Dear Ms. Mathyssen, MP London-Fanshawe:

This is a rare defining moment for the NDP. Please support the gun registry and lobby your colleagues to do the same. I know you are aware that this is not a minor issue.

I know that some of those representing more rural areas fear this may jeopardize their reelection – I understand this coming from a rural area myself. However, I remember the capital punishment votes 40 years ago -- I believe that the respect gained by putting personal conscience and decisions based on facts before political expediency will win everyone more votes than those lost on this issue in the next election. The flourishing of the NDP in Montreal certainly depends on this vote.

Voting for scrapping the registry or absenting oneself from the vote will be seen by most for what it is – moral cowardice, putting personal interest before those of the NDP in general and all Canadians. We are told that voting NDP makes a difference. Prove it!

Sincerely

English & French Language Centre, Faculty of Arts
McGill University

published with the permission of the author and with the permission of MP Irene Mathyssen