Letters to The Province, June 25, 2019: Quebec's secularism bill is 'cultural bigotry,' reader argues
"This law introduced by the Quebec government has more to do with promoting traditional French-Canadian culture — white and Catholic," writes Robert Rock
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I have long supported the kind of separation of church and state that was the genius of the U.S. founding fathers. But the secularism bill introduced by the Quebec government is not that — it is just Quebec being its usual elitist self.
I’m not threatened by religious symbols worn by people. I do have my limits on tolerating cultural differences and beliefs when they violate human rights and our secular laws. But this law introduced by the Quebec government has more to do with promoting traditional French-Canadian culture — white and Catholic. It is anti-immigrant, especially anti-Muslim immigration.
This bill is cultural bigotry, especially when its supporters in the Quebec government have said that the crucifix is not a religious object.
Robert Rock, Mission
Quebec bill is un-Canadian
The Toronto Raptors, Canada’s only NBA team, bringing home its first championship was amazing. No doubt celebrating after attending every home game for 24 years was super fan Nav Bhatia — a turban-wearing Sikh man with a heart filled with love for this team and country. What a beautiful symbol to illustrate Canada’s multicultural mosaic.
So it’s disappointing for many Canadians to learn that Quebec has passed Bill-21, stating that no public office may be held by those wearing religious symbols. The bill is a direct affront to Canadian religious freedoms.
“Corrective measures” will be taken against those expressing religious symbols. Does this sound like our Canada? Canada is an inclusive and protecting nation that accepts and celebrates humanity’s differences.
The bill is no way for Canadians — or any human beings — to treat each other.
Osama Sobhi, Calgary
Tory climate plan better
The Conservatives have a proud legacy when it comes to protecting Canada’s natural environment. The policies in Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s recently announced climate action plan will further lower Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions without taking money out of Canadians’ pockets.
It is built on three policies: green technologies, not taxes; a cleaner and greener natural environment; and taking our fight against climate change global. Scheer’s plan is Canada’s best chance to meet Paris targets without a carbon tax.
Dean Clark, Langley
What is Horgan thinking?
Premier John Horgan says British Columbians elected him to oppose the pipeline. Has he not seen the latest poll showing that 60 per cent of British Columbians want the pipeline built — twice as many as those who are against it?
It seems pretty clear that taxpayers want it built and that Horgan is living in a pipe dream.
Al Reimer, Sardis
Doesn’t make sense
Why is it that parents are allowed to build laneway houses to enable their children to obtain an inner-city home and yet parents on an acreage are not allowed to build a home on their farm to accommodate their children and grandchildren?
This seems unfair.
Ruth Enns, Vancouver
Quit blaming others
I’m not surprised that Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart blamed the federal government for the increase in homelessness in the city, even after Ottawa gave $28 million over the last two years to city hall. It’s, “New boss, same as the old boss,” in blaming others for failures in the city.
Both Stewart and former mayor Gregor Robertson have never realized that the more you give street people, the more they take — and then the more they want. It’s a difficult task, but they need to stop playing the blame game.
Hugh Shirreff, Vancouver
Letters to the editor should be sent to sunletters@vancouversun.com. The editorial pages editor is Gordon Clark, who can be reached at gclark@postmedia.com.
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