Many of our residents are left 'in' the cold
Published Monday October 6th, 2008
Letter's to the editor
It's no secret that heating cost is a major expense for all New Brunswickers. However, the weight of this burden is especially heavy for those on low income, many of whom are literally left out in the cold in government policies. These may include our neighbours, our friends, our families and our clients.
According to the 2006 census, close to one in five New Brunswickers is considered low-income or spends 20 per cent or more of their total income (after taxes) on the most basic necessities of life. We applaud the government for recognizing this problem and taking a first step to addressing it by introducing $100 via the Home Energy Assistance Program in 2008.
However, this benefit falls short of the government's commitment to self-sufficiency. While every little bit counts, $100 will do little to help New Brunswickers escape the predicament of choosing to either feed their families or heat their homes. If the measure of a society is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable members, disconnecting someone's power raises significant concerns and fails to address the root causes of poverty.
The New Brunswick Association of Social Workers urges the government to re-implement its relief program and increase the financial support beyond $100. The NBASW also urges the government to broaden its understanding of self-sufficiency and include a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy that will reduce the underlying gaps between the rich and poor. Self-sufficiency is only possible if and when it is an accessible reality for all.
DENIS LeBLANC
President of the Social Action Committee, New Brunswick Association of Social Workers
Kids' behaviour may mask other issues
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. The New Brunswick Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NBASLPA) recognizes the important role communication plays in mental health and the impact of both factors on one's ability to contribute to society.
Many behavioural issues in children mask speech, language or hearing problems.
Studies indicate that one third of children referred for psychiatric problems have unsuspected language difficulties.
Children who cannot express themselves may experience frustration, aggression or withdrawal.
Children who have difficulty hearing or understanding speech may appear inattentive, uncooperative and may demonstrate poor school performance. According to an article in the Journal of American Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, early auditory comprehension problems may be a risk factor for later aggressive and hyperactive symptoms.
Hearing loss in the elderly can cause social isolation and is often misdiagnosed as dementia. In younger adults mental health problems, particularly maternal depression, can affect the development of children in the household.
Unable to care adequately for their children, parents with mental health issues have been shown to interact less with their children than healthy parents. Prompt treatment is critical not only for the parent but for the child, whose language development relies on healthy and stimulating interactions with the parent.
If you have questions concerning mental health needs, please consult your physician. Questions or concerns regarding speech, language and/or hearing problems should be directed to a speech language pathologist or audiologist. Contact the NBASLPA office (506-858-0343) to locate one in your area or visit www.communicationnb.ca
GLORIA YACHYSHEN
President, NBASLPA
Natural gas plan is on the table
Last Monday, I attended an information meeting at the United Church Hall at Southfield to get information about a proposal to store natural gas underground in salt caverns at the abandoned potash mine at Cassidy Lake. This meeting was attended by a crowd in excess of 100 people [estimated] who were very concerned about having natural gas stored underground in their area.
I have learned that Corridor Resources Inc. of Penobsquis has obtained a license to explore a 15,000 hectare area to determine whether there is a site suitable for the development of a storage facility. This study area stretches from the mine area southwestward.
Further approvals would be needed before the project could proceed beyond the study stage; however, I do believe residents and landowners in the study area should be aware of the project. I have been advised that more information is available on the Corridor website at www.corridor.ca .
HAROLD BETTLE
Hampton
City gets C minus on schedule change
Although I commend the city's solid waste services team on trying to clean and green our city through the "Same Week, Same Day" program, I give them a C- on their implementation.
Several weeks ago I received an inconspicuous flyer providing information on the schedule change.
Four dates were noted on the flyer. Those dates dealt with the current and new pick-up schedule. One word, "confusing!"
I did manage to figure out that I was to put my garbage at the curb on Tuesday night after 6 p.m. but before 9 p.m.
On Wednesday it was clear that many uptown residents did not get the message.
Why? I thought of several possibilities. First, I know renters often don't take the time to collect or read any mail that appears to be junk. The flyer was not in the least bit attractive, nor catchy to the eye.
Second, Saint John has a high-rate of illiteracy. If you want to get the message to the people, you have to do it in ways other than through print.
Third, the collection schedule was moved ahead by a half day. Moving the schedule to Wednesday night collection would have eliminated the current mess.
Another proplem is alternate side of the street parking. The compost truck had difficulty getting down my narrow, one-way street because cars were parked on both sides.
Perhaps waiting one more week would have eliminated this parking/collection problem. Much of the garbage that is now sitting at curbside will be strewn about before next Tuesday's collection.
Dr. MATTHEW ALEXANDER
Saint John
Respect for other leaders evaporated
I have nothing but respect for Mr. Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.
In spite of the bombardment of comments while he was trying to put forward his answers, he kept his cool, didn't interrupt and let the vultures have their say.
Talk about school yard bullies. The wannabes were ignorant and impolite at every opportunity. Any respect I might have had for the other leaders has evaporated.
Lastly, what right has a Quebec provincial representative to participate in a Canadian debate.
TED ROSS
Miramichi
Hey, beer drinkers: please buy local
Attention all New Brunswick beer drinkers! We must support our very own brewery. Leave the Corona and the Buds on the shelf and buy local - Moosehead!
ANN MARIE KERR
Saint John
All can help in pollution battle
I am 13 and I go to River Valley Middle School. Lately I've heard a lot about global warming, greenhouse gases, save the polar bears even, and I used to wonder why these comments keep popping up everywhere and why is everyone talking about it now.
Well, I've found out that global warming is already affecting the world we know, endangering polar bears, creating more intense storms and many other changes in the world. There are lots of ways to stop global warming but some people haven't been paying any attention to them lately.
It's so easy that it only takes a little time to sit at the table with your family and talk about what you can do to stop global warming. It's as easy as slowing down when driving on the highway or using cold water when you wash your clothes.
It only takes a few minutes and some dedicated people. I don't think people realize what's really going on in this world and they also don't know what's going to happen in this world if this problem isn't solved. Now you can go and throw this paper out and pretend that you have nothing to do with this and that you can't do anything about it, but let me tell you something; this is something I am passionate about, something that matters to me and I have seen what this world will look like if we don't take action now. Let me ask you something: Are you up to the challenge?
SARAH ALSTON
Grand Bay-Westfield
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The backboneless liberals were the ones that let the Bloc even be a party. In order to have a federal party, the party should have representation in more than one province at least. Otherwise, they should be classed as independents.
Also, it's interesting that if someone talked about trying to separate the country back during the war, it would be considered treason. People have died over such things. Canada is fine the way it is, let the separatists go to France, where Dion holds a second citizenship I might add. He could take them with him.