Dear Editor:
Mr. Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament: Recently, many MPs in the House of Commons stood to vote 159 times on the 700 plus amendments to the devastating omnibus C-38. Despite what Conservatives are saying, this wasn't a political stunt and it wasn't a political game.
Hundreds of amendments were proposed to stop Prime Minister Harper's attempt to hide changes to over 70 laws under the guise of an omnibus budget bill. Yet the Conservative majority refused to accept a single amendment, ignoring the purpose of a parliamentary system and the wishes of Canadians.
Tens of thousands of Canadians joined in the fight to stop Bill C-38: former federal fisheries ministers, advocacy groups, scientists, environmentalists, seniors advocates, unions and opposition parties taking a stand, signing petitions, making calls, writing letters and attending rallies.
In many ways, public activism rivalled that seen only during elections! More than 37,000 signed a Green Party petition, and there were thousands of likes and shares on Facebook. That support helped to spread the word and make sure that people across the country knew that the Harper Conservatives are playing fast and loose with democracy.
This fight is not over. Now more than ever I will keep up the pressure - I will keep writing my MP, John Weston. I'm 79, but I will keep sending letters to the editor, and continue to promote intelligent activism.
I will continue to press my MP to step up and speak out. We need all Conservative MPs to start standing up for their constituents.
I hope you, Mr. Van Loan, will realize the depth of my concern for the way in which the Conservatives treated those of us who are in opposition to your method of governing. You do not have a divine right to govern. You do have an obligation and duty to listen to all citizens, and their representatives in Canada. You did not have a specific mandate to change and augment laws that I believe to be fundamental to the future of Canada.
When Canadians realize the perfidy that your government has perpetrated on our country, you will lose their confidence.
Gordi Moore West Vancouver
