LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ignatieff’s ‘Insensitivity’
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ignatieff’s ‘Insensitivity’
I have lived in Mr. Ignatieff’s riding of Etobicoke – Lakeshore for the past 30 years. I voted for him in the last federal election. I like him and the ideals that he represents. But I am outraged and disappointed by his show of insensitivity to the caregivers by stating yesterday that he felt they were not abused. To me, it is akin to saying that the caregivers are liars.
Other leaders would carefully measure their actions and deeds. In fact, he should encourage Ms. Dhalla to come clean. This way, he builds more respectability in himself. Ms Dhalla is young, has her future ahead of her and can rebound but only if she bears some share of responsibility for the allegations.
After all, the Canadian public is quite forgiving. But it seems Mr. Ignatieff is more focused on saving one political seat and supporting her argument that the whole thing is a smear campaign launched by the opposition.
If it turns out that the caregivers were indeed abused, and regardless, Mr. Ignatieff continues to support Ms. Dhalla, I am going to vigorously campaign against him in the next federal election
Fellow Filipino Canadians need to understand that exploitation of Filipino caregivers is widespread in Canada. One only needs to read newspapers and surf the Internet and they will find out how mistreated and vulnerable many caregivers are under the present laws, or lack thereof.
I do not wish to live in the comfort of my home or savor the rewards of a fulfilled 35 years of residence in Canada and do not do anything to benefit those who struggle for fairness. The least that I can do is to make my thoughts known in writing and it just might make a difference.
This day and age, most of us have access to email and we can email our respective Member of Parliament and Member of Provincial Parliament to let them know that something needs to be legislated to afford protection to caregivers. Say things in your own words and be brave enough to state your name. You are a Filipino and you have seen struggles in your own country. And you know that people is power than can change things.
Oscar Farinas
Founder & Executive Director
Philippine Heritage Band
www.phband.com
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