What about anti-Muslim sentiments in Quebec?
In the aftermath of the deadly mosque shooting in Quebec, student colleagues at Laval University said the accused gunman was a Quebec nationalist who supported the immigration policies of Marine Le Pen, the populist presidential candidate in France’s upcoming elections.
Some in the media suggest the immigration ban from seven predominantly Muslim countries recently authorized by the new administration in Washington may have played a part in the gunman’s planning.
Haven’t seen much comment on policies of successive Quebec provincial governments, but polls show that mistrust of Muslims in la belle province is about double that of the rest of Canada.
In 2010, the Quebec Liberal government of Jean Charest tabled Bill 94 to have women remove veils if working or doing business in government offices. When the Parti Quebecois won a minority government under Pauline Marois in 2012, they went a step further and tried to introduce the Quebec charter of values to remove so-called “ostentatious" religious symbols. Hijab scarves and niqab veils were the real bone of contention behind the proposed charter. During the federal election in 2015, Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper used the niqab debate as a wedge issue to try to curry favour in Quebec.
Before pointing fingers at populist leaders in Europe and the U.S., maybe a little review of Canadian politicians would be in order. Bernie Smith, Parksville
Kids’ needs worth funding
I found that two recent Province stories stirred up strong emotions.
One was in regards to the death of the toddler in a daycare at Vancouver, and the second was about five-year-old Kaylee Rivard, who was unable to access timely speech therapy.
Why does our government continue to treat our children like second-class citizens? Why do we pour money into reviving people addicted to drugs when we will not give our children that same consideration?
This short-sighted attitude by our government will ensure we never run out of people struggling with addictions, as these children, who have struggled without appropriate supports, continue to struggle as adults with low self-esteem. Barb Collin, Vancouver
Where will they live?
With the foreign-buyers tax exemption to encourage more people to come, the question is, where are they going to live in overpopulated Metro Vancouver? Maybe in the premier’s Kelowna riding. Ted Butler, Vancouver
Society relies on mining
Perhaps op-ed writer and environmental activist Nikki Skuce should do a Google search to educate herself on the importance of mining not only here in B.C., but around the world.
Should we do without copper, which carries every watt of power on the planet? How about gold, which is used in every device from medical diagnostic equipment to cellphones, computers and satellites?
It’s unfortunate that all mining can’t take place 100 miles into the backcountry where no one can see or hear it, but no mining operation gets the luxury of choosing where to find minerals. Mining is hard work, very expensive and often a huge risk for those that undertake it.
The benefits to society are immeasurable, so perhaps some research and quiet time in reflection would help Skuce to understand why mining shouldn’t be looked upon as a scourge on our landscape. David Kobsey, Kamloops