Letters to the editor. Flying foreign flags, fireworks fiasco and the return of Bonnie Crombie.
Re: Poll showing Crombie could beat Parrish
Is Bonnie Crombie a better Mayor than Carolyn Parrish? I don’t know the answer to that question. What I know is that Bonnie put her mayoral duty on hold not one, not twice, but three times in the past. Mississauga residents do not welcome her return to Mississauga — she might put her duty on hold once again in the future to pursue her other dream knowing there is a safety net back in the mayor’s office for her. I’d rather give another candidate a chance.
Barry K
Mississauga resident
Re: Criticism around foreign flags flown by Mississauga City Hall
I believe that we could raise the flag if a head of state visits Canada as a courtesy. This is Canada and we should always be flying the Canadian flag.
Why are we not staying with protocol? Is this not what other countries do?
Let’s not complicate the issue or cave into other ideologies.
Let’s keep things simple Canada and honour Canada as a country, no exceptions please.
Thank you,
Mary
Mississauga resident
Re: Residents continue to voice concerns around fireworks usage
I believe the City must treat all residents and all cultural/religious celebrations with equal respect and fairness.
Fireworks are permitted and widely enjoyed on Canada Day, Victoria Day, and New Year’s Eve. Thousands of people gather in parks and many set off them on their properties and parks, and no one calls for a complete ban on those occasions.
The noise, light pollution, and safety concerns are the same whether the celebration is for Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year, or a national holiday. Yet only certain communities are being singled out when they wish to mark their most important festivals.
A blanket ban on fireworks is neither fair nor necessary. Instead, the city should:
- Keep the current rules that allow fireworks on designated cultural and statutory holidays,
- Strictly enforce existing bylaws (time limits, permitted days, safe distances, etc.), and
- Impose meaningful fines on anyone – regardless of background – who breaks the rules.
If fireworks are too dangerous or disruptive for Diwali, then they are too dangerous for any other days. If they are acceptable for other days, then they must be acceptable for other cultural celebrations as well. Equality means applying the same standards to everyone.
Punish the rule-breakers, not the entire community. A $300,000 “public awareness campaign” will not solve the problem – consistent enforcement will.
Mississauga is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in the world. Let’s show it by treating every resident’s joy with the same respect.Sincerely,
Haresh Rabadia
Mississauga Resident
HAVE YOUR SAY! YOUR VOICE MATTERS?
We want to hear from you! Your opinion matters to us and we want to share your feedback on our stories with our community. Send us your thoughts at info@mpulse.ca and we may print them in an upcoming edition.
