Open letter to Yukon MP Ryan Leef:
I am one of the more than 60 per cent of Yukoners who did not vote for you in the recent federal election.
While having nothing against you personally, I am devastated and frightened beyond words at the prospects of a majority Conservative government under the leadership of an ideologue like Stephen Harper.
Due to the existing first-past-the-post system I, like the majority of Canadian voters, am once again disenfranchised.
The base and mean-spirited electioneering and attack ads sanctioned by Harper speak volumes to me of his character.
For this reason, I have little hope that his government will be willing to work collaboratively with the other members of Parliament for the good of the nation, now that he has “the power” to pursue his agenda.
His flagrant disregard of the environment and the poor (who can do nothing for him) will further compromise not only our country but the world, and our standing internationally.
During your campaign you said you would not be whipped to vote “party lines,” but intend to represent the entire Yukon.
I must admit to feeling very pessimistic about your ability to follow through on that promise. Will you make yourself available to meet with Yukoners who are concerned about the devastation to the environment, the lot of the poor and homeless, the mentally ill, the lack of true democracy in Ottawa?
Are you a person who is willing to listen and learn and represent those who don’t follow your particular values and beliefs?
I would like to believe you will represent me in Ottawa. Over the next five years of your mandate I, like many others, will just have to watch and hope.
Mary McAvoy
Whitehorse