Sorry, but coming from the developing world I have difficulty with pejorative terms
such as "third world social status" (para 3 of letter below). The so-called "Third
World" is not just one vast homogenized lump of countries all sharing misery and
poverty, and somehow socially inferior to the "industrialized countries" who
currently "lead" the pack. Some developing countries know more about social
support and community caring than many industrialized nations. Careless
stereotyping can help to propagate unquestioned assumptions and uncritical
thinking. It seems odd to consign three-quarters of the world to some benighted
status whilst arguing for improved conditions for another group, however laudable
the intention may be.

Elizabeth Rajkumar
The Working Group
1-295 Ashton Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Z 6T5


(text of letter)

Dear Mr. Martin
Minister of Finance
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario

Dear Mr. Martin:

        I learned today that you were co-author of an apparently well written
report entitled: "Finding Room: Housing Solutions for the Future, Report of
the National Liberal Task Force on Housing."  I understand that it had 25
recommendations to deal with the national housing crisis.

        I also learned today that as soon as you and your party formed the
government, this report was apparently forgotten.  It also appears that you
and your government completely withdrew from any involvement in housing.
Apparently your government is the only Western nation to do so.

        Have you no shame?  Does it not embarass you to be Finance
Minister of an industrialized nation that seems to be striving hard for third
world social status?

        And what about your Liberal colleagues? And especially what about
your ONTARIO LIBERAL MP COLLEAGUES? Do THEY have any shame?  I have
provided
a copy of this letter to all of them.

        If you were able to eliminate the national deficit, don't you think
you might also wish to take a shot at eliminating homelessness?

Best wishes,

Dennis Raphael
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Dennis Raphael, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Director,
Masters of Health Science Program in Health Promotion
Department of Public Health Sciences
Graduate Department of Community Health
University of Toronto
McMurrich Building, Room 101
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5S 1A8
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