Of course Canadian culture exists. (Re: Tom Fletcher on Canadian culture, PNR Nov. 16).
That term includes many aspects such as neutrality in international relations, fair laws, freedom of religion, stable financial conditions, social services and pension schemes, respect for political views other than our own and perhaps not least our own history which is that of two cultures: English and French — the latter which were the early pioneers, eventually conquered by the English. We can be proud of our history and traditions.
But life today in Canada has become very trying for many. Our legal system is utterly constipated. The most urgently needed revisions of old laws take forever to be implemented. Law enforcement of all kinds, including that by an undermanned police force is too often too late or non existent.
Our economic policies are overall still based on our many natural resources. However, the oil from the Alberta tar sands is now virtually uneconomical to produce, even if we construct our own refineries. When the factor of global warming is included, it is fatally dangerous to continue producing it. Industry everywhere is turning to other power sources.
Our education system turns out dismally few skilled workers and technicians; we import huge numbers of these from abroad.
One point Fletcher is quite wrong about: The CBC has lately had its financial support severely cut, not increased. It is the advertising that has increased. The possibility that the CBC will disappear is now a distinct likelihood. Many programmes increasingly leave so little for the mind. The quality of English has declined steeply. Mr. Harper sacked our wonderful CBC symphony orchestra several years ago.
Few of these problems are easy nor quick to solve, but with patience we will overcome them.
We need inspiring leadership. For a start it would be most encouraging if our new PM will implement some of his promises. This will mean far more than words. At the top of the list should be the introduction of proportional representation.
Hans Edwards, North Saanich
