Opinion TheReview Wednesday, March 14,1990 — A10 A most unfortunate trend: Canadian intolerance on the rise | VICTORIA — Racism and into- lerance is on the increase in Can- ada, according to a recent survey. For further proof, read the papers or watch the TY news. Racism comes in many guises. It tries to pass for humor in so-called jokes; it masquerades as “an eco- nomic measure” every time some town council votes in favor of English-only; it is more obvious in the debate over whether Sikh members of the RCMP should be allowed to wear turbans; and it appears at its most disturbing in anti-Semitic activities. The League for Human Rights of the B’nai B’rith reports a total of 176 anti-Semitic incidents for 1989, the highest in eight years and up from 112 in 1988. The six mOSt serious incidents involyed the desecration of synagogues. Other anti-Semitic activities included attacks and the drawing of swastikas on Jewish buildings, threats against Jews, and the distri- bution of hate literature. Most of the incidents occurred in larger cities, including Vancouver, Tor- onto and Montreal. The English-only decisions by a number of towns, most of them in Ontario, aren’t exactly enhancing Canada’s reputation for tolerance either. I also doubt whether anyone believes their claim that the deci- sion 1s based on economics. The English-only controversy is nothing but a backlash against is unfortunate that many Western Canadians perceive the former to be a justifiable response to the Jatter. It isn’t. Insisting on French-language signs in Quebec makes sense. A small, French-speaking island in a vast sea of English-speaking North America, Quebec would not be able to retain its uniqueness for long without special protection of ils language and culture. Furthermore, Quebec’s English minority is well-treated and well- looked after. Two English univer- sities are just one example of the French Majority. respecting the rights of a minority. Next we come to the question of whether Sikh members of the RCMP should be allowed to wear turbans. Lest there be any doubt on where I stand, I think they should. Opposition to the change in the RCMP dress code has been mainly on grounds of tradition and pride critics would have us believe that Quebec’s French-only sign law. It - in Canadian institutions. Some - the RCMP hat is about the only national symbol Canada has, one without which we will all be tossed into yet another identity CTiSIS, Stewart MacKenzie of Quesnel made some pretty good points against these sentiments in a recent letter. Referring to himself as a fourth generation white Scots- Canadian, MacKenzie expressed his “disgust and contempt for the prejudice and racism” that has marked the issue of turbans in the RCMP. “Obviously many people are (even local government!) there will be a wide spectrum of ideas and priorities. We all have to work together. Council was only asked to sup- port the Peace Walk, which is one of the most straightforward and democratic events one can ima- gine. Finally, Ald. Bob Jones’ com- ment that such walks “may now be somewhat redundant” leaves me breathless with disbelief. Arms expenditures remain appallingly high. The warheads remain poised. This year there is a greater chance than ever that the energy and commitment that is Continued from Page A6 have a solution to this problem. Not all carriers totally disregard the pollution they leave. Not all children or adults litter. Perhaps if more people contact the above organizations, we can all once more enjoy our neighbor- hood. Barbara Cundiff North Saanich Heart Month succeeds Editor: Heart Month is over and all feedback from our Heart Founda- tion units across B.C. and Yukon so far has been positive. One of the major reasons our volunteers have enjoyed such suc- cess is the wonderful publicity given us by newspapers like yours. Our B.C. and Yukon Heart Foun- dation drop-in ads have appeared in hundreds of newspapers this past month. This support helped promote our February campaign and in turn will assist us in achieving our $6.1 million goal to fund heart research and education. Linda Muller Communications Co-ordinator country may be able to accomplish real change. I hope people from Sidney and the Peninsula will join in this expression of strong support for the hopeful changes that are now sweeping the world. The 1990 Saddening response Editor: I was saddened to see your SIDNEY report of Sidney council’s refusal to endorse the Peace Walk Featuring (“Alderman verbally nukes group,” The Review, Feb. 28). The walk is a visible statement made by people of all ages and back- grounds to show their care for the future of our planet and for the idea of world peace. You report three reactions in council. I do thank Ald. John Calder for his support. Ald. Herb Addison could not support the walk because he disa- greed with one action of some people who he assumed would be part of it. But in every organization symbolized by walks across the GRAND OPENING Tuesday, March 20, 1990 at 9:30 A.M. The Newly Renovated Liquor Store in Increased Product Selection and Specialty Products Join Us For Cofiee and Product Tasting on Opening Day The Manager and Stati Look Forward to Serving You. Victoria Peace Walk starts at 12 noon in Centennial Square on Saturday, April 21. Ann C. Gower Sidney Don’t bank on it Editor: I would like to point out to the general public the importance of checking their banking transac- tions carefully, and obtaining Stamped receipts and acknow- ledgements, as well as checking their statements as soon as they arrive. In-my own recent dealings, the discrepancy involved an unack- nowledged deposit of $25, consist- ing of a roll of $1 coins which I had marked “loonies,” something Continued on Page Al4 using this issue to vent their hostil- ity towards others, under the guise of preserving Canadian tradi- tions,” he said. MacKenzie also drew attention to some other RCMP pastimes such as barn-bumning, illegal sur- veillance, strike-breaking, harass- Couldn’t have said it better 4¢ myself. The RCMP hat is no more than part of a uniform. To the Sikhs, however, the turban is more than just part of a uniform. It’s a Teligious symbol, and an important one. Telling Sikhs they cannot wear a turban, whatever the cir- - cumstances, is tantamount to limit- ing their religious freedom. Unless we accept others as they are, NOL aS we would like them to be, our reputation for tolerance Telling Sikhs they cannot wear a furban, whatever the circumstances, is tantamount to limiting their religious freedom’ ment and discrimination towards native people — traditions we can well afford to leave behind us. will soon be undeserved, no matter how loudly we proclaim to stand on guard for thee. (EEE | WITH THIS AD IF FROM 37 6°» renta car + 10¢km on 1987 or. later models q \ \ 1 =D | THISAD | 2440 BEVAN AVE. DISCOUNT CARS ¥Y 656-0551 | DAILY ie 1 CREATIVE BAe INTERIORS Let me Help You Create an Atmosphere You Feel at Home In! | 1 HOUR COnRRNENTARY adn 656-9676 ve iy TOWN OF SIDNEY NOTICE The Council of the Town of Sidney intends to adopt the following s bylaw amending the Zoning Bylaw No. 750 as indicated: Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1009 & “A-Residential”’ to ‘C. space. To rezone the following properties from - Lots 1 to 5, Section 11, Range 3 East, Plan 17474 1- Commercial-Residential”’ for the purpose of development of a commercial-residential complex consisting of 89 residential units and 13,200 sq. ft. of commercial SF GEIA5 | S54) 355 -|7 Ze ey Cae ae se PROPOSED ALEA OF. REZNIVNE 2 SWOrt HATCHED if = = a S e F of the proposed development G. = Copy of the amending bylaw may be inspected at the Town Hall on = regular business days (excepting holidays) between the hours of | 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from March 6th, 1990 to March 20th, 1990. | Any persons who deem their interests may be affected by the plans § should submit their comments in — Ff) writing to the undersigned no later than 4:00 p.m. March 23rd, 1990. 2 S. Logan, A.C.I.S., P Adm., C.M.C. B Adminisirator Town of Sidney | 2440 Sidney Avenue Sidney, B.C., V8L 1Y7 “a x