Although I have concerns about some parts of Bill 82 and I am not sure if it serves any benefit to the public, I do not believe a “news” outlet should use half truths, unrelated information and quotes from a Toronto lawyer to make a point.
Your editorial is full of, the best I can call them is, inaccuracies. By using an argument made in Ontario and giving the impression this is from Bill 82 in the Yukon, you are deliberately misleading people.
I realize that reporters, at least from the Yukon News, like to get their information right from the office and don’t bother to check the facts.
After a story printed in the Yukon News about abandoned animals reached me in BC, I contacted the paper about why no effort was made to determine the actual facts. The story was crap from the opening sentence; neither myself or my friend was contacted for the “other side of the story.” That story caused my friend considerable personal stress and a considerable amount of money.
My concerns were ignored and I talked to a lawyer who told me “The chances of winning are not good and even if you win no recompense will be paid.” The lawyer bill would be the responsibility of my friend.
Great work if you can get it: sit in the office, drink coffee and print gossip à no responsibility.
I have a few questions:
Does your paper cover the sitting of the legislature? If so, why wasn’t this an issue on first and second reading?
Did you know if the bill was unanimously approved at second reading? If you don’t know, why not?
Where did your information about who the government approached about this bill come from?
Your quote, “You give up the presumption of innocence in favour of a more powerful government and a fatter public purse,” is an insult to thinking Yukoners who may have concerns about this bill.
I certainly do not expect you to print this letter; I am sure you believe the public would be better served with another rambling letter from Mike Grieco on the rights of Trevor the dog.
I will however forward this letter to the other Yukon newspapers and to all my acquaintances to let them know the “other side of the story.”
Duane Longdo
Dawson