Dear Prime Minister: Our listeners have something to say
On Tuesday's post-election show we aired Dear Prime Minister letters — heartfelt messages about policy and politics for Canada's new leader.
Here's some of what we aired:
We also asked our listeners to send in their own personal messages for Canada's Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau. Here are some of the messages we received from listeners:
Dear Prime Minister,
Thank you so much for giving Canada new hope and congratulations in your success to unseat a mean-spirited government. Change was overdue and I hope you will restore the original stature that Canada was known for with qualities such as empathy, environmental leadership, inclusion, international reputation, public trust in government, respect for the laws of the land and human rights.
Thank you,
John Dewancker
Letters from Ed Whittingham, executive director of the Pembina Institute, and Gillian Marriott, member of the Canadian Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee:
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
I don't represent any group or organization – I'm just one person in Canada.
There are lots of priorities that I could request, but here is the most important:
I challenge you, when you are "re-branding" the government of Canada to remember that you have been chosen to lead not "the Trudeau government" or even "the Liberal government" but the CANADIAN government!
Let there never again be a government built on a "cult" surrounding the leader. Build a government that can continue to govern well long after you are gone. Listen, not only to the voices of your supporters, but to the opposition parties – don't dismiss an idea just because it wasn't first proposed by a Liberal. If you can do that, then I think that you will do well with everything else.
Regards,
Sheila Carey
Dear Prime Minister, you made promises to the First People of this country... now you have to sit down and back those promises up. We are watching and waiting. Thea Hinks, Victoria
Would you consider, Mr. Prime Minister, making Elizabeth May your minister for the environment? Stephen Willcock, Ottawa
Dear Prime Minister,
A new Prime Minister — and a new chance for Canada and Mother Earth. As a grandmother, I urge that, in every decision you make, you think 7 generations.
Blessed be,
Kate Chung
Dear Prime Minister, the majority of Albertans stayed blue because they don't trust a Liberal government to keep our best interests in mind. This is your opportunity to show us we're wrong and truly build a unified nation. Please take advantage of that opportunity. Chris McVean, Calgary
Dear Prime Minister,
Show us we did the right thing by putting you at the head of the table. Your opposition said you weren't ready. Prove them wrong. Keep your promises. Work to reform the voting system, even though it worked in your favour this time around. Cooperate. Collaborate. Canadians are so tired of divisive politics. Give us something truly different. Listen to Elizabeth May, in particular. She's really smart. Visit some northern reserves and strive to learn more about our First Nations people and their struggles; they have no reason to trust you, and you need to build that bridge piece by difficult piece. Remember you come from privilege, while many do not. Make us proud, not sorry. Lead by example.
Cindy Long
Dear Mr. Trudeau,
Congratulations on your victory! The country clearly expressed the need for change. Personally, I would like to see the current refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe get more attention in this country. Canada has not stepped up enough, although it has the geographical capacity, resources, and infrastructure to do so. It is my sincere hope that the new government will address this issue.
With kind regards,
Dr. Christine McWebb
You can listen to our "Dear Prime Minister" segment here:
