Re: “Leaders must take stand in favour of progress,” letter, Feb. 6.

It’s doubtful that Canadians — or British Columbians — are more resistant to change than folks “elsewhere in the world.” It’s human nature to question and be cautious.

And it’s important that we are, particularly when progress and prosperity are measured in terms of “tall buildings, new highways, pipelines [and] mines,” and the ones taking measurements are those who have a vested interest in greater wealth accumulation and little else.

While there’s no doubt these endeavours are responsible for changing communities and economies, they aren’t measures of progress.

Progress, real progress, is measured by growth and expansion in areas that promote human rights, justice, healthy environments, health, education and social welfare. Real progress brings an awareness of women’s rights, gay rights, just labour laws, environmental concerns and animal rights.

Change, defined in terms of more growth and development, has been with us for a long time. And if we look carefully at the events unfolding today, we can’t help being struck by the lack of real progress that kind of change has produced.

Ken Dwernychuk

Saanich

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