SPEAKING OF MAXIME BERNIER ...
Re: I recognize this is a risky enterprise, Maxime Bernier op-ed, Sept. 1
I happen to agree with every word Maxime Bernier wrote in his op-ed. But if he wants to see what lies ahead of him to break the political mould, he need look no further than our neighbour to the south. Somehow I don’t think enough Canadians will have the stomach for that. If he was really smart, he would have sat back quietly and watched Donald Trump dismantle the dairy supply management system for him.
Marc Fuss, Thornhill, Ont.
Re: Bernier rejects Trudeau’s ‘radical multiculturalism,’ Aug. 14
I was somewhat dismayed at the media and public response to Maxime Bernier’s recent tweets regarding multiculturalism and diversity. I found his comments to be balanced, refreshing and insightful — though perhaps not considered to be politically correct in today’s rather toxic social environment.
Bernier tweeted that “Canada is a huge and diverse country” and that “this diversity is part of us and should be celebrated.” However, he expressed the belief that we should also promote and celebrate that which we hold in common as a people, as Canadians — i.e. “our cultural traditions, what we have built and have in common, what makes us different from other cultures and societies … Something infinitely diverse has no core identity and ceases to exist.”
I did not find Bernier’s statements to be threatening, racist or xenophobic in the least.
I have been taught that in its broadest sense, culture is that which defines us as a people; it is the glue that holds society together. Culture reflects our fundamental principles, informs the “rule of law” and underpins societies’ governance models and facilitates their functioning.
A wise man once instructed me that “keeping and doing things in balance is the best means of ensuring a successful and happy life.” I have come to believe this to be good advice (though not always heeded), not only at the individual level but perhaps also at the level of our larger society.
To me, Mr. Bernier is suggesting we should strive to keep things in balance; i.e. respect and celebrate our diverse nature as a country while simultaneously nurturing and celebrating our shared culture as a people — as Canadians. Sage advice, I tend to believe — especially in these times when political campaigns too often promote “identity politics” as a wedge issue. This tends to divide, rather than unite us as a people, at a time when national unity is so imperative.
Paul Daigle, Moncton, N.B.