Editor:

As the Conservatives popped up and down to vote in Parliament on Thursday, June 14, a more profound Coast meeting was taking place in Sechelt.

The event, “What does your Canada look like?” drew more than 125 participants to discuss with Jamie Biggar of Leadnow how to save the Canada that we love.

We talked about moving beyond the fears and anger experienced in a declining democracy and towards solutions-based thinking. We all agreed that simply turning our backs on a crumbling political system is not the answer. Working together to increase knowledge, understanding and action around environmental, social justice and other challenges is the way to move forward.

We concluded that a coalition of local groups and individuals will work towards these goals in the coming months. Jamie was thrilled by Coast residents’ articulate responses to current challenges — you are all invited to join us in building a Canada that is respected by all for its fairness and its democratic principles.

Gail Riddell

Sechelt