The election process of one of the most developed, wealthiest countries in the world has been hijacked by the Niqab — a scarf that covers the head and the lower face.
There are two women who wish to wear them during the citizenship ceremony. They have agreed to remove them beforehand for identification. Because of this a $12 million tip line will be set up so the neighbours can report “barbaric practices”. Is this the kind of issue that we should elect a government on?
We have real problems to deal with.
One in 10 children is living in poverty.
Over 800,000 Canadians depend on food banks daily, mostly due to low incomes.
There are an estimated 150,000 homeless people in Canada.
We have sold $15 billion in tanks to Saudi Arabia — a country that beheads protesters. We claim they are not weapons or arms.
We have just signed the TPP — but we haven’t been told the conditions. It seems that dairy and poultry producers might lose because of competition but not to worry — taxpayers will ante up $4.3 billion in compensation to make up for the loss. I would like an economist to explain that to me!
Are workers here prepared to take pay cuts or lose benefits so that we can compete with countries who have lower standards than we do and pay less? It is a great deal for corporations!
We will be experiencing serious problems due to climate change. Is anyone discussing this? Are we all in denial?
There are many issues — health care, education, transportation, food security. This Niqab business as an election issue is just plain silly.
Vote — but think before you vote!
Trudy Thorgeirson
Duncan