Prime Minister-Elect Justin Trudeau:
Congratulations on your well-earned victory on October 19! Here is an expression of deep gratitude and a suggestion for a solution to give expression to the popular vote in Ottawa. Here is a heartfelt thank you for continuing the honourable legacy of your late father.
On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Peace Group, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you most profusely for your first action as PM elect, announcing the end of Canada’s bombing of Iraq and Syria. It was with growing dismay that we observed Canada’s increasing international belligerence under the previous administration. This attitude and escalating program of aggression were out of touch with Canadian values.
In order to promote respect for popular sentiment by future governments, we suggest that you act immediately to reform the Senate to reflect as far as possible the popular vote. You can do this now by inviting the Greens and the NDP to provide lists of nominees to fill vacancies in the Senate. Please begin a tradition of appointing senators now based on the popular vote in the previous election. Over time, the Senate will thus become a truly meaningful institution for the people, correcting some of the injustice caused by our first-past-the-post system.
I would like to express my family’s deep gratitude for your family’s enormous sacrifice on behalf of the well-being of our nation and our world. May the Great Spirit give you continued strength and protection on your journey! May your love grow as you share it with others.
Roger Lagassé, for S.C. Peace Group
