Re: The PM's Trump shuffle, Editorial Jan. 11

Re: Wynne set to fill cabinet vacancy, Jan. 12

The PM's Trump shuffle, Editorial Jan. 11

“For the sake of the government’s reputation, the best she (Karina Gould) could do now would be as little as possible, and make sure voting reform disappears from Ottawa’s radar screen for the foreseeable future.”

A great many Canadians could care less about the Liberal government’s “reputation” when we have an electoral system that repeatedly fails us all in electing a government that represents its people.

For the sake of Canadian democracy (especially in the light of the state of American political affairs) I sincerely hope that Karina Gould picks up the torch of democratic reform, and actually listens to the ERRE, whereas Maryam Monsef seemed inclined to turn a deaf ear.

If the Liberals are interested in their reputation at all, they should heed and keep Justin Trudeau’s promise to “make 2015 the last unfair election” in Canada. I’d be willing to bet that among the nation’s 60-plus per cent of progressive voters, it’s that very promise that helped him unite the left and grant him the opportunity to govern.

The Liberals would be wise to not take that for granted, and I take issue with the editor insinuating that electoral reform is “poisoned.” Fair voting is not an unworthy cause, and “first-past-the-post” needs to be “put out to pasture.”

John Shannon, Toronto

Bad form, Justin Trudeau. You have removed from your cabinet and government one of the few principled and intellectual members of your party/government. Stephane Dion has been ahead of the country in his positions on the environment, national unity and electoral reform. Even former prime minister Stephen Harper turned to Mr. Dion to help quell the national unity issue.

Trudeau has to learn that having a few experienced, intelligent and compassionate people sitting at the cabinet table is a necessity and not a hangover from the past. After enduring the disloyalty of the party insiders who opposed his election as leader but supported the inexperienced and bumbling Michael Ignatieff, Mr. Dion continued his work with his typical principled outlook.

Mr. Trudeau has made a big mistake and should be prepared to admit it and correct it. After all, it is 2017.

Martin Shulman, Thornhill

Even in the cabinet of our first “feminist” prime minister, being the minister for the status of women remains a lesser role. For Maryam Monsef this appointment is effectively a demotion from her previous role as the minister in charge of democratic reform.

How bizarre. How tragic.

I can’t imagine any cause on Earth more crucial to our social, ethical and economic well-being than freedom and equality for women. If, as I often suspect, the dismal treatment of women and the dismal treatment of the natural world are symptoms of the same pathology, then global feminism is crucial to our very survival as a species.

I doubt it bodes well for our future on Earth that so many of us have such disdain and disregard for her wellsprings of life.

Kevin Farmer, Toronto

Wynne set to fill cabinet vacancy, Jan. 12

This headline should read, “Kathleen Wynne will shuffle the chairs on the deck of the Titanic Thursday.”

Edward P. Swynar, Newcastle

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