Papal fallibility

Re: A message for Pope Francis by Paul Driessen, April 28 I think it would be best to let Pope Francis speak for himself rather than prejudge his position in stating “the encyclical will likely present global warming as a “critical moral issue” and increase pressure for a new climate treaty.” Furthermore, such rhetoric as “it would be a needless tragedy — an unconscionable crime against humanity — if the world implemented policies to protect the world’s still impoverished and energy-deprived masses from hypothetical man-made climate dangers....”

Really? A crime against humanity? Let’s have some sensibility. Perhaps, all sides in this important debate can find some common ground, or a middle path upon which to proceed. Let’s welcome more objective scientific inquiry, debate and deep thought on the issue from important institutions like the Church rather than prejudging the outcome and limiting inquiry.

Gordon Akum, Toronto

Women wanted

Re: Corporate harassment, from exec compensation to diversity by Terence Corcoran, April 28 Thank you, Terence Corcoran, for sounding the alarm bell on the shocking rise of the issue of gender diversity on the corporate agenda. I am relieved — thought it was referring to the other form of harassment so I was encouraged to read on! Apparently, companies across Canada are being harassed to abandon the status quo and jump on the diversity bandwagon. To make matters worse, company CEOS are talking at annual meetings about the value of a diverse workplace to their employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

What’s coming next? The end of civilization as we know it?

Canadians are proud of our diversity in all its forms. This leads to diversity of thought which is encouraged by bringing people of different genders, ethnic backgrounds and others together to work towards a common purpose. We have made progress but the reality is 17.1 per cent of board seats are held by women — too low considering the large pool of untapped qualified women.

As a mother of two sons and as the granddaughter of immigrants, I hope that soon our management teams, executive teams and boards of directors will be comprised of men and women in equal numbers with our rich cultural mosaic well-represented. In the meantime, I can applaud the companies that are embracing diversity and are talking about the specific actions they are undertaking at their annual meetings. Harassment? I don’t think so?