Editor, The Times:
The following is an open letter to Mr Mike de Jong, Minister of Finance, B.C –
For all of our futures, I ask you to please remove from legislation the proposed section 99(1)(b), of the Society Act that would allow corporations to take any non-profit society to court for "carrying on activities that are detrimental to the public interest.”
This could potentially muzzle less-than-rich non-profit societies from raising concerns on issues.
It might seem that the ordinary person is just plain evil to you, sir, but we are just trying to keep the province going. Good men and women serve their communities each and every day – and jump through loops put forward by rules and regs (an added burden on those already not exchanging money for work done). They are the volunteers and the 'do-gooders' that you are potentially allowing to be harassed with this change.
It is difficult enough to get people to donate their time and expertise to sustain their communities. Now you government people have come up with still another lamebrain idea to influence involvement.
Well, congratulations and well done – that is if what your objective is is to create a state of fear and therefore immobilization amongst the masses.
Good people are not there to be “... carrying on activities that are detrimental to the public interest.” No, they are there to serve their communities
My suggestion is that perhaps you need to put this line into your dealings with corporations. Perhaps you could apply it to the food inspectors who allow poison to be sprayed on our food. I could go on!
Why threaten people who are just trying to be good citizens and serve their fellow community member by being a Rotarian or sitting on a board to protect animals or whatever?
Open your eyes and see what is happening in the real world. We are getting tired and now threats of court. Gosh, I just don't know why this proposed section 99(1) (b) was even proposed – all I can think of is that this is what is ... well, I'd rather not go there or I would get sued!
Could you clarify for this for me?
Is the government a 'for profit' organization? Does this rule apply to the government as well?
If that too is true, then you are just introducing another way to allow big business to sue the ordinary person. Think about it.
Cheryl Thomas
Clearwater, B.C.