Transit-fare hikes a capitalist attack on the ‘marginalized’
Transit-users facing a fare hike July 1 are often unemployed, low-wage earners, students, seniors or people with disabilities. The fare increase can be viewed as a form of oppression of these marginalized people, who require transit to go to and from work, school, medical appointments or to buy groceries.
They’ll soon have to pay more for what, it could be argued, is an essential service. This is capitalism at its finest, creating a class gap through mobility and taking more from individuals who put in gruelling days to support themselves and their families.
Transit is also far better on the environment than driving a vehicle, which is another reason why transit fares shouldn’t rise. Social justice and community health issues must be taken into account. Capitalist ideals need to “take a back seat on the bus.” Jessica Wozniak, Surrey Pet ban a bad idea The proposed ban on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by Vancouver pet stores is another “brilliant idea” from city hall.
Such a ban would only increase the sale of diseased, inbred animals from illegal breeders.
The best option is to adopt, but there’s a lack of access to SPCA animals.
Rather than completely ban sales, city council should set standards. Better yet, let’s have a civic election to bring in a party that puts the city first. Svee Bains, Vancouver
Some languages favoured
I agree there should be bilingual signage for all businesses in Canada, as English and French are our official languages. I also believe that all new immigrants should at least learn basic English once they become citizens.
But I feel there’s a bit of a double standard when it comes to foreign-language usage in Canada.
We seem to embrace some ethnic groups, such as the Italian, Greek or Spanish communities, and when there is signage in those languages people seem to find it “exotic,” but languages like Chinese, Korean, Punjabi or Farsi, some people find those annoying and not ‘Canadian.’ Lappong Ma, Pitt Meadows Multi-sport kids are best
In response to Garfield Pennington’s letter of June 7, Kids Need to Play More, I couldn’t agree more. The state of physical fitness in our youth has been progressively declining for a number of years.
I’ve been involved in sport and sport administration in my community for many years.
I have also observed a move away from what was considered normal, everyday play to less-active lifestyles for our children. It’s related to a de-emphasis on the importance of being physically fit at an early age, let alone later life.
As a consequence, the development of fundamental movement skills, such as running, jumping, kicking, throwing, balance, co-ordination and body equilibrium, have been sacrificed. These skills are central to developing an active-for-life philosophy, as well as being properly prepared for entry into sport.
I support a multi-sport approach to children’s development. Not only is it healthier, but they also become better adjusted and it encourages them to participate in physical activities long term.
Wayne Gretzky and Steve Nash have expressed similar thoughts. Len Stroh, Delta