BC FORUM Members in Action!

BC FORUM member Mildred Canessa notes this letter was sent to newspapers in Langley, Burnaby, the Sun and Province newspapers. The letter was printed in the July 15 edition of the Langley Times.

Corporations have too much policy influence

July 10, 2009

TO THE EDITOR

While reviewing files kept over the years, I came across a copy of a letter to the editor in the May 14, 2004 Langley Advance from BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, who was responding to a citizen’s complaint that unions were a source of the province’s economic downturn.

On reflection, I agree with Sinclair’s comments in that letter, and am of the opinion that they are as true in 2009 as they were in 2004. He said, and I quote, “The erosion of democracy, increasing inequality, and decline in voter participation that we see in BC and Canada today are directly related to the growing influence of corporations on our elected leaders.”

I am deeply concerned for the future of Canada as a nation, as well as that of my grandchildren and future generations. Will Canada and British Columbia still be the “the best place on earth” once provincial and federal governments, complete the privatization and giveaway of Canada’s resources and sovereignty, through globalization, NAFTA, TILMA and the SPP?

Will governments continue to provide Canadians access to publicly funded programs such as healthcare, pensions, homecare, affordable housing, etc? Or will such programs be available only through profit-motivated corporations?

It’s something to think about!

Millie Canessa

Langley, BC