‘Nadir of democracy in Canada’
Re: Calls heard for both retaliation and hostage deal, June 25
Shocked and dismayed.
I could use harsher words.
I have just read a news item that reports that several prominent Canadians have penned a letter requesting the government of Canada cancel the present extradition process that is underway with the U. S. A. concerning a Huawei executive.
In other words, cave to the bullying of a communistic, totalitarian state and betray our friend, neighbour, largest trading partner, and a democratic state.
First, I could not believe what I was reading. Then it sunk in. Some prominent Canadians are willing to throw in the towel for a legitimate lawful process already underway, to have a leading Chinese corporate executive go scot free. They have bowed to the bullying of a country whose government breaks international law (South China Sea), has citizens with whom they disagree disappear without due process ( critics of the Wuhan virus outbreak), imprisons minorities without due process ( Uyghurs), violates an undertaking regarding Hong Kong, and conducts a surveillance state with one-party rule.
Second, I thought Canada believed in the rule of law. Canada is presently following it, with even a Canadian court ruling on the legitimacy of the process.
Third, do you think such actions would be deemed appropriate by any U. S. government, Democratic or Republican? This could and likely would be viewed as a very hostile act by Canada. Those who penned the letter had the gall to associate this with Canada’s position on the war in Iraq. Need I remind them that there was no treaty involved or violation of an existing legal process concerning Canada’s position on the Iraq War.
Fourth, to think we have prominent Canadians who are prepared to abuse the rule of law, succumb to the bully tactics of a Communist state, and abuse our neighbour, a democratic state and our largest trading partner, marks the nadir of democracy in Canada.
As one Canadian who has politically served this country, I reject the contents of this letter and call on the government of Canada, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast to coast, to reject it as well.
Honourable A. Brian Peckford, Parksville, B. C. ( former premier of Newfoundland)