Editor:
While belonging and security of the person are basic human rights, something envisioned in the citizenship act of 1947, discrimination against women and children remained. To correct it, Bill C-37 - sponsored by the Conservatives - welcomed back more than 750,000 Canadians. But deficiencies continued, such as leaving behind elderly veterans like Guy Valliere who wouldn't live long enough to be recognized without direct intervention by the minister.
Our government allowed a Canadian-born World War Two vet to die without a country, all because of gender discrimination. Actually, three Lost Canadians went to their graves disenfranchised. Today thousands of Canadians remain at risk of losing their identity and pensions.
When John Weston became our representative (after C-37's passage and before implementation) I asked for his help. Mr. Weston asserts he actively lobbied on our behalf, but because no meeting ever took place with the Citizenship Minister it seems that his fellow Conservatives didn't care - specifically Stephen Harper and Jason Kenney.
Is this any way to treat Canadians?
Whether Mr. Weston tried to help me or whether he was indifferent, only John knows for sure. What's certain is that he failed to rally his party and fellow MPs. If he had helped make citizenship a priority with the Harper government, a welcome mat could have been extended years ago.
Liberal Dan Veniez, however, has been a man of actions. He introduced me to Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae, and he's making the Lost Canadians a Liberal caucus issue. Two years of Conservative inaction versus Mr. Veniez's emails, phone calls and activism - Dan is producing results. Case in point: what prompted your front-page story in the Sept. 17 edition? - a Dan Veniez press release. Thanks, Dan.
Don Chapman
Gibsons
