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Province-wide Opinion Section.
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Crane accidents will continue
| Crane accidents will continue Speaking as a former IUOE steward and labour delegate I am sad to say that crane accidents will likely continue. Often union leaders are quick to speak strong on safety when in the spotlight, but the reality is construction workers often find themselves alone when facing unsafe conditions . Coupled with the employer-employee power imbalance, workers often find IUOE leadership aloof when raising concerns. During my time it was a frequent practice to minimize worker concerns in order to gain favour with the Employer . Their very slogan “building relationships ” begs the question of the willingness to challenge unsafe jobsites. A review of the Labour Boards website, IUOE 115 has not lead any safety grievances against employers. Unfortunately crane accidents will likely continue when IUOE115 leaders are aloof what construction workers face on the job. Sean Kealy Prince George |
Homeless Hell
| I am writing this letter to express my concern about the current state of my hometown, Victoria, BC. As a city resident, I am deeply troubled by the growing number of homeless individuals, drug users, and criminals who have taken over our once-beautiful and respected city. It seems that every day, the situation is getting worse, and I wonder when the government will step in to help. Instead of supporting sick people who need serious help, we offer them more opportunities and services than most hardworking taxpayers receive. Unfortunately, many individuals abuse these services and use our resources to peddle drugs, carry weapons, and commit crimes. It’s frustrating to see this happening, and I feel like my patience is running out. The problem is that there isn’t enough education or programs to help these individuals, and we are fighting a losing battle against addiction, violence, and mental illness. Our government and justice system are broken, and many criminals get away with their crimes, which only fuels more criminal behavior. Moreover, there are so many wanted criminals hiding throughout Vancouver Island and Victoria, and it’s only a matter of time before a problematic situation arises, leading to more theft and violence. This, in turn, drives up inflation and cripples businesses of all sizes. Grocery stores and other companies are feeling the most impact from the uptick in theft, and it’s disheartening to see the perpetrators walk away without any repercussions. Additionally, the environment is suffering due to the emissions from drugs like crack and meth and the increasing amount of garbage and rodents. It’s time to take action Monty Joe Lowery |
Out of touch PM
| What is happening in Canada? The government is now using the Emergencies Act to stifle peaceful protests. The act has been enhanced to further control crowd funding. They are now obligating our financial institute to monitor crowd funding organizations. This Act was put in place to address real terrorists, not protestors. The financial institutes already are currently obligated to report any large and suspicious transfers of money. With changes that the PM and his government have just implemented, they now allow these institutes to place your bank account on hold based on you funding the Freedom Convoy. Basically you are considered a terrorist without any evidence confirmed by an unbiased governing body such as a court. Does that sound like Canada? Not at all, but it certainly sounds like Russia, China, Cuba just to list a few countries. Is that what we want? Our rights are being significantly effected by an out of touch PM. He cannot lead but only dictate his will on all Canadian citizens. Who else in government has supported this action? The federal NDP party. This should make you feel very uncomfortable with those in charge of our government. The Conservatives and the Peoples Party have been the only parties that has put up some resistance. Politicians must take this action serious and take strong decisive actions against this tyrant. The story is that the Freedom Convoy truckers were heavily armed. Yes, there were weapons confiscated by our police. The big Canadian media machine have suggested they were taken from truckers in the Freedom Convoy. Is that true? There is a different narrative if you listen to journalists that have spoken. Al Kersch |