Re: Workers' rights trump transit riders' needs, Jan. 23
It’s enlightening to learn from Innika La Fontaine that public transportation in Ottawa is not an essential service.
Inconvenient, of course, especially for those who’ve lost jobs, can’t get to appointments or volunteer commitments, are unable to get to grocery stores or the bank, or to classes.
Not to mention unable to maintain a social life or enjoy such recreational activities as going to a movie, or perhaps going skating on the canal.
Some of these complainers are old and find it difficult – and yes dangerous – to walk too much in the intense cold on uncleared sidewalks.
Some have young children who will also find it difficult to walk in this bitter weather.
Others have gone seriously into debt paying for taxis to take them to work.
BUT no one has yet died. So, according to Innika La Fontaine, this strike is merely an inconvenience, which tens of thousands of Ottawans just have to put up with.
Perhaps Innika could tell us how many deaths are required before public transportation fulfills the requirement to be an essential service.