Re: A Rights Commissioner Who Never Was, Jamie Sarkonak, Aug. 14.
Birju Dattani, the would-be human rights commissioner with a double identity, is adamant he’s been misquoted, misunderstood and his comments taken out of context. But if you cumulatively put his posts on display, they’re decidedly anti-Israel, in some cases antisemitic and supportive of acts of terrorism. When you add it all up, there is no hiding Dattani’s bias.
Consider what would happen if Dattani was Jewish and had made similar comments directed towards Muslims. An exhaustive vetting would’ve taken place, every ounce of his life would’ve been combed over and, in Canada’s current climate, his name would never have been considered for nomination. Could there be a left-leaning bias in the shadows that’s undermining the foundations of this country? That’s a rhetorical question.
Paul Baumberg, Dead Man’s Flats, Alta.
Since its election in 2015, the Liberal party has counted up many political successes, operating under a tightly scripted, highly effective, consistently executed playbook. But taking into consideration the term of former governor general Julie Payette, the invitation of a convicted attempted murderer to a soiree in India, Parliament honouring a former Nazi and now the resignation of a faulted human rights commissioner, it would seem that the Liberal playbook is missing the chapter on background checks.
John P.A. Budreski, Whistler, B.C.
Call me naive, but it seems to me that certain ministerial appointees should have a background that borders on being almost saintly. The chief of the Canadian Human Rights Commission should be that type of person. The appointment and subsequent resignation of Birju Dattani from that position represents a colossal failure by the minister of justice, Arif Virani. It is clear that due diligence and careful vetting was not followed by his ministry and, by extension, the Liberal government. All Canadians deserve better. This is further evidence that it is time for a changing of the guard in Ottawa.
Bernie Yaphe, Toronto.
Votes for all
Re: Freeland, Vance in Sync on Voting, Colby Cosh, July 27.
The initial commentaries about J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s new running mate, were somewhat positive in that they portrayed him as a thoughtful, intelligent, stable choice. However, his past promotion of allowing parents to cast votes on behalf of their underage children raise serious doubts. I think most National Post readers would consider this a “hair-brained” idea.
It seems that the idea has been around for many years and was praised in a 2013 column in the New York Times and the Globe and Mail by an “obscure scribe” named Chrystia Freeland, now our deputy prime minister. I wonder if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has an opinion on this?
H.K. Hocquard, King, Ont.
Activist court
Re: Supreme Court Upends Democracy, Kerry Sun, July 23.
From forming quasi-judicial panels to appointing activist judges, Canadian governments have favoured having laws rewritten outside the parliamentary system, particularly on politically charged issues (like abortion) or preferred government positions without broad public support.
Government unmoored from seeking consensus allowed the banning of plastic straws by reclassifying them as toxic waste, and B.C.’s provincial government to become Canada’s first legal supplier of hard drugs, no messy debates or consideration of consequences required. Most eager to fill the void and refashion laws according to their personal political beliefs has been Canada’s Supreme Court.
The notwithstanding clause was included in the Constitution Act, 1982, as a backstop against potential overreach by future governments and the judiciary. The dangers of a Supreme Court without limits is obvious. While it’s past time to limit judicial activism at Canada’s highest court (invoking the clause in this case would be a start), don’t expect it to happen.
Gary Krieger, Toronto.
Missed opportunity
Re: Who Would Replace PM?, letter to the editor, July 27.
It is worth noting that by refusing LNG exports to both Germany and Japan, the federal government has foregone what would no doubt have been billions of dollars of royalty and tax revenues, which would have served to help alleviate the deficit caused by profligate Liberal spending.
One wonders where in the prime minister’s resume is mention of the education or experience background that would have provided the basis for his pronouncement of there being “no business case” for LNG exports to our allies.
Douglas Jack, Uxbridge, Ont.
By allowing his ideology to trump good governance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has done more to destroy Canada’s economic well-being than any previous leader. Trudeau’s war on fossil fuels resulted in Canada losing hundreds of billions in foreign investments. Refusing requests from Germany, Japan and Greece for LNG resulted in losing hundreds of billions.
At the same time, Trudeau has spent billions on various green projects, driving up inflation. Trudeau has crippled small businesses with taxes and regulations. And bringing in 500,000 immigrants annually has been another huge hit to the Canadian economy.
Larry Comeau, Ottawa.
Sorcerer’s apprentice
Re: Can Foundering Liberals Pull a Harris out of Their Hat?, John Ivison, Aug. 14.
Having watched the damage the Trudeau government has done to Canada since it took power, I don’t believe the Liberals can pull their version of Kamala Harris out of a hat, but I do believe they can pull a dysfunctional, narcissistic, egotistic Chrystia Freeland out of their rear ends.
James Cooper, Victoria.
Putin’s rage
Re: Ukrainians’ Surprise Incursion Into Russia Embarrasses Moscow, Aug. 13.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hypocritically criticizes Ukraine when the latter’s forces dare to strike back against Russia’s deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and destruction of infrastructure with barrages of missiles and drones.
According to his own words, Putin is astonished and angry, as though Ukraine really has no right to self-defence. It reveals a great yet misplaced sense of entitlement by Putin, a high school bully whose concept of “fair share” is three-quarters of the pie.
Frank Sterle Jr., White Rock, B.C.
Union heist
Re: Strike Threat Looms as Rail Work Ruled Not an Essential Service, Aug. 10.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board has ruled that railway employees’ work is not considered essential. Really? Canadian businesses and consumers will probably be held to ransom again by the unions. Shame on the Canada Industrial Relations Board and shame on the federal government. Only in Canada does the tail get to wag the dog.
Bob Chisholm, Calgary.
Doctors’ toolbox
Re: The CMA is the Real Threat to Health Care, Brett Belchetz, Aug. 13.
I am mad as hell about our health system, as two of my relatives died after they were diagnosed with very late stage cancer that was undetected until it was too late.
Because there are so many comprehensive early cancer screening tools available, this never should have occurred. With next generation sequencing, our ability to detect very early stage tumours is phenomenal.
So why isn’t the medical establishment using these screening tools on a routine basis for early stage detection?
Using obsolete tools is the biggest threat to health care. As a famous statesman once said, “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
Herbert Hess, Toronto.
Pass the pickles
Re: Peterson to Attend Remedial Training, Aug. 9; All Professionals Will Feel Chill of Peterson Ruling, Howard Levitt, Aug. 10.
Lawyer Howard Levitt said that, “As for the punishment assigned to Dr. Peterson, he will attend the re-education sessions and undoubtedly run intellectual circles around his educators.” And in response to his re-education, Jordan Peterson says: “I am now bereft of options on the legal front in Canada. I guess it’s on with the show.”
That being said, as far as I’m concerned, Peterson’s main concern should be whether or not this wacky event will be catered.
David Honigsberg, Toronto.