2 days ago
Letters: As feds seek unity, Quebec digs heels on divisive tuition hikes
In today's challenging political and economic climate, our newly elected federal government is making a commendable effort to unite Canadians by breaking down provincial barriers and promoting national prosperity.
Unfortunately, the latest stance from the Coalition Avenir Québec government — sticking to its contentious tuition hikes for out-of-province students despite a court order — runs counter to this vision.
Premier François Legault's claims that the French language is being eroded appear unfounded and risk deepening divisions at a time when unity is more critical than ever.
Canada is facing serious external pressures, particularly from our southern neighbour. Now is the time to set aside narrow political interests and focus on strengthening and preserving our country — together.
Robert Tellier, Westmount
Bill 40 belongs in Supreme Court
Re: ' On death, taxes and the fate of minority rights ' (Robert Libman, June 7)
Columnist Robert Libman asserts that the Supreme Court should decline to hear the Quebec government's appeal concerning education reform Bill 40. He highlights that two Quebec courts have unanimously ruled on what appears to be a straightforward matter.
I respectfully disagree, as this issue extends beyond the jurisdiction of Quebec's interests.
In Quebec, our public school system has two governance systems — one for the English-speaking community and the other for the French-speaking community. No other province in Canada has a system of school governance where language determines the rules, resulting in different standards for democracy, accountability and transparency.
I feel this situation is unacceptable in any context. The issue requires additional scrutiny.
Chris Eustace, Pierrefonds
Asylum seekers face more hurdles
Re: ' Group holds protest against proposed federal security bill ' (The Gazette, June 10) and ' Critic calls out border security bill provision ' (NP Montreal, June 6)
It's perhaps surprising that one of the first pieces of legislation proposed by the Mark Carney government, Bill C-2, will make it far more difficult for refugees to apply for asylum in Canada.
Under the bill's provisions, people who have been in Canada for more than a year will not be permitted to go through the refugee determination process. Those who cross by land from the U.S., with some exceptions, will not be permitted to stay, and the post-14-day period through which they can currently apply will be nullified.
Bill C-2 would also give the government the power to cancel anyone's pre-citizenship or residency status.
It's as though huge 'refugees need not apply' banners were placed at the Canadian border — a throwback to the Mackenzie King era.
Shloime Perel, Côte-St-Luc
Finding right fit for Bay building
Re: ' 'A Trophy Asset' ' (The Gazette, June 10)
The recent closing of Hudson's Bay stores has raised the question of the future vocation for the flagship store in downtown Montreal.
My preference would be to repurpose it as another department store, at least for its older part fronting Ste-Catherine St. W., to maintain the street's character as a major commercial artery of Montreal.
I suggest inviting Galeries Lafayette — a major department store chain in Europe with roots in Paris — to open a branch in the former Bay location. Given Montreal's French character, establishing a store in Montreal would be a natural fit.
Robert Hajaly, Montreal
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