Editor:
We feel a sense of relief following the recent federal election, and are hopeful for a future of improved communication, transparency and accountability by our federal government.
Locally, while incumbent Kellie Leitch was re-elected, it was by a relatively narrow margin and we are encouraged that Simcoe-Grey results demonstrate that more than half of voters were progressive – namely Liberal, NDP and Green.
Dr. Leitch’s track record includes:
1. Voting against marijuana reform because it will “put more of the drug into the hands of children” – when current laws result in Canada’s underage use being one of the highest in the world;
2. Voting no on Bill 463, which advocated that government redesign its economic policy to support the middle class and reduce small and medium sized business tax by one per cent;
3. Supporting the export of asbestos to other countries (as a physician who is aware of the health risks!)
4. As the former minister on the status of women, proclaiming herself to be “pro life” and declining to initiate an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women
5. Instituting a “barbaric cultural practice” hotline; an unnecessary and divisive stance given current systems which protect individuals.
We expect that Dr. Leitch will represent all constituents of Simcoe-Grey and work collaboratively in parliament. Communicating with her constituents, for example via online referenda, to represent our voices at the federal level would restore our faith that true democracy, and not partisan politics, is alive and well in 2015.
Dan Watkin and Tessa Kitai,
Duntroon.