APROPOS THE letter titled “Where is Trudeau’s ‘Canadian solution’?” (Opinion, 2/12/16) by Aileen Lucero and others, I wish to extend my heartfelt support for their initiatives and strongly condemn the use of their beautiful country as a dumping site for Canada’s waste. I want to extend my support to their cause and join the chorus of protest against the dumping of unwanted waste by developed countries in developing and underdeveloped nations.
The Canadian government has been good for truckloads of false promises made on various issues—not only to Canadians but also other peoples across the world. The longstanding humanitarian, supportive, responsible and committed nature of our national government has been changing over the past couple of decades, with no comprehensive and consistent solution —that could be called a Canadian solution—provided for any national or international issues.
It is extremely unfortunate and unacceptable that successive Canadian administrations have not taken any appropriate action with respect to the waste dumped in the Philippines; furthermore, no technical or financial package has been yet provided in disposing of the waste and protecting the local environment.
Once again, on this unfortunate issue, I voice my strong concern and extend my support to the people in the Philippines. I sincerely believe that every nation should be treated equally, and Canada and the Philippines should work in close coordination in dealing with waste management to protect the local ecosystems and the environment from degradation. Thanks to the Inquirer for highlighting this important issue and informing us all about the waste dumping, as very few in Canada are aware of this.
—SAIKAT KUMAR BASU, Apt 6-409, 43 Street South, Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4B3