Letters | Hongkongers moving to Canada for democracy are in for a rude shock

Readers discuss the poor choice of candidates in Canadian elections, a proposed law to ban alternative smoking products, the rise in myopia among children amid the pandemic, and television coverage of the Paralympics

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Friends and relatives take photos before boarding a London-bound flight at Hong Kong airport on August 8. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:05am, 8 Sep 2021

Watching recent coverage of families torn apart by the mass exodus out of Hong Kong in search of “freedom”, I wondered if those who are leaving really know what kind of “freedom” they are getting themselves into.

Being from Canada, I probably take that freedom for granted. However, since I do live here, I might be willing to give up some of this freedom in exchange for some competence.

With the passing of the national security law in Hong Kong, criticising the government is pretty much impossible without consequences. Luckily for me in Canada, I’m allowed to criticise my government by voting and, luckily for me, Canada has recently announced an election.

For Hongkongers looking at Canadians with envy, let me let you in on a secret – it is not as great as you think.

I have voted for the last 20 years, and honestly there has not been one capable candidate. Every four years I get my opportunity to vote out one person and replace him or her with another just as incompetent. This is true through all levels of government.

I have voted in three mayors under whose watch the construction of a single transit line that was first proposed 15 years ago has yet to be completed. I have voted for provincial premiers who thought it was a good idea to give people up to C$14,000 (US$11,160) to buy an electric car or made it a priority that beer can’t be more C$1.

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