Oliver doesn’t speak for me

Re: A eulogy For U. S. Ties, Dec. 1

It continues to amaze me when politicians like Joe Oliver so casually claim to know “the views of most Canadians” and to be so intimately familiar with “our core values” that they can condemn statements by others as “inimical to our national interests.”

Oliver’s condemnation of Justin Trudeau’s comments following Fidel Castro’s death toes the party l ine of Cuban exiles that Castro was responsible for “ghastly crimes against humanity.” Canada’s view of and relationship with Cuba has always been far more complex than the American experience, which has become the ubiquitous social media howl. Canadian tourists continue to flock to Cuba and most I know speak fondly of the Cuban people.

Many tourists I know would bring particular items like running shoes, blue jeans or even chewing gum to give to Cubans. The hobbling of Cuba’s economy cannot solely be blamed on Castro, as the decades- long American embargo certainly played its part. There was never a national cry in this country for our government to stop dealing with Cuba; on the contrary, most Canadians I know believed our relationship with the country was more balanced and sensible than America’s official antagonism.

It’s time for politicians like Oliver and others to stop simplifying our views, values and interests.

Paul Rose, Richmond Hill, Ont.