‘Idle’ highlights bigger issue
To the Editor,
Re: Protesters pledge more demonstrations, Jan. 15.
The Idle No More protests highlight a foundational problem in the 1982 Canadian Constitution.
Section 15(1) establishes equal rights and states “every individual is equal before and under the law.”
Section 15(2) then creates other rights for some based on race. A race-based Constitution undermines the unity and common good of all Canadians.
The vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs claims “the Snuneymuxw people have been here since the beginning of time.”
The coastal Indians emigrated here from Siberia, sometime between five thousand to 12 thousand years ago.
The Kennewick Man tribe may have preceded them.
There should only be one race in Canada, and that is the human race.
There should only be one Canada, not 630 First Nations.
It is time to demand equal citizenship for all Canadians.
Bart Jessup
Gabriola Island
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