Diversion tactics
The woman refusing to remove her nigab is doing nothing illegal [“Candidates square off in question and answer,” October 7]. She was wearing it when she was allowed to enter Canada and when she sat through her citizenship interview and nothing was said.
Suddenly, it has become a play of the Conservative Party of Canada to shift focus from the important issues of the upcoming federal election: the economy, unemployment, the environment, senate fraud, war, trade deals, veteran and aboriginal problems, refugees, etc. and is engendering fear and racism.
Don’t be fooled. Think of the future of our Canada, so that our children and grandchildren may live in a country that cares for the wellbeing of all its citizens, who will once again be able to hold their heads high throughout the world and be proud to be Canadians, living in a land of real democracy.
Please, think through all of the issues before you vote.
Helen Evans
Manitoba Avenue
Youth vote important
There is much discussion during this federal election campaign about the small numbers of young people who become engaged in the process and vote.
In this school district, I have been impressed with the discussions that are occurring in classrooms at all age levels. As a member of Powell River Voices, a group which encourages and promotes civic literacy, I especially applaud teacher Ryan Barfoot and his students who attended and asked questions at the October 5 all-candidates meeting [“Candidates square off in question and answer,” October 7].
What better age to become engaged and to come to realize that if the future is to be theirs in a way that works for them, they must be an integral part of the process. Teachers and students who think critically and creatively are fundamental to a secure, sustainable future for all of us.
Powell River Voices thanks Barfoot and all of the teachers in this district for their leadership and commitment to “growing” our young people, a wonderful relief to the mantra of “growing our economy.”
Trish Cocksedge
Huntingdon Street
