Open letter to MP Ryan Leef:
I am writing to you as a member of your constituency, urging you to vote against Bill C-38, the budget bill. As it is currently written, I believe it is not in the best interest of Canadians, nor these incredible lands we call home.
I am perplexed about why drastic changes to environmental laws (which took years of expert and public consultation to create) are being put into a budget bill. In fact, I am told that 60 pieces of legislation are slated to be altered in Bill C-38.
This is just not right. As a voting and taxpaying member of this society, I want MPs and their support staff to have time to carefully review and weigh the pros and cons of changes to legislation. I want meaningful debate in the House of Commons.
I want experienced and knowledgeable committee members and researchers to provide input so that MPs are well-informed before voting. This will ensure we avoid very expensive legal battles when stakeholders and interest groups clash.
I know that you, like me, have spent time on the land in the Yukon and appreciate its beauty. Not only is it beautiful, the land is our life-support system and we must take care of it.
The remaining wilds are finite, we know this. I want to ensure that my son and all other Canadian children will inherit this country’s incredible wilderness. I want clean air, clean water and healthy food. Any further development must proceed with caution - it should not be rushed.
I attended the rally at your office this past Saturday. It was an impressive group of people. Many people honked their car horns in support while stopped at the red light on Second Avenue. It was clear that a great many Yukoners would support your vote against Bill-38.
It was clear that many Yukoners want you to represent their interests on Parliament Hill, and not merely follow the Conservative Party’s line.
Please take this seriously. Will you do the right thing and vote against C-38? Will you urge your party to heed the voices of thousands of Canadians, and split the bill?
Thank you very much for your work. Please respond to my letter.
Jennifer Line
Whitehorse