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ns id eh al to n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, M ay 1 0, 20 18 | oo OPINION - EDITORIAL - Leader wants more than empty promises 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 continu­ ing inequity, it is easy for us to view Indigenous Cana­ dians 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 provid­ ing 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. A new study shows th a t Ontario drivers pay too much for car insurance... In other breaking news, the sky is blue, grass is green, and the Pope is Catholic. mi* ABOUT US The Oakville Beaver, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. O®0 °o metrolandmedia ° Connected to your community* The Oakville Beaver 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 n n c A o cn a NewsMedia Council IniideHalton.com ^ editor@oakvillebeaver.com E l facebook.com/OakvilleBeav H @OakvilleBeaver ■ LETTERS & COMMENTARY- When it comes to coyotes, public education is not enough RE: Burlington man calls for action after dog bitten by coyote, Inside- Halton.com Thanks for your article about the Burlington man whose dog was bitten by a coyote. This is a huge problem. I am all for co-existing with nature. We have fox­ es, rabbits, squirrels, rac­ coons, even skunks on our property all the time. However, I draw the line at coyotes. We have two that are on our property every day. They have no fear of hu­ mans and do not back off without a very aggressive approach. They jump our five- to six-foot fence with ease. They have cornered one of our dogs already. I am sincerely concerned for our dogs and two small children. My neighbour further down the block had his dog killed by them two months ago. I feel that the region has been very passive and irresponsible regarding this issue. Advocating for "public education" and advising people to simply monitor garbage and to scare them off property is not helpful. They are entrenched in the community and be­ coming increasingly ag­ gressive. I believe that the mu­ nicipalities and region will face major liability litigation if they do not start taking more proac­ tive measures. These could include relocation, raiding dens to remove pups, attaching tracking collars, etc. Mark Samuel Why are people unwilling to learn about coyotes? RE: Burlington man calls for action after dog bitten by coyote, Inside- Halton.com In response to the arti­ cle calling for action after a dog was bitten by a coy­ ote, I can't imagine what kind of action it should be. Why it is people are un­ willing to learn about coy­ otes? After all, it is people who are intruding on their lands - not vice versa. For over 30 years and quite often long before sunrise, I walked the RBG trails and had the chance to meet coyotes on num er­ ous occasions. Literally, I was exchanging eye con­ tact with them. Those were very exciting mo­ ments. It would be long story but never once would I feel threatened by them. Paul Karbusicky Letters See what our readers are saying about the issues tha t matter to them insidehalton.com/letters CONTACT US WHO WE ARE Oakville Beaver 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 289-293-0617 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Digital/Flyer/Retail: 289-293-0624 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 kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. 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