Should we cut Morneau some slack?
Re Morneau backlash sign of greater ills, Opinion, Oct. 24 Ian Urquhart’s column on the frenzy regarding Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s missteps is an important wakeup call to Canadians. While the press and the public must hold politicians accountable for their actions, the ever-escalating, vitriolic attacks on our elected representatives of all stripes, and occasionally their families, have certainly become a deterrent to encouraging the best and brightest of our society from running for office. These are the very people we need to deal with the increasingly complex problems facing Canada and the world.
As a young man, I used to think that running for office was one of society’s highest callings. Today, I’m not sure why anyone would want to expose themselves and their families to this level of public abuse.
It is not a simple problem to solve. The harsh economic realities confronting all forms of media appear to drive more editorial extremes in the search for readers, clicks and ratings. However, it could start with politicians moderating the tone of their attacks on opponents and setting the example for the good of our country. Gary Shaffran, Markham
Ian Urquhart’s column was spot on. I wondered why the ethics commissioner would suggest Bill Morneau didn’t need a blind trust, as it seemed obvious to me, especially given his post as finance minister. The opposition parties should have been going after her for the mistake rather than Mr. Morneau.
Let’s get back to working for Canada rather than the continued quibbling. Chris D. Andrews, Woodbridge
Re Morneau ends rough week on a testy note,
Oct. 21 Whether or not Bill Morneau’s holdings are put into a blind trust, the real ethical failure is his unwillingness to go after the rich and powerful.
His decision to raise revenues by going after small businesses instead of tackling the much larger potential revenues available by closing the loopholes and shelters used by his buddies speaks volumes about his real priorities.
This is not about optics but rather about a finance minister who doesn’t believe his job is tax fairness for Canadians or economic growth that benefits people other than the very rich. Had he been a Conservative, you would have raked him over hot coals for his betrayal of Canadian values. Why are you treating him with kid gloves ? Gary Dale, Toronto