Continued from page 3 water quality has of course become a concern for all provinces and territories across Canada. Province increases environmental protection resources "There‘s _ certainly _ a heightened public awareâ€" ness as to the need to proâ€" tect the earth â€" the land and the water â€" to make sure we have a safe and reliâ€" able supply." A move to extend a tax credit to parents whose chilâ€" dren attend private schools was the most controversial item in last week‘s budget tabled by new provincial Finance _ Minister [im Flaherty. Some saw it as an assault on the public educaâ€" tion system and a move to a voucher system that will allow more parents to pull kids out of public education. But Witmer, a former local school board chair, said her government is still committed to public educaâ€" tion as evidenced by the $360â€"million increase in funding for primary and secâ€" ondary education. "It speaks primarily to the issue of allowing choice," she said. "It definitely does Hot. homemade meals for any det Doctor & nurse on call Nonâ€"smoking ensironment Scheduled transportation Recreational activities & outings csmm neunmatome oo ie ns Our unigue factlity offers the companionable atmosphere of a fine resort or private country club, plus the twenty â€"four hour personal care services of a dynamic professional staff *** M not take away from the govâ€" ernment‘s commitment to public education, "The government continâ€" ues to believe that there is an important role for public education and the system as we know it in the province today. 1 feel strongly that there continues to be a role for public education." Lost in the controversy over extending tax credits to parents of privateâ€"school students was a move to help people in need. Witmer said there was $55 million in new funding to enhance the serâ€" vices and supports for peoâ€" ple with developmental disâ€" abilities. That will grow to $197 million in funding annually. in addition to a strengthenâ€" ing of services and supports, there will also be $67 million allocated over the next five years to build new places for developmentally â€" disabled adults to live in the commuâ€" nity. Another $20 million will go to children‘s treatment centres, like the local Rotary Centre. Home theatre, computers. library Rooms for guests. parties & family Tralishort & Jang term stay Gardeniag. sewing. woodâ€"warking and other habbies Women and children in A chance to WIN a NEW BEETLE _ exterior paint sale! The long weekend is almost here? It‘s a good opportunity to get some of those exterior painting & staining jobs done! Starting this Friday, May 18th, for a limited time, purchase select Benjamin Moore paint and you‘ll receive a scratch card earning you an instant discount between 15 & 50% off! Enjoy your long weekend and remember, get outside and sec your hj‘e in color! crisis will also see $26 milâ€" lion in new funding to build 300 more shelter beds around the province, while refurbishing another 100. Over the next few years money for counselling and telephone crisis services will grow to $9 million. Children‘s aid societies will also see $8 million in new â€" funding from . the province this year "For me personally, this is what my constituents have been _ requesting," _ said Witmer, in light of some recent tragedies like the one involving the Luft family in Kitchener last year. "I was pleased to see this response. "These are people who are most in need, and 1 just think that it‘s extremely important to invest the necâ€" essary resources." save up to 50% q[fBenjamin Moore paint i calnur to More than 100 volunteers took part in the annual Community Project Day last Saturday. Teams of volunâ€" teers travelled throughout the Twin Cities doing everyâ€" thing from gardening to painting. They returned to Bingeman Park for lunch at 1 p.m., with entertainment provided by the Traces Stee! Band, pictured left And the band played on atch your new rooir wor vieanac PAO " be a knockout COLUMBIA :« AVUTO, SERVICE 160 Columbia Street West, |(#|Iyce}s];le Waterico _ 885â€"3520 en 6 Time Winner cf CAA Customer Service Award * 677 Belmont Ave. W , Kitchener * 330 Gage Avenue, Kitchener * 1120 Victoria St. N , Kitcbener * 245 Edinburgh Road, Guelph HEERS DECORATING =â€"â€"â€"& DESIGN CENTEES Waterloo Town Square. Uptown Waterloo 886.2700 www. heersdecorating.com at your next event ;&\‘ ? ;F,){! %(l{ "At Alterations on premises. *} (519) 578â€"5330 (519) 576â€" 8200 (519) 576â€"7576 (519) 816 4731