I have read, with interest, many letters and editorials on the subject of protection for the Peel.
Without seeming biased either way, I would like to advance a suggestion to our government leader and ministers. The idea is somewhat American in flavour - attach weighty matters, such as the Peel, to our ballots at election time.
Why not a yea or nay vote from (gasp) the voter? Then you, the government, would see what the electorate really agrees with. I know this would take away some of your absolute power, but it would make a lot of us feel more included and listened to at election time.
Then the government would be bound by the will of the people to either proceed with a project or abide by the people’s wishes and not proceed on whatever the matter would be at the time. How about that for a suggestion?
The Peel matter has gone on for a very long time and it now seems the current government has a problem with the wishes of the people. And no small credibility problem.
Put it to the people. State your case clearly and we will decide where it goes from there. Come clean, be honest and straightforward. You are government, not dictatorship.
In Canada I think we do not have enough of these types of referendums, votes or whatever you want to term them. Yes, a little more paper would be necessary, but given the amount of time, effort and money spent on these matters, it may save a lot in the long run.
Just imagine - instead of years of wrangling, speechifying, committees and meetings, it would be put to the people.
We are the folks that gave you power (I hate that word), but you are also mandated to represent us. We are also known as the voters. I think this type of exercise would help settle contentious matters in the house, thereby eliminating the need for fights and insults being thrown about at taxpayers’ expense.
During the next election, I would suggest that if there are matters - which will cost a lot of money or time in needless palaver - we have the matter(s) attached to the ballot for the good folks who bring you government (that would be us) to decide the issues.
Are you ready to trust those of us out in the public? After all, before you were politicians you were just the public also.
We have placed our trust in you folks for years. And I am sorry to say many of us have been somewhat disappointed.
I would suggest the decision for this particular style of change be reasonably discussed in the house as soon as possible. I say reasonably discussed and I would really appreciate seeing you folks put forth a referendum for the public to vote on.
I know it will cost but I do think we can make costs more reasonable in the future. At the very least, we can see some decisions come out more expeditiously in months instead of years and years.
Grant Rayson
Whitehorse