B.C. goV’t ignores fast

VANCOUVER (CUP) — A University of B.C. chaplain has urged the Social Credit government to respond to UBC student Andre Sobolewski’s 40—day fast to protest attacks on human rights in the province.

“If there is righteousness out there, please contact

‘ . 1 Andre,” George Hermanson told 60 people. attending a fund raising luncheon for the

Motor Hotel

the B.C. Human Rights Coalition Jan. 17.

The $10 a plate, or what you can offer, luncheon menu consisted of a glass of fruit juice, the same diet

‘Sobolewski has had for the

duration of his fast.

Sobolewski is nearing the final days of his fast, and despite feeling weak, remains strong in his quest to talk to government officials about human rights.

He plans to go to Victoria

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soon to try to meet with the government but they refuse to answer his letters.

“No one has even acknow- ledged receiving any ofemy letters,” Sobolewski said.

Sobolewski started his protest to get others to acknowledge that human rights should be elevated above the political realm.

“This issue should not be embroiled in a political arena,” he said. “Human rights define what we believe

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in and our dignity. There’s no reason why we can’t have the best human rights . in the country.” ‘

Law professor Bill Black, speaking at the luncheon, applauded Sobolewski's efforts and the government’s recent withdrawal of legis— lation which cut the B.C. Human Rights Commission, for redraftingu

‘It ‘shows people and actions like Sobolewski’s can make a difference,” he said.

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(RNR/CUP) — It’s just [1‘ fun any more going to [h Vista movie ~theatre Hollywood, California. Patrons who. recen called up to find out wh time the “Rocky Horr Picture Show” was playj got a recorded announ ment. “All patrons,” it sai "will be searched. .No drug alcoholic beverages, kniv guns or hand grenades w be allowed in the theatre

Ministry an “inex

‘ pensive ploy”

OTTAWA (CUP) —— A con- fidential report presented to the federal Cabinet last July says the newly-created Ministry of Youth is largely a public relations gesture.

The report, prepared by influential Liberal Senator Jacques Hebert, recommends establishing a Ministry of Youth to “restore hope” to young Canadians.

But Hebert admits “in

spite of- all its efforts the

Canadian government cannot solve the youth unemploy— ment problem.” He pro- motes the creation »of the Ministry of Youth as “a simple and inexpensive way” of restoring hope to young Canadians.

The report calls youth unemployment “a serious social problem” .but con- centrates on the political consequences of such a large group of disaffected voters. A major function of the Ministry of Youth, Hebert writes, is to “make public opinion aware of the pro- blems of youth.” _

Minister of Youth Celine Hervieux-Payette, named January 10, denied her min- istry is an exercise in public relations.

“These are .Senator Hebert’s - views, ' my view is that I have the portfolio,”

' she said. '

“If we were pessimistic enough, to say we were just created to appease youth, I’m not sure I would ‘have taken

the job,” she said. “I 313 a leadership role to pin “I intend to do somethi else than just PR,” she wt She did not elaborate what new programs . ministry would be sponso s “I don’t think the Pzir Minister would have crezrt a ministry just for t pleasure of haying one," s said. V The report said the prim function of the ministry is coordinate 'the “m / generous and often effectir job creation . progra offered by the federal goxe ment. No new job, creati :Will made av able through the ministry. “I will do more than j coordinate the effort of government,” said Payet although such etiordinati was a good place to start addressing youth proble “I' ~have the dollars existing programs and intend to make the best of them,” she said. Payette said more j creation by the Ministry Youth was unlikely beca “if I enlarge the budget job”creation— or youth un ploytnent, I’m taking it somebody else’s pocket." She said the $170 million existing job programs un her jurisdiction is “a g start.” ' ' “The problem is hug she said,/but “I think we do something. ”

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