Loud and proud
I very seldom write down my thoughts, let alone post them on social media or write a letter to the editor, but I am so annoyed at the Peak and the last editorial [“Editorial: Colonization 150,” June 28].
We live in an incredibly blessed and awesome country that just happens to be celebrating its 150th birthday. Could the newspaper just rejoice and be happy?
Interview people who have fought for our freedom, or families who have waited years to come to this country. We have had the privilege of hosting students from Korea and Japan over the last two years. They come from cities with 20 million people living in them and are overwhelmed by the beauty of our country and our people; all of our people.
I have relatives in the United States who will not be tested for an inheritable disease in case it comes back positive; their health care would be cancelled immediately. I have been to Malawi and saw the effects of AIDS and no medical care.
On Saturday, July 1, myself and my family will be singing loudly and proudly as we remember how so very fortunate we are to live here.
Sharon Wright
Tanner Avenue
Compensation corrects injustice
When I read the front page of the Peak [“Viewpoint: The last 150 years of Tla’amin,” June 28], I was so angry. I know what our ancestors did to the indigenous people 133 years ago was unspeakable and we are sorry.
From 1872 until 1889, Israel W. Powell was the superintendent of Indian affairs in BC, but it was the Canadian government and churches in 1884 that set up residential schools, which were closed in 1996.
In 2007, the federal government formalized a $1.9 billion compensation package for those who were forced to attend residential schools, and a number of churches and former prime minister Stephen Harper have offered formal apologies. I don’t know what more we can do.
Our city, regional district and school district are trying to correct this injustice as best they can by changing street names and now the name of the regional district.
They have also honoured the Tla’amin people at events such as Kathaumixw, Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy and many others. Our last two mayors have done everything they can to bring us together.
It is Drew (Kespahl from Tishosem) Blaney’s right not to celebrate Canada 150 with the people of Powell River. I hope this is not the feeling of all the Tla’amin Nation people and that we can move forward for a greater Canada.
I also think this article should have been where all the Viewpoint articles are printed inside the paper with a more positive article on celebrating Canada’s 150 years on the front page.
Lorna Clark
Ontario Avenue
Spoiled voyage
Recently, while I was visiting Powell River, my friend suggested we take the new ferry to Comox as I had never been to Vancouver Island; we made the trip on Friday, June 23.
The weather was beautiful and the scenery amazing. The downside to the experience happened on the 3:15 pm return trip.
We were on the passenger deck and when it was time to go back to the car, we waited at the elevator for at least 10 minutes without one coming. My friend finally located a staff person to ask if there was a problem and we were told both elevators were out of service and we would have to take the stairs.
We are both seniors and have disabilities, which make stairs difficult. The staff person said, if needed, we could be assisted, and then she left and did not return.
No staff members were at the top or bottom of the stairs to assist. We eventually made it to the lower level without any assistance.
This incident spoiled my first voyage on the Salish Orca. I was surprised and disappointed there was no announcement about the out-of-service elevators prior to docking, no staff available to assist at the stairs (top and bottom) and that staff are not trained to be more helpful and compassionate during unforeseen circumstances.
Also, there were passengers with canes and one can only imagine the difficulty they had going down the narrow and steep stairs without any assistance from staff.
When I return to Powell River in future, I will not be taking the “new, modern” ferry. It is inconceivable that measures are not in place for such incidents.
I am voicing this complaint in hopes the powers that be will come up with and implement alternate solutions to all types of these scenarios should they arise again.
Gil Brereton
Ajax, Ontario
Carbon conflict
I was not aware that City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa is a spokesperson for Catalyst Paper [“Proposed carbon tax hike concerns mayor,” June 28]. Is he in a position of conflict of interest?
Formosa appears to have a crystal ball on what will happen to the paper company if the carbon tax is raised. Catalyst has not commented as they are obviously waiting to see the entire picture.
Formosa must have forgotten that the BC Liberals under Gordon Campbell initiated the carbon tax and in doing so increased costs for school boards and municipalities for many years and downloaded numerous extra costs/fees on them and the taxpayers.
Formosa has been on the Liberals' bandwagon for years, so it is no wonder he has nothing good or fair to say about any policies of different political parties.
You might notice he doesn’t say anything about the games and extra costs Christy Clark and the Liberals inflicted on taxpayers with the charade they played to pathetically and desperately hang on to power. Thankfully, after 16 years of lies and deceit, the Liberals are on their way out.
I’m sure the mayor has gnashed his teeth and shed many tears over this situation. Now maybe he can go away and lick his wounds instead of forecasting the future.
Hopefully he can accept there is a more progressive government in Victoria that will represent all residents of BC, not just his corporate friends.
I hope residents of Powell River take his pronouncements and comments with a grain of salt going forward.
Chris Merrick
Campbell River
