Tag: Fred Barter

Whistler's Answers

Whistler’s Answers: November 28, 1985Whistler’s Answers: November 28, 1985

November 28, 2024 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.

Some context for this week’s question: In 1985, the MacDonald Commission report on the possibility of bilateral free-trade with the United States suggested that Canada should pursue more open trade agreements. This was supported by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and trade negotiations began in the spring of 1986. The Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 1989 and was later replaced by the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994.

Question: Are you for or against free trade with the United States?

Fred Barter – Auto Sales – Emerald Estates

I know it would give Canadian consumers more choice. We’re just as capable of putting out quality work and competing. I think we’re strong enough to hold on to the culture we do have. The Auto Pact is an example of what can be done by negotiators who know what they’re doing. It’s created an awful lot of new jobs for Canadians.

Gary Raymond – Executive – Whistler Cay Heights

I do support free trade. Most people look at it as taking away Canadian business, but I see it as opening up an incredibly large market for Canadian goods. The favourable exchange rate will still be there. We may have higher labour costs than the US but you can discount costs here by 37 per cent.

Diane Eby – Alderman – Whistler Cay Heights

Without having researched it, I would say it’s not a good move for employment in Canada. We can’t keep enough people working as it is. I think we would be cutting our own throats. I don’t there would be any loss of Canadian culture. We can’t be any more Americanized. Culture transcends the border as it is, but economically free trade could be less than hoped for.

Whistler's Answers

Whistler’s Answers: December 15, 1983Whistler’s Answers: December 15, 1983

December 15, 2022 Whistler Museum 0 Comments

In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1983. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.

Some context for this week’s question: The Council elected in 1982 was the first to be led by someone other than Pat Carleton (Mark Angus was elected as Mayor) and had only one councillor who had previously served on Council (Terry Rodgers joined Council in February 1982, ahead of the election, to fill the seat left vacant by Al Raine and Mark Angus had previously served as a councillor). The Council was faced with a major recession and a struggling Whistler Village Land Company, as well as the more usual business of running a municipality. Some of their decisions, such as the decision to charge fees to use the trails around Lost Lake, were controversial while others, such as the decision to open meetings to the public, were generally welcomed. To see some of the issues that appeared during the first year, take a look back through the Whistler’s Answers of 1983.

Question: What do you think of Council’s first year in office?

Fred Barter – Businessman – Emerald Estates

I think they’ve done an excellent job under the circumstances. If any council is perfect I’d like to meet them. There’s always room for criticism and improvement.

Ruth Peterson – Housewife – Whistler Cay

Committee of the whole being open is a tremendous step. If you know the background of issues it makes a tremendous difference because input before a public hearing is very important. I have had a lot of differences with council, but it’s a matter of opinion. This council inherited a legacy which has limited things because the land company went down the drain under the previous council.

Drew Meredith – Executive Director, Whistler Resort Association

Under the unsettled circumstances surrounding Whistler I think they have done a reasonable job. My perception is, however, that council has not communicated enough amongst themselves on longer term issues.