On genocide and China

Re: Refusal to say ‘genocide’ should bring disgust, Terry Glavin; and Time for a ‘don’t buy China’ campaign, Kelly McParland, both Feb. 18 Justin Trudeau insists that “genocide” is an extremely loaded term and that Canada needs to be cautious and undertake more study before we apply it to the treatment of the Uyghurs by the Chinese Communist Party dictators in Beijing. This is the same Justin Trudeau who had no hesitation to label Canada's admittedly racist and shoddy treatment of Indigenous peoples as a genocide.

One might accept that the prime minister's caution in labelling the Chinese treatment of the Uyghurs a genocide is out of concern for the treatment of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who remain hostages of the Beijing thugs. But two years of attempting to curry favour with the CPC has done nothing to help the two Michaels while Meng Wanzhou wanders Vancouver at will awaiting the outcome of her case.

Speaking the truth to power matters. “Hypocrisy” is a loaded term, too. But in the case of Justin Trudeau it appears to apply.

Paul Clarry, Aurora, Ont.

Thank you Mr. McParland. My first question before buying anything is “Where is it made?” I have taken this stance for several years now because of China's complete disregard for shark, rhino and tiger survival. But let's go one step farther. Can we get someone who is familiar with social media to start a movement to boycott the CBC, CTV, TSN, SN, etc. if they broadcast the Olympics from China? If enough people sign on, so that advertisers pull out, China will hurt in several ways. Let's do what the Liberals don't have the courage to do.

Larry Baswick, Stratford, Ont.