Dear editor,

Is it not council鈥檚 job to work together with the entire community?

As the city vision states our community has many diverse groups and I would point out that we should all be treated the same: fairly and justly! We should all be respected to have our individual needs and belief structure and be able to exercise our freedoms as Canadians. The last time I checked it was still legal to think differently and to express our opinions in a peaceful manner.

Many of us have families that have sacrificed much in order to live in a democratic, free country such as Canada. (My family has over 300 years of history in Canada). Parents and grandparents, their families all have the right to raise their children in the way that honours their family values. The important word here is 鈥渃hildren.鈥� We ask that our legacy be respected and honoured.

Many individuals, businesses, charitable organizations have a mandate to serve and help others; that mandate is based on loving their neighbours even if they don鈥檛 agree with their lifestyle. Yes, many acts of kindness are shared each and every day in our community many that the public never knows about, let alone acknowledges. It is a fact that these services are becoming more and more expensive to provide as it also becomes more difficult to find volunteers. On top of all of that, I am sure that you are also aware that the demands continue to grow each and every day. One need only drive by our city hall and see the desperate needs of our citizens. They need our compassion not our divisive infighting. Yet folks are quick to mare the services and sacrifices of community helpers to make a political or ideological point. So very, very unfortunate unacceptable and yes, sad. Shame on all of us.

Please let us all stand up and be leaders that include all citizens. Please let鈥檚 quit the name-calling. Let us be a unique community and sincerely work together towards true reconciliation of all peoples.

Mrs. Louise Petri, Courtenay