Editor:
In the Outlook article “MP responds to Idle No More protests,” MP Blake Richards is quoted as saying “certainly there does seem to be some confusion about the subject matter and definitely some misunderstanding of what is contained in Bill C-45.”
This statement is somewhat ironic given that the subject matter was buried in a massive omnibus bill, resulting in an absence of opportunity for reasoned discussion and debate of the issues. Stephen Harper spoke quite eloquently and forcefully against omnibus bills as being “undemocratic,” when he was in opposition.
For those who do take the time to find the relevant sections within C-45, it is quite clear that the bill does remove significant environmental protections, especially for the aquatic environment. In addition, it appears Canadians have lost the right to paddle most Canadian rivers – we may be permitted to paddle, but we have lost the right to paddle. Plus, of course, there are the numerous First Nations issues raised by Idle No More.
I would suggest that the blame for “some confusion about the subject matter and definitely some misunderstanding” lies with the Harper government, not with those seeking opportunity for reasoned discussion.
Jess Harding,
Banff
