Dear editor,
How could John Duncan betray me like this?
You came courting, John. You came to events, you invited us to gatherings, you talked so nicely, you made all those promises.
We believed you and then we said, "I do." You went off to Ottawa to your new job. Even got a promotion.
We were all so proud of you. Now you have broken our hearts and we want a divorce.
You remained silent as the government you belong to approved the "importing" of "temporary" Chinese miners. You and your pals said it was only temporary. Canadians would get the jobs later.
What we didn't know, until two unions went to court and obtained copies of the documents, that in fact Canadian miners were not going to be doing much of anything for 14 years.
For the first four years the mine, workers would all be "temporary" Chinese miners. Then over the next 10 years the workforce would be changed over each year to include Canadians.
How could you betray us like that? We counted on you.
Now it is being reported that one of the Chinese miners has filed a human rights complaint against the United Steel Workers. He alleges information on the United Steel Workers website violates his rights.
The miner alleges, "They are likely to create contempt for Chinese persons in particular Chinese mine workers." It is interesting that the letter is written on his employer's, HD Mining, letterhead.
HD Mining has advised, via a press release, it was, "putting the government on notice it may pursue claims for civil damages after federal ministers made public statements about the company."
John, it isn't good to have friends like this. They aren't friends. They want to take advantage of us.
These types of actions by "your friends" will tie up scarce court resources and cost us a bundle to defend ourselves. Your friends need to understand Canada is a democracy and we all have the right to speak our minds, voice our opinions, take action against those we feel aren't giving us a fair share of the jobs.
So, John, I hope you understand if I don't want to talk to you when you come home. I don't want to answer the form letters you send to my mailbox asking my opinion.
John, I want a divorce.
Now I know I can't do that for a few years yet but when the next election comes around, I am going to go looking for a new MP.
I will expect the next one to keep jobs in Canada for Canadians. I expect the next one to use regular immigration methods if Canada has worker shortages. I will expect the next one to ensure there is training for Canadians so they can take the jobs when they are available.
John, I expect the next MP to be more concerned about his "family" at home than his new pals in Ottawa.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. No hard feelings. I'm sure you will do well with your pension and benefits.
E. A. Foster,
Comox