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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, M ay 10 ,2 01 8 | 6 The Georgetown Independent & Free Press, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corpora- tion. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. The Independent & Free Press is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 ABOUT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 905-234-1016 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadiancham- pion.com or call 905-234-1019. CONTACT US VP, Regional Publisher Kelly Montague General Manager Steve Foreman Retail Advertising Manager Cindi Campbell Regional Managing Editor Chris Vernon Regional Managing Digital Editor Robyn Wilkinson Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Classified/Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Production Shelli Harrison WHO WE ARE OPINION Reconciliation is on the minds of the nation. We feel the sting of collective guilt, finally begin- ning to glean the truth of Canada's systemic racism and shameful treatment of First Nations people. As we read and listen to the evidence of the con- tinuing inequity, it is easy for us to view Indigenous Canadians as living in a perpetual state of victimhood. But when you talk with Regional Chief of Ontario Isadore Day, it's clear this strong, intelligent leader is anything but that. He's a man hell bent on leading his people to equity and justice. And a big part of that is economic recon- ciliation. The chief spoke to a roomful of Torstar community editors recently, as we seek to be better informed on Indigenous issues and bring that perspective to our readers. "We are First Nation People, treated as second Class Citizens, living in Third World conditions," he said. He then appeared at Canada 2020's Indigenous Eco- nomic Symposium where the discussion centred on the concept that for Indigenous people to prosper, the way forward must be grounded in the recognition of legal rights and economic reconciliation. Also at the forum was Minister of Indigenous Ser- vices Jane Philpott who said, "The goal of economic reconciliation in Canada is to ensure that a First Na- tions, Inuit or Metis child will grow up in a country that will provide the opportunities, the investment, the systemic capacity to breathe life into their dreams." After the symposium Day tweeted, "It's clear that 20/20 vision is a struggle for a federal government that continues to have this notion that First Nation Rights could be legislated and that the 2% cap / 30B$ debt is forgotten!!" In 1996 the Canadian government put a two per cent cap on social transfers to First Nation's communities, regardless of need, population growth or inflation. For Day this translates into $30 billion owed from the fed- eral government. Prime Minister Trudeau pledged to remove the cap as soon as he got into office. Another promise broken, only half delivered. Day isn't remotely satisfied with the government's plan to make restitution by providing programs and services over future years. "What if another government comes in, and those investments are reproduced, removed, or altered?" he asked. The country is talking, and people in power are listening to leaders like Chief Day. But talking isn't enough; the Canadian government needs to deliver on many levels to make economic reconciliation more than just another promise. Leader wants more than empty promises Do not spend your savings, warns reader I am very sorry, but there are two political parties that do nothing for pensioners un- less they are taking more tax- es off them. Stephen Harper did noth- ing to increase the Canadian Pension Plan. It was the Harper govern- ment that brought the defined benefit pensions in, not a cer- tain fact that you would get anything upon retirement. Look at the companies that have declared bankrupt- cy while the Liberal and Con- servative governments have held power, and all workers and retirees are at the back of the queue. So whatever you, please do not spend your savings. Gordon Robinson Time to recognize importance of protesting The word "protest" seems to have taken on a negative meaning in to- day's society. People view it as the fool's errand and those protesting are kidding themselves because they can't change anything. In reality, protests unite people and create massive change in society. Without protest, there would have been no Civil Rights Movement to make all men equal and no push toward democratic states. It's time we recognize the importance of protest- ing, because it gives peo- ple a voice against the gov- ernment, organizations and businesses that op- press them. A perfect way to get in- volved is learning how to be a "hero in waiting." Psy- chologist Philip Zimbar- do's theory of the "hero in waiting" explains that people should see them- selves as waiting for the perfect moment to step up and act. It is time for people to be heroes in action, not in waiting, and express their views. Carlee Moran Green Party worth a look I am writing in response to Ron Horner's April 26 Letter to Editor. He ended with "Where does that leave us? Green Party?" I want to say "yes." The Green Party is the best choice for 2018 and beyond. It's time for a new way of government. I like what the Green Party is saying about ac- countability and collabo- ration with All parties. I like their policy solu- tions around affordable housing, climate change, green energy, health care access, childcare, job cre- ation, indigenous rights, cannabis and Ontario's debt. Get to know Green Party candidate Laura Campbell, as she contin- ues to travel around Duf- ferin-Caledon over these next five weeks. Gloria Campbell l MORE ONLINE Read all our published letters at theifp.ca • EDITORIAL • • LETTERS & COMMENTARY •