Liberal promises must lead to action

Re Trudeau must match words with deeds, Editorial, Sept. 23 I would like to thank the Toronto Star for not only stressing the content of our Prime Minister’s speech to the United Nations, but also pointing out clearly that the promises of this government in regards to our Indigenous peoples have not yet been met.

As middle-class white Canadians of European backgrounds, my husband and I have despaired over our country’s history with the Indigenous populations, the first settlers of this vast continent. We feel extremely helpless and anxious in the face of the repercussions of residential schools on generations of families; the fact that so many communities do not have potable drinking water and that our government does not give equalized payments to Indigenous youth for their education.

We voted for this government precisely because they promised to change the shameful habit of ignoring the needs and demands of our Indigenous communities and we have been truly disappointed in the lack of progress on files such as the inquiry into the missing and murdered Indigenous women, the lack of housing, of water, of hope.

We are disgusted by the fact that the government would rather spend our money fighting court orders than implementing them.

We are aware that there are some communities that are thriving, that have increased their standard of living and are doing well. But there are not enough of them, as is reflected in the suicides of young people who feel there is no hope for their future.

I have been clear with the Liberal Party, which seeks our support both financially and electorally, that they will not get either until we see some movement on these files.

We pray that the UN speech was sincere, but until we see the proof, we can only help support our Indigenous peoples through charities and emotional support. June Mewhort, Woodville, Ont.