It was good to read a letter that detailed some of the aspects about the residential schools issue reasonably accurately. However, in the last printed letter, the writer declares the need for answers to some questions, such as why Indigenous students died, etc. What follows is evidence of what is problematic about the approach by non-Indigenous people as the writer asks whether the children were “not worth a simple blessing and Sign of the Cross?”

This is the writer’s viewpoint about end-of-life traditions, but it is not in the least reflective of how Indigenous people honour their dead. Therein lies the predicament: as long as settlers continue to impose their traditions on Indigenous people, they are not listening. And that’s all that Indigenous people want for now.

Penny Oyama
Burnaby


Paul Schratz’s May 24 statement that COVID 19 is survived 99 per cent of the time and most people have mild symptoms does in fact reflect the reality of this virus.

The June 7 letter to the editor from a health worker who mentions the patients suffering in ICU and those she has seen die of COVID does not change the COVID-19 statistics. The unfortunate suffering seen in hospitals is a small percentage of the population.

Joan Davies
Coquitlam

 

With the expansion of euthanasia through Bill C-7 and the defeat of a bill that would have banned sex-selective abortion, 2021 provided students competing in the North Shore Pro-Life Society’s annual Patrick Webb Pro-Life Essay Competition with plenty to write about. B.C. high school students were given the opportunity to write essays on the sanctity of human life and on topical issues concerning abortion, euthanasia, and conscience rights.

The essayists made stirring and eloquent defences of the sanctity of human life at all stages. Below are excerpts from the winning essays:

“The British Columbia government’s decision in the early pandemic [to put elective surgeries on hold but continue to provide abortion] also points toward the fact that they believe what satisfies people’s want-of-the-immediate-second is more pressing than what is beneficial for them. To explain, the leaders of this province were willing to provide abortions during that time instead of elective surgeries. They offered a destructive want over a pure need; a vial of poison over a draught of goodness, of life. That is to say that the government of British Columbia lowers the value of life by thrusting human life beneath human want.” — Gwen Louise Jaskiewicz, Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary

“Many people who wish to end their lives do so due to current circumstances in their life. These circumstances can be societal problems, financial problems, or mental illness. Instead of finding ways to help the struggling population the government has found an easy way out. Passing Bill C-7 shows Canadians that there is limited support and help for their struggles. Many of the social factors that push people towards this option could be alleviated if these lives were considered valuable. People with disabilities and mental illness are also targeted by this bill. Bill C-7 causes this already stereotyped group to have the belief that their lives are worth less, affirmed. Many people may commit suicide just because of this belief. Many elderly people face stereotypes as well, such as their concern that they are burdens on their loved ones. Instead of reassuring our vulnerable citizens, this bill implies that they are correct. It normalizes suicide.” — Lareina Sharma, Traditional Learning Academy

Cameron McManus
North Shore Pro Life Society

 

I’m grateful for Tony Gazdik’s Aug. 2 letter. I have been asking myself the same question: “how many apologies are enough?”

Also, I loved the interview with Madeleine Enzlberger about intolerance toward Christians in Europe, as well as the article by Agnieszka Ruck, “You need some support, I’m here for you,” about spiritual training as loneliness is killing our seniors.

Thank you all for being here for us.

Bozena Szucs
Burnaby

 

I am saddened by the Pope’s video urging everyone to get covid injections. I believe the Pope, and most people, are hearing only one side of the issue due to censorship. The Pope does not have the grace of state to decide on the safety or efficacy of an injection. The government has been wrong about many things in the history of Canada and many people are convinced it’s wrong about this issue.

Kathleen Higgins
Delta