We need a park that’s more peaceful
I love Beacon Hill Park, but I’m very upset when people think they can do whatever they want in the park.
Not only do dog owners continue to ignore the signs about dogs not being allowed in certain areas, but other park‑goers are ruining the park’s tranquillity:
• People play music way too loudly on speakers, for the whole park to hear (sometimes they’ll tape an extension cord to the sidewalk, a big tripping hazard).
• Cyclists ride their bikes on the walking paths, which I don’t think they’re allowed to do. Sometimes they don’t even properly warn you, and just yell, “Behind you!” I think that’s too vague. I would like to walk in the park without worrying I will be hit by a bicycle.
• I’ve seen people get drunk in the park, as recently as last week, but this has occurred a lot over the years.
• Also, the tents make me nervous. There have been recent instances where I have been walking in the park with my dad and we have heard people swearing at the top of their lungs, and that’s not to mention the horrible things I have read in the news about violence in the park.
In these anxiety-inducing times, a little more peace in the park would be very welcome.
Emma Dingman
Victoria
Weaver’s departure changed the rules
I write in response to my friend Norman Spector’s open letter to the lieutenant-governor. I too have a constitutional background, having served as B.C.’s minister of constitutional affairs in the early 1990s.
We are not on the verge of a constitutional crisis, but we are in the midst of a COVID-19 crisis. This pandemic will fundamentally alter the construct of our society. Already, we are witness to the disruptive effects of COVID on the very nature of work, leisure, travel and global commerce.
The changes that await us will require a rethinking of economic and social policy akin to the significant changes that followed the Second World War.
Against this backdrop, B.C. requires intelligent, informed and decisive leadership in the years ahead.
As Spector acknowledges, it is the prerogative of the premier to call an election. There is nothing unconstitutional in challenging all political parties to put forth their best ideas before British Columbians at this critical juncture.
As the prime minister has correctly noted, it would be “irresponsible to say that an election would be irresponsible.” New Brunswick just held an election. Saskatchewan is about to hold one. New Zealand is in the midst of one.
There is ample evidence that with expanded advance voting and mail voting that elections can be safely held during a pandemic.
Nor does B.C.’s fixed election date laws preclude an election at this time. The law implicitly acknowledges that minority governments can fall at anytime.
In opposing an election, Spector seems to rely heavily on his understanding of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Greens and the NDP.
I agree that the Green/NDP pact provided political stability whilst Andrew Weaver served as Green Party leader. But as Weaver left the Greens to sit as an Independent, much of the pragmatism of the Greens departed as well.
Not only has Weaver been critical of his former Green colleagues, but he has summed things up by saying “British Columbians would benefit from having Mr. Horgan as premier.”
As it stands, 42 of the 45 MLAs that are signatories to the Green/NDP agreement no longer think that it is workable.
Simply put, there is no constitutional impediment to holding an election. The real issue facing British Columbians is which party and which leader is best positioned to lead B.C. through the turbulent times that await us.
Moe Sihota
View Royal
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