Ford’s cuts a threat to our social fabric

Re Tories reviewing program funding, Dec. 15

We must put a stop to planned cuts to the Indigenous Culture Fund. The allocation of this funding is not about a single government’s perception of value to the taxpayer. I wonder if Ontarians realize that to make cuts to this program is to consciously engage in an ongoing cultural genocide against Indigenous peoples?

Created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the fund is a small contribution that we make to help address the economic inequity that exists between Indigenous nations and descendents of colonizing nations who have benefitted financially over time from an unbalanced interpretation of the treaties.

Projects such as the digitizing of elders’ stories and language are known to hold the key to the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual health of future generations.

Based on this awareness, we call upon the provincial government to reconsider its ill-informed decision with a full understanding of this powerful moment in our history.

Catherine Hunt, Toronto Premier Doug Ford, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) is an independent officer of the legislature who reports on government progress on climate change, energy and other environmental issues. The ECO is a “watchdog” and champion of Ontarians’ environmental rights. We are not seeing a comfortable level of appreciation for our environment from you, especially regarding Bill 66, which does not bode well for our beautiful lakes and our Greenbelt. You promised in your campaign that you would “protect the Greenbelt in its entirety.”

So, why would you do away with such an important office? Ontario citizens would like an answer.

Donna Deneault, Stouffville