2 weeks Ago By Montreal Gazette
Article content Re: “ Voters, candidates decry chaotic EMSB elections registration process ” (The Gazette, Oct. 23) For some people, trying to register to vote in the school board elections was more than “difficult”; it was impossible. My two adult sons — first-time English Montreal School Board voters — encountered a wait of several hours to register at the single site available for voter-list revisions, after travelling several kilometres to get there.
At midnight, they gave up. If the EMSB hopes to continue to serve as a voice of the English-speaking community, we must vote. And to vote, we must have access.
Ways must be found to ensure that all who want to make their voices heard on Nov. 3 can vote. Under the circumstances, no one should blame indifference if voter turnout is poor on election day.
Patricia Riley, Westmount In recent years, we have seen a greater social awareness as Canadians toward diversity and inclusion. Why is it, then, that we continue to allow the sale of Halloween costumes that mock people with disabilities and reduce them to a punchline? One notable example is the “blind referee” costume, which includes dark sunglasses and a fake white cane. This trivializes and mocks the experiences of those who are blind or have low vision by reducing it to a joke.
This in turn reinforces damaging misconceptions and further marginalizes a group of individuals already facing significant challenges. It is crucial to consider the broader social impact and the message that certain costumes can send, particularly when they perpetuate harmful stereotypes or stigmas. Just as words can be harmful, imagery has the same impact.
There are many creative and fun costume options that don’t involve mocking marginalized groups. I urge retailers to cease the sale of any costumes characterizing disability and ask that Canadians do not buy costumes that make fun of people with disabilities. It’s 2024, and we are better than that.
Keya Osborne, director of disability justice, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) Re: “ Ministry suspends licences of 11 teachers at Bedford school as Legault vows to reinforce secularism rules ” (The Gazette, Oct. 22) In the reaction surrounding the controversy at Bedford school, Premier François Legault is quoted as saying: “All of Quebec must defend the secular choices of our public institutions.” While I do not condone what reportedly has gone on at that school, I wonder whether defending the secular choices of our public institutions also means provincial government offices — always closed in celebration of the Christmas and Easter holidays — will be forced to stay open on those days, with employees at work, in keeping with our secular state.
Allen Rubin, Westmount Anybody who does not support the preservation of the Fairview Forest in Pointe-Claire should drive past in the sunshine one day soon. The trees provide a magnificent display of beautiful fall colours. With the destruction of the forest, this would be lost for future generations.
We need all the support we can get to lift our spirits at this time in the world. David Garforth, Pointe-Claire Re: “ Men keep waging war. It’s high time for more women to lead the world ” (Clifford Lincoln, Oct.
20) Clifford Lincoln continues to inform and enlighten, whether his topic is local or, as was his latest Gazette piece, international. His views always reflect his keen intelligence, breadth and depth of reasoning, strong and consistent values, along with a sense of compassion for all. Inevitably, I gain a new insight, a fresh take on a familiar topic from his wide knowledge and worldly experience.
If only someone of Lincoln’s stature, wisdom and leadership qualities were available to take the helm of this country. I believe we are sorely missing leaders who act on their convictions based on a sense of honour. I hope Lincoln keeps adding his voice to the public discussion on so many important issues of the day.
Goldie Olszynko, Mile End Re: “ CBC president Catherine Tait billed for $1,000-a-night hotel to attend Paris Olympics ” (NP Montreal, Oct. 21) CBC president Catherine Tait was in Paris in a working role. She should be congratulated — not criticized — for her modest expenses in a city like Paris during an international event like the Olympics.
Joan Hopkins, Ville-Marie Re: “ Quebecers merit a better shot at income mobility ” (Opinion, Oct. 17) Gabriel Giguère and Vincent Geloso of the Montreal Economic Institute argue that Quebec’s high tax rate, due to high government spending, and overregulation of occupations hold back low-income Quebecers from improving their situation. However, many low-income Quebecers, if they claim all their tax credits, including the solidarity tax credit, pay little or no tax.
And Quebec’s free CEGEP education, comparatively low-tuition university education and cheap child care clearly promote opportunity. As for overregulation of occupations, Giguère and Geloso cite the example of construction workers. Yet would we want to live or work in buildings constructed by unqualified workers? They also refer to Alberta offering greater upward mobility than Quebec.
However, Albertans can make good money doing certain jobs in the oil and gas industry, an option not widely available in Quebec. It seems to me that Quebec’s policies are well adapted to the situation here. Robert Hajaly, Montreal Submitting a letter to the editor Letters should be sent by email to letters@montrealgazette.
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