestras - Continual music Mario & St phane S vigny Papular dance & Gauntry line dancing Jean Julien and his nusicians Annie (singer) and Maurice St-Pierre Social dancing Buffet served at the end of the evening ¥ $35 per person in collaboration with: Tickets available at: Musique Jean Julien et fille DÉPOSITAIRE QYAMAHff 1444 King Street West, Sherbrooke 563-7477 TQS # Radio-Canada Estrie RnMrnrr poar Retraite* da page 4 Friday, December 5, 2003 r-' >• ÜÜ - Offer valid at Sears Full Line Retail Stores only.NE12IG603 2003.Sears Canada Inc SALE PRICES IN EFFECT SUN., DEC.7,2003 ONLY, WHILE QUANTITIES LAST It's beginning to look a lot like Sunday! Save an extra 25* on the already-reduced prices of clearance family fashions and accessories Including footwear, luggage, women s intimate apparel and accessories plus, clearance bed & bath fashions, dinnerware, flatware, home décor, table textiles, window coverings, home environment products and hardware for a total savings of 32*62% off Sears original ticketed prices Plus save an extra 10* on the already-reduced prices of clearance jewellery & watches Also choose from clearance home electronics, lawn and garden products, golf equipment, fitness equipment, cookware, small appliances, personal care appliances, furniture* and sleep sets for a total savings of 19-37% off Sears original ticketed prices While quantities last.Selection will vary by store, luggage and jewellery not available in all stores Savings cannot be combined with any other offer.*0/601 Furniture Shop; excludes baby furniture PFfTH?n Resolution targets pheasant shoot By Tom Peacock A resolution was unanimously passed recently by the members of Memphrémagog Conservation Inc.demanding that authorities force the Province Island pheasant shoot to clean up its act.The environmental groups claims the Province Island Hunting and Fishing Club is polluting their lake.“Considering that hundreds of pheasants escape and die in Lake Memphrémagog every year, Memphrémagog Conservation considers this shoot in its present form to be an unacceptable source of pollution to the lake and calls upon our local and provincial authorities to ensure that this pollution does not continue,” reads part of the resolution.“We’re not saying stop the hunt, we’re saying stop the pollution,” said Donald Fisher, president of Memphrémagog Conservation.Fisher, who lives on Sargent’s Bay near Austin, added that his environmental group does not plan to suggest how the hunt should be cleaned up, it simply wants some action to be taken in that regard.“It’s really up to the people doing the hunting to revise their activities so they don’t pollute the lake,” he said.“We’re only interested in seeing the lake as clean as possible.It isn’t clean when bird carcasses are floating in it.” At the beginning of September, a large number of dead birds washed up on the shores of nearby Ogden after flying off the island and drowning.Locals were forced to clean up the dead birds from the beaches, and pick them out of the water.The irate residents phoned the Police seek Sherbrooke police are on the lookout for a man suspected of robbing a dépanneur on Nov.19.The French-speaking, brown-haired man between the age of 25 and 30, walked into Dépanneur 7 jours on Short Street in Sherbrooke and pretended to buy something.Once the clerk opened her cash register, the man took out a kitchen knife and threatened her with it if she did not hand over the cash.Police believe the white man is about five-foor-three, weighs 130 pounds and has brown eyes.He was wearing a grey sweatshirt and a blue and black three-quarter length coat.The knife and coat were later found behind a bar called Chez Hélène.Anyone with information about the suspect should call Sherbrooke police at 819-821-5555.media, and soon the dispute between the hunting club on the island and its opponents was front-page news.Local resident Matthew Farfan, a member of Memphrémagog Conservation, said at the time that the exclusive hunting club is simply not acting in the best interests of local residents.“People don’t want to be picking up dead carcasses,” said Farfan, who has picked up his share of pheasants from the lake.“The owners of the island should be more concerned for their fellow citizens.” Member Dennis Wood defended the Province Island Club’s practice of keeping thousands of pheasants on the 77-acre island, claiming that the mass drowning of pheasants this year was a freak accident caused by unseasonal winds.He said the number of birds that get blown off the island and drown in the lake every year is usually much lower, and it usually only happens later in the fall where there are no leaves on the trees.“By that time there are fewer birds; we’re two thirds of the way through the shoot,” he said.During an interview yesterday, Farfan said in effect, it doesn’t matter how many birds end up in the lake.“You don’t want to have those carcasses in the water.Many will not get fished out, because you can’t see them.A lot of the lake shore is jagged cliffs,” he said.“The lake is one of our prizes here in the Eastern Townships,” Farfan added.“The quality of the water is admirable.A lot of people don’t realize it supplies in large part the city of Sherbrooke.” suspect Suspect carried a kitchen knife.if .Ic ' m ^RECORD: Friday, December 5, 2003 page 5 Family Medical Groups on the horizon for 2004 Better coverage, better conditions for doctors - Barakett By Maurice Crossfield The Montérégie regional health board says projects for long-awaited Family Medical Groups will be approved by the health ministry soon, with the doors opening by spring.“I’ve heard they want to start to push them again, to institute them without delay,” said Dr.Bill Barakett.“Our own we expect will be going very soon.” Family Medicine Groups are one of the key recommendations of the Clair Commission.Each Groupe de Medicine Famille will have several doctors, nurses and clerical staff, offering more extensive opening hours, in some cases, around the clock.Patients who sign up with a FMG will then have easier access to care and better follow-up.Barakett says the new FMGs will guarantee they will take on any patient who lives in the territory they cover.“It’s going to instill patient loyalty,” he said.“On the weekends only signed patients will be covered.The people who aren’t part of a GMF, they’re going to be waiting six hours at the emergency.” Though the idea has been around for a couple of years, getting government approval has been a slow process.In the Townships there is only one accredited Family Medical Group, the GMF Grand Fourches on Camirand Street, with affiliate offices on Bradley and King West.The Quebec ministry of health and social services says the Family Medical Groups will be put in place between now and 2005.In Brome-Missisquoi four FMG projects are awaiting approval, while in Haute-Ya-maska another five are awaiting the * HOW IS YOUR FATHER?* * Show him that you care! * * * Let us call him twice daily at the times of ?his choice, to confirm that he is OK.An ideal Christmas Gift.Subscribe today S18 per month STARS WE WATCH OUT FOR YOU! It could make a big difference.819-347-1250toll free 866-805-3150 FILE PHOTO Knowltoh doctor Bill Barakett says Family Medical Groups will provide better services to their clientele, and better working conditions for physicians.green light from the health ministry.In Barakett’s case his Knowlton doctor’s office will team up with the Cowansville Medical Clinic, with both offices remaining open.With a total of eight doctors, the new structure will make for easier access to a doctor.“We’re not going to work more hours each, we’re just going to spread the hours differently,” he explained.For one thing there will be office hours at the Cowansville clinic for all registered patients on Saturdays and holidays.Closer Ties The FMG will also have closer ties with CLSCs, hospitals and pharmacies.The doctors will even visit home care patients when necessary, responding to calls for those patients from the Info Santé line.“It’s a matter of teaming up a number of doctors to do what would be too heavy a task for one doctor,” Barakett said.Barakett said the new system will re quire more coordination between doctors to ensure coverage.But the doctors will have certain benefits: Better pay for time spent returning phone calls, and financial compensation for clerical staff and nurses.“The thing that’s appealing is that we are going to be provided with a nurse, and that’s going to make the practice of medicine pleasant again,” he said.That nurse will be able to give injections, make calls and screen patients, giving physicians more time to spend being doctors.“GMFs are the ideal solution to better cover the population and better satisfy doctors,” he said.Getting an actual doctor’s appointment will still take time, Barakett said.“The only thing that’s going to solve that is to recruit more doctors into GMFs, not into CLSCs where they see five to ten patients a day,” he said.Barakett said that of the 100 new doctors in Quebec last year, only six went into family medicine, with the rest going to CLSCs, emergency rooms, or leaving Quebec entirely.Attractive Barakett said the Family Medical Groups will be attractive to new doctors, by sharing heavy responsibilities and having a better structure to work with.The ceiling structure, which penalizes doctors who see too many patients, is eroding, and won’t cover times when a doctor is on call under the new system.“So you won’t have a doctor working on Saturday for 25 per cent," Barakett said.The longtime family physician says he’s already adopted many of the practices of family Medical Groups, even though his operation remains a private clinic.“From the point of view of my patients it’s not going to change a thing.I’ve been doing that, looking after my patients,” he said.“What will change is that on Saturday mornings they’ll have a place to go.” The arrival of Family Medical Groups will occur at the same time as the rest of Quebec’s health system is preparing to undergo profound changes.Legislation introduced by health minister Dr.Philippe Couillard will see CLSC’s and hospitals merged, while the future of Quebec’s regional health boards is uncertain.Changes to the labor code will also affect the working conditions of some health care workers.Though the legislation has still not been passed, the Brome-Missisquoi Perkins Hospital and the CLSC-CHSLD La Pommeraie have formed a committee to look at the mechanics of a merger to create a local health network.I remax-quebec • com Professionalism and Integrity, serving the community since 1987 Ranked among the top RE/MAX sales people in Québec & Canada for 2 years running Top local (Magog) Individual Agent Member of the exclusive RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME’ * Agent accumulating commcswa of one mifcon 819-868-6666 __ .CHARTERE0 REAL ESTATE BROKER _ www.remax-quebec.com/albert.brandt V R64M8CÀ agent/listagent.jsp?name=brandt Could You Be Her Canadian Host Family?Jane From Australia Needs a Kind Family in Quebec to Make her Year a Success! 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If you would like to learn more about Jane or for more information about how you could become an EF host family please call Mary Allen at (450) 359-2082 the EF head office (toll free) at 1-800-263-2825.HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT TODAY! ÿîSRSEÏ '{Itw mu IVNfc M" r, Campaign for peace POVERTY is a MAJOR threat to PEACE Get your candle for $5 or send your donation to : CARITAS, 110, de l'Académie, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 1M7 Tel.: (819) 566-6345 SB CARITAS >1^ - m Compassion-Action-Mutual Aid Compassion * * ; \ ' 1 r oor ?page 6 Friday, December 5, 2003 ; - «the ¦ i RECORD Community Forum teSM Letters to the editor Human professionals conveying message Dear Editor, Thank you The Record for sending us such a sweet and competent reporter on the occasion of our annual Holiday Season gathering Nov.23.Ms.Barbara Bellingham did an excellent job in reporting all the facts accurately and in conveying the very warm and jolly ambiance that prevailed throughout the whole afternoon.We enjoyed making her acquaintance and exchanging with her.Ms.Bellingham truly relayed our mission to your readers and gives all signs that she is a positive addition to your team.We will miss Ms.Caroline Kehne, but have discovered a perfectly satisfactory correspondent replacement in Ms.Bellingham.Thanks to The Record and Brome County News for delegating such human professionals to inform your readers on bilingual preventive health care services available to them in Brome-Mis-sisquoi.Marie Amyot, Field worker Brome Missisquoi Caregivers Support Group -THE — i RECORD P.0.Box 1200 Sherbrooke J1H 5L6 or 1195 Galt E.SherbrookeJlG 1Y7 Fax: 8195693945 e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookcrecord.com WEBsrrE: www.sherhrookerecord.com Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 5696345 Jamie Zachary Corresp.Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mgr.(819) 5699931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 5699931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 5694856 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) 243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 114.40 8.01 9.18 S131.S9 6 MONTHS 59.00 4.13 4.73 $67.86 3 MONTHS 30.00 2.10 2.41 S34.51 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.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC.CARD, CNA, QCNA Charest challenging unions Quebec Affairs Peter Black That was no Santa Claus parade mounted in Quebec City last week by 30,000 members of the province’s major labour organizations.Indeed, even though Christmas is just around the corner, good will towards the men (and women) of the Charest government was the furthest thing from the minds of the mobilized unionists._______ The reason the Quebec labour movement is upset to the point where leaders declare “nuclear war” and some members feel they must ransack the offices of government MNAs and rampage down the halls of a children’s hospital, is they fear Jean Charest is the Grinch who wants to steal some of labour’s sacred rights.One of those presumed rights is enshrined in clause 45 of the Quebec labour code.The clause stipulates that if a company contracts work out to another company, that subcontractor must pay workers the same wages and benefits stated in the collective agreement with the original company.The Charest government says it wants to change this 50-year-old arrangement for three reasons: To bring it in line with the rest of the country, to conform with a recent Supreme Court of Canada decision, and to correct confusion about the application of the law the previous Parti Québécois government created.It also promises to ensure companies don’t abuse the law to rid themselves of pricey labour agreements.The union movement says the changes would mean fewer jobs and lower salaries.But one of Quebec’s most respected economists, Pierre Fortin, says that’s nonsense.Fortin says this relatively minor unshackling of industry will generate more jobs and investment with no significant negative impact on workers or wages.While hostility is focused on labour code changes and a plan to reorganize health care jobs and institutions, it is basically the Charest government itself that the Quebec’s union leadership finds so objectionable.It is, after all, the first government in decades that has dared challenge the power of unions.There has been no shortage of confrontations between Quebec governments and labour.In fact, it is almost government, whether PQor Liberal, submit itself to some test of faith or courage as far as unions are concerned.René Lévesque’s PQ administration found itself in an ugly battle with civil service unions when it rolled back huge salary increases it had granted employees to help secure their support for the 1980 referendum.Robert Bourassa had his hands full with public sector unions during both his stints as premier (1970-76, 1985-94).Three union leaders found themselves in jail in 1972 - including teachers’ boss Yvon Charbonneau, now a federal Liberal MP - in a bitter and often violent struggle with the Liberal government over contract negotiations.Even Lucien Bouchard found himself under siege by unions opposed to his government's efforts to eliminate the deficit.He eventually bought peace with retirement buy-outs of doctors, nurses and teachers that ending up costing the government way more than expected plus creating shortages in these three positions.While previous conflicts between Quebec governments and unions have focused on more or less tangible items like wages, benefits and working conditions, the showdown with Charest is over a more abstract concept.This business of “re-engineering” the Quebec state spells danger to a union movement accustomed to having its way, or at least an important say, with successive Quebec governments.The Charest government is the first since the 1950s to have such a minor representation of people with labour or social service backgrounds within the caucus or cabinet.This apparent ring-wing tilt of the government has raised concern in some traditional Quebec Liberal circles; this is seen as the natural result of having a former federal Conservative leader with Quebec bleu roots as leader.In any event, the Charest government appears determined to pursue what the party promised in the election and that is a retooled and stripped down apparatus of state.They are doing this early in their mandate, presumably betting the anger of union confrontations will be long forgotten once the Liberals start delivering on that other important an automatic rite of passage that a promise of tax cuts. Friday, December 5, 2003 page 7 ¦ ¦ — THE ¦¦ RECORD Governor: Cont’d from Page 1 Later in the day, Douglas traveled to Sherbrooke where he met with Mayor Jean Perrault who pointed out the deal concerning Lake Memphremagog was important to Sherbrooke, which gets most of its drinking water from the International lake.Douglas noted the agreement revived an earlier committee which had since become inactive.That committee had made some three dozen recommendations in 1993, but the recently-elected governor admitted he could not say which had been followed up on because he was not even aware of them.“The fact that 1 don’t know shows how important it is that we’re reconstituting the committee,” he said, noting that Vermont has learned a important lesson from the pollution in Lake Champlain - particularly in Missisquoi Bay - and wants to act before Memphremagog suffers a similar fate.He also noted that while Quebec has the largest surface of water, Vermont has the largest portion of the watershed that feeds it.While environment was discussed, the main goal of the Governor’s visit to Quebec was to allow Quebec companies to meet one-on-one with Vermont companies to discuss various joint ventures and partnerships.The government remarked that Quebec is Vermont’s largest trading partner.Vermont is fifth on the list of Quebec’s trading partners, and the largest export market for a large number of companies in the Eastern Townships.Douglas said the trade mission was his first visit to a foreign country as governor and that he wanted to ensure his first visit was to Quebec.He also pointed out the large number of Vermonters with roots in Quebec.Compton-Stanstead MP David Price pointed out the emigration went both ways as United Empire Loyalists came north to Quebec.Perrault, who is also the president of Sherbrooke Economic Development agency, noted that Vermont and the rest of New England represent Sherbrooke’s largest export market for goods, services and outsourcing.“We were pleased to learn of Governor Douglas’s interest, evidently shared by other border states, to strengthen relations between our two regions,” he commented.“Good cross-border relations are crucial to market access and the smooth flow of traffic between our two countries.” Perrault pointed out that the proximity of the two regions - just 30 minutes by road - and the exchange rate, give Sherbrooke and excellent edge for both serving a U.S.clientele and for at- PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL 40k ¦ .9—W Compton-Stanstead MP David Price with Vermont Governor James Douglas and Mayor Jean Perrault in Sherbrooke to discuss trade and common interests yesterday.tracting American investors.The mayor, who hosted a reception for Douglas along with representatives of the business, education, political and socioeconomic sectors in the Hall of Honour at city hall, highlighted Sherbrooke’s strengths including a highly bilingual workforce, a large number of researchers and research institutes, as well as its two universities.Perrault also drew attention to a 1999 study by the accounting and consulting firm of KPMG and a more recent one published in the September edition of Canadian Business Magazine, which both placed Sherbrooke as a leading city in which to do business.The first study ranked Sherbrooke as one of the most competitive places to do business among dozens of North American and European cities in nine major industrialized countries.In the latest study which looked into the cost of doing business, Sherbrooke ranked second after the new city of Saguenay, which was created by the recent merger between the municipalities of Jon-quière, Chicoutimi, Laterrière and La Baie.Trade with Vermont was also one of the main topics of discussion between Douglas and Charest in Quebec City where the two leaders signed a number of bilateral agreements on trade, tourism and security.“Vermonters are the Americans who buy the most goods manufactured in Quebec and is our largest trading partners for Quebec exports in high tech- nology,” Premier Charest noted in a statement.Charest, who signed a cooperation agreement in transport, also underlined the importance of Routes 89 and 91 which begin along the Quebec border.Douglas pointed out that 80 per cent of exports from Vermont travel north to Quebec, making this province the state’s most important trade partner.Commerce with Quebec is key to the long-term economic stability of the state and an important part of the governor’s job creation and economic development strategy.Bilateral agreements signed during Douglas’s visit covered a wide range of common interests including economic cooperation, tourism, transport, security, energy, environment and education, said a press release from Charest’s office.Among other things, they deal with: - cooperation with federal authorities on the improvement of border crossings at St-Armand-de-Philips-burgh/Highgate (Route 133 / Intestate-89) and Rock Island-Stanstead /Derby Line (Autoroute 55 / Interstate-91); - prioritizing transport projects on which the two government’s can cooperate - the creation of a partnership to underline the arrival of Samuel de Champlain in North America as part of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City in 2008 and the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain in 2009; - the organization of Northeast Regional Homeland Security meeting in a Quebec in 2004 that will bring together 13 states and provinces; - the exchange of energy know-how, particularly in hydroelectric and aeo-lian (wind) power; - as well as the development of exchanges between universities and colleges, including the University of Sherbrooke and the University of Vermont.Douglas, who said Vermont has more universities and colleges than any other state, said the main focus of his visit to Sherbrooke was higher education.“We look forward to establishing links between our universities,” he said.Douglas also promoted the participation of Quebec enterprises in the Vermont International Trade Day that will be held in Burlington in May 2004.n\ n\n n n //\\ i (c?/a\ r i J/f\.L p)/A\.in AT PRO GABRIEL COUTURE ET FILS LTÉE 2 St-Onge Route 143 Richmond 826-3777 25% discount on presentation of coupon in our Decoration Department on regular priced Christmas and decoration items in store.Free gift wrapping.Valid til December 25, 2003 Cash only.Cannot be combined with any other promotion. page 8 Friday, December 5, 2003 RECORD: $3 million for region’s accident victims CAREER Stanstead College - School Nurse (Part-time / Occasional) The ideal candidate will be a Registered Nurse (CPR certification and active membership with the OIIQ with some experience working in a pediatric setting.Time commitment - occasional weekends, option for some weekday hours.Acute assessment of sport injuries and communicable diseases would be an asset.Applications should be submitted in writing with a C.V.and personal references.All applications are welcomed, but only finalists will be contacted for an interview.Write to: Cynthia Roberton, RN Health Centre Stanstead College § 450 Dufferin Stanstead, Quebec JOB 3E0 croberton@stansteadcollege.com CAREER Eastern Townships organizations charged with therehabiUtatkm-of car accident victims are getting a major boost in the form of $3 million per year between this year and 2006.The cash injection from the government is designed to help provide a higher level of services locally to the average 500 victims of car accidents every year in the region.The agreement between the Société d’Assur-ance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the regional health board, the Centre de Réadaptation de l’Estrie, the local association of accident victims and the CHUS will create a comprehensive rehabilitation service to meet the needs of the victims.“The major consequences of living with a serious injury' (such as a spinal injury, head injury or injury to a limb) make it necessary for us to have services which are integrated and specialized,” said Jacques Brind’Amour, president of the SAAQ.“The rehabilitation services are based on five principles: rapid payouts from the insurance board, a comprehensive and individual approach, a qualified multidisciplinary intervention team, prolonged services, and family support,” he added.The announcement was made at the new Centre Réadaptation de l’Estrie adjacent to the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Complex.For more information on services available for accident victims: www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/victime PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL -#i; ' -/• PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL Accident victims are able to benefit from a full range of services at the Centre de Réadaptation de l’Estrie, including a helping hand from man’s best friend.transcontinental mP' DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION Quatrième groupe de presse écrite au Canada, Médias Transcontinental S.E.N.C.est le plus important éditeur de magazines destinés aux consommateurs.Il occupe le premier rang au Québec dans le marché de l’édition de journaux régionaux et communautaires et le second au Canada.Il est également le leader de la distribution de porte en porte de matériel publicitaire au Canada.Le Groupe du Publi-Sac, une division de Médias Transcontinental S.E.N.C., est à la recherche pour Public-Sac Estrie, d’un(e): Comptable Relevant du directeur général, la personne choisie aura la responsabilité de planifier, organiser, coordonner et contrôler toutes les activités reliées à la comptabilité, de fournir l’information financière la plus adéquate et d’orienter les décisions d’affaires.Vous possédez un diplôme d’études collégiales (D.E.C.) ou un baccalauréat en comptabilité jumelé à trois (3) ans d’expérience dans un poste similaire et une expérience minimale de un (1) an en gestion de personnel.Vous êtes un habile utilisateur des systèmes comptables informatisés.Vous démontrez un esprit d’analyse et de synthèse ainsi que de l’intérêt pour les diverses activités d’une entreprise.Les personnes intéressées par ce poste sont priées de faire parvenir leur curriculum vitae soit par la poste à l’adresse suivante: Publi-Sac Estrie, 4447, boul.Industriel, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1L 2S0 à l’attention de André Tremblay ou par courrier électronique à tremblava@transcontinental.ca ou par télécopieur au (819) 566-8442.Veuillez vous assurer de spécifier le titre du poste.Prière de ne pas téléphoner.I Les demandes seront traitées en toute confidentialité.| Médias Transcontinental favorise l’égalité des chances en matière d’emploi et d’a-! vancement.I Seules les personnes retenues pour une entrevue seront appelées.15493 CAREER Stanstead College - Computer Teacher Don’t forget to send in a Established ffi 1872, Stanstead College is a small coeducational university preparatory boarding school located on the Canada/US border, 160 km southeast of Montreal.It has a student population of 230 boys and girls in grades 7 to 12.Stanstead College has an international student body and highly structured academic, residential and athletic programme preparing students for entrance to North America colleges and universities.The school is now accepting applications for a two-thirds position of COMPUTER TEACHER from/ January to June 2004 with the possibility of renewal thereafter.The ideal candidate should haveyjmowl-edge of Microsoft Access and Visual Basic.Stanstead College has a benefit and salary remuneration package above provincial scalq^Qualified candidates seeking to fill this temporal position should call the school at 819-876-2702,or send an email to admin@stansteadcoilege.cpm A picture ofyour baby fbr the New Year’s edition.13560 rtc* rff'* y n ni i ' rri ‘jt THE RECORD Friday, December 5, 2003 page 9 5CMBG Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group «BPS»*: IBit1 \ g .< " ¦ ' , : 4/ ¦ 1?*•* ,1 çt m m.Wm .w m # 4M a mm UK m * ' » ¦ '•• r* I;' «Î, : : ; 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' ; .) ¦ :T.- ¦; < v(~ " { ^ J.;4r ¦x4’" ¦' '¦ y "**1 ?o THERE’S OCOLA OVER THERE.AN’ *HE/3 —7 ALL AL04E.'