Lessons for McNeil

Re: N.S. premier wants to `learn' from China, Feb. 16

The function of governments and government leaders is to enact laws that delineate right from wrong. Such power is essential for peace, order, good government, and a civil society. In concluding that it is not Canada's place to challenge China's behaviour, outgoing Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil has demonstrated his lack of fitness to govern and brought his judgment into question. Canadians deserve better leadership than he — or his counterparts in Ottawa — have provided.

Gordon S. Clarry, Rogers, Ark. Contrary to what Nova Scotia Premier McNeil says, it is possible to trade with a country without being sycophantic to its leaders. Thirty-three per cent of Australia's total exports go to China, while Canadian goods to China comprise only four per cent of total exports. Yet Australia has pushed for an investigation into how the coronavirus spread from China and has called for a UN investigation into China's abuse of the Uyghurs. Not so Canada. Michael Wood, Toronto Since when does Canada have anything to learn from the bully in the playground? While I can appreciate embracing cultural ties with China, forming alliances through government is not ideal.

Governments need to make a stand when principles of governance and attitude towards the rights of the individual stand in stark contrast to their own, and for the most part, we differ greatly with regard to the values of this Communist regime.

When we put economics above democratic values, what we effectively say is that human rights violations do not matter.

Instead of suggesting that we should play nice, maybe the outgoing Premier McNeil might like to pack his bags, head for China and teach them the benefits of Canadian values.

Nirosha Rodrigo-Mireault, Vancouver. B.C.