Editor:
Elections 2019: Where is the leadership? Let's talk about the problems of life in our country.
Opioids
In Canada in 2018 the opioid death count was 4,460. Google it if you doubt. Here is the challenge: In 2020 you can save half of them and get them registered for health services for addicts, but you must actively promote the idea of providing free dispensations of medical heroin. If you do this, you can at least hope to start a public conversation that could save thousands of lives, but the conversation may make you unpopular among the segment of the population poisoned by the rhetoric of the anti-drug wars. You could argue that the savings in crime prevention alone due to addicts not needing to break into homes and cars would cover the cost of the free heroin. Are you a leader or a follower?
Seniors Housing Co-ops
Many seniors’ housing problems exist due to a shortage of how-to skills and knowledge about creating housing co-ops. For the next 15 years the boomer generation will need to devise housing/care solutions to meet their needs to avoid becoming a burden to their families. Seniors living in shared co-op housing accommodations with friends could be very successful, but many of these potential residents lack a business model for this type of housing and are unable to organize the solution that would meet their needs. Governments could and should create the models and resources that would facilitate this transition. Housing co-op “organizers” with the knowledge and experience to assist citizens in creating these living spaces of mutual aid could keep people living independently longer. Keeping yourself independent when older is the real struggle for the average person. We need a new housing model for our times. Are you a leader or a follower?
Climate Challenge
If “change” does not capture the true urgency of the problem but “crisis” is too fearful a term, then perhaps “challenge” can suggest a problem but one that is manageable. Let’s talk about the necessary 30 per cent reduction in each of our daily energy consumption levels and how that is going to change our lives. Are you a leader or a follower?
Looking for a metaphor for fossil fuel usage? Try addiction. As in, Trudeau admits that there is a problem but argues he can cut back on his consumption, but Scheer still denies that there is a problem with his usage.
Brian Ferguson, Burnaby
