That section was overlooked
Somewhere along the road, our current government has taken a fork, or a right turn, or maybe they are caught in their own version of a deep rut. Although the people of Canada, the supposed employers of a government, have a certain historic and cultural baggage, we’re now at the point where ministers of the Crown are able to project their personal beliefs on the workings of the state.
Imagine that you’re a recent immigrant, in love with the idea of being in Canada, contributing to the society that has welcomed you. You’re the kind of person that wants to be a “keeper”, so you’ve decided to commit to the bureaucratic treadmill of becoming a citizen. Rather than second guessing things, you actually decide to use the official study guide. You’re determined to make an informed decision.
And now, the word is out. The official guide has an editorial slant (much like a blog, or a newspaper) that bears witness to the personal bias of one elected politician. In the current Canada, some of your rights will not be presented. Error of omission. The equalities enjoyed by Canadian citizens now include one that must not be advertised. Kenney told the group that gay rights had been “overlooked” when the guide was being prepared…
Jason Kenney has personal beliefs that don’t include a homosexual lifestyle. Just ask him. In Canada, that’s his right. He has (according to the CBC) required that the aforementioned study guide must not contain any reference to something he personally finds wrong. And there, his rights trump those of others. And there, he fails as a representative of Canada.
I’d like to believe that other elected representatives will step forward, when Parliament reconvenes this week. I’d like to believe that his bias will not stand as Canadian policy. I’d like to believe that the government will right this error of omission. And if/when we have a chance to elect the NEXT government of Canada, maybe we can overlook the current minister of Citizenship and Immigration. No personal bias intended.
