Suburbs can’t get no respect
Re: “Public drinking already happens,” Vancouver Shakedown, March 24, 2016.
Getting just a tad tired of Grant Lawrence's repeated dismissive tone when it comes to our fellow Lower Mainlanders who don't occupy his hallowed grounds known as the City of Vancouver. His automatic assumption that the "bridge-and-tunnel crowd" are the major culprits when it comes to irregularities in the downtown core, without backing them up with some credible stats, confirms his air of elitist arrogance. Obviously the good burghers of his urban Shangri-la would never misbehave, let alone break any law, except the one he's actively advocating regarding public drinking. Heaven forbid his despised "suburbanites" might want to follow suit, but apparently Mr. Lawrence decreed this "spiked luxury" is strictly for his chosen people.
–William Muller
Everybody needs clean water
Re: “World Water Day reminds us not to take clean water for granted,” David Suzuki, March 17, 2016
In 2012, Canada recognized the right to water at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Most of the Earth's nations recognize their citizens’ right to live in a healthy environment, including peoples' right to clean drinking water.
Here in Canada we also need an environmental bill of rights that recognizes, protects and fulfills our right to a healthy environment, including our right to clean water. Such a bill will provide clear guidelines for government, industry and citizens to manage resources, economic development and the health and well-being of communities in ways that are transparent, predictable and sustainable. Over 100 communities in Canada already have passed environmental rights declarations at the local level. This has to be achieved at the federal level as well.
As a mother of two little boys, I hope the future generations will benefit from better legislation that protects peoples' health, marine biodiversity and the sustainability of the planet. It's time for the federal government to implement the right to clean water in Canada by passing an environmental bill of rights that respects, protects and fulfills our right to a healthy environment, including the right to clean water.
-Mirela Andronescu
All rants and raves are the opinion of the individual and do not reflect the opinions of Westender. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and brevity, so please keep it short and (bitter)sweet. Email your rant or rave to [email protected]
