Yearly Archives: 2006
Ignatieff is ideal Liberal
Letter to the Editor of the Globe and Mail (Toronto), 12 October 2006 As Michael Ignatieff scrambles to be all things to all people, courting both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict, we should assess his behaviour in light of the Liberal party’s history. In the 1890s, Laurier waffled over the Manitoba Schools Question, simultaneously pandering … Continue reading
BC Experience shows failure of P3s
Published in Lower Island News (Victoria), October 2006 So the BC Experience has gone “belly up.” Big surprise. Campbell’s giveaway to CFAX millionaire Mel Cooper has left both the City of Victoria and BC government on the hook for uncollected expenses, along with 226 other unsecured creditors. Too bad the political will doesn’t exist to … Continue reading
Congratulation to Quadra-Hillside residents
Letter to the Editor for Hillside-Quadra Community News (Victoria), April 2006 I am writing to congratulate residents of Hillside-Quadra on their efforts to establish a community garden. For years, neighbourhood residents have lobbied public officials to make land available for this important community use. The efforts of PATH (Promoting Action Toward Health) and NAG (Neighbourhood … Continue reading
Understanding needed in Middle East
Letter to the Editor published in the Victoria Times Colonist, 20 March 2006 I feel compelled to respond to an inflammatory headline in your newspaper (‘Terrorist Palestinian leader talks of Israeli peace deal’, March 18). Ismail Haniyeh is the democratically elected leader of the Palestinian people. While I may not agree with his theological approach … Continue reading
Why we need a new CRD electoral coalition
Published in Lower Island News (Victoria), March 2006 Democratic socialists and progressive allies in Greater Victoria have achieved strong representation in provincial and federal politics. At the municipal level, however, right-of-centre politicians dominate public office in the Capital Regional District. The result is inaction in the face of urban sprawl and growing inequality, which conflicts … Continue reading
Fernwood groups fill gap
Letter to the Editor published in the Victoria Times Colonist, 3 February 2006 As a Fernwood resident and parent, I applaud the majority of Victoria city councilors who approved funding for the Fernwood Community Association and Fernwood Community Centre Society. Contrary to the opinions of this newspaper, both groups serve an essential role in our city … Continue reading
Vote ‘Yes’ for CFS
Letter to the Editor published in The Brunswickan (Fredericton), 30 January 2006 Later this month, grad students will have the opportunity to join the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). I firmly believe it is in their best interests to vote a resounding ‘Yes.’ The CFS represents students at universities and colleges across Canada, both graduate and … Continue reading
Stand up to Bear Mountain
Published in Lower Island News (Victoria), December 2006 Earlier this year, I wrote about the need for progressives throughout the CRD to organize a regional force for change. This need was clearly demonstrated in November 2006, when the Bear Mountain Development Group provoked an ugly confrontation with local First Nations. This dispute centred around a … Continue reading »