OPEN LETTER TO THE VOTERS OF
THORNHILL
FP's Erin Goodwin Opposes
Approval of Muslim-only Development
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Riding of Thornhill: Many of you will know that, on February 4, 2014, a meeting was held at Vaughan City Hall concerning a proposed expansion to the Jaffari Community Centre. The proposal is for the construction of a 30 acre Muslim-only development involving two condominium towers and a number of townhouses for a total of 377 units. The meeting drew an overflow crowd because the issue is of great concern, especially to those living near the proposed development. A number of concerns have been
raised about the development, which reportedly cannot proceed without
obtaining special exemptions and approvals from government. The
project reportedly would not comply with zoning and planning criteria
without the exemptions and approvals. In addition, legitimate
concern is being caused by the fact that proponents of the development -
Islamic Shia
Ithna-Asheri Jama'at of Toronto ("ISIJ") - initially made it clear
that the intention is for a Muslim-only community on a 30 acre
site.
Thornhill residents go to the
polls this coming Thursday, February 13, 2014 to vote in the provincial
by-election for the riding of Thornhill. Concerned voters have
written to Freedom Party of Ontario and to Erin Goodwin - Freedom Party's
candidate in Thornhill - asking that we state the party's position with
respect to the issue of the proposed development.
This issue is an important one
not only for the riding, but for the precedent it could set for the
province. Accordingly, we are writing to ensure that you understand
in no uncertain terms Freedom Party's position on the issue, and the
position of Erin Goodwin, Freedom Party's candidate.
Freedom Party, its leader Paul
McKeever, and its candidate Erin Goodwin oppose the granting of exemptions
or approvals for the 30-acre development. We oppose it in part
because of the many zoning and planning concerns expressed by Thornhill
residents who would suffer the consequences - including traffic congestion
- were the development to get exemptions and approvals to go ahead.
However, we also share the
concerns of those who oppose - or are puzzled by - the Muslim-only nature
of the proposed site. Freedom Party is quite aware that the
religious leader of the ISIJ is an Imam and author who regards only the
laws of Allah - Sharia - to be legitimate law. It would be naive, at
the very least, to disregard the exclusive, Muslim-only nature of the
proposed development, which we understand to include streets and
allowances that would be not private but public lands.
Contrary to the religious leader
of the ISIJ, Freedom Party stands opposed to facilitating respect for
Sharia law. We advocate respect only for the laws made in our
legislatures and courts, by the people, for the life and happiness of all
of the children and adults on this good earth, of all religions. We
will not support the use of our laws to defend the existence of zones in
which the laws made in our legislatures and courts are disregarded or
discouraged.
Having made our own position
clear, we encourage the Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidates to
do the same, because those who remain mute in order to get elected, will
remain mute in order to get re-elected.
Sincerely, Erin Goodwin (Freedom Party candidate for the riding of Thornhill) AND Paul McKeever (Leader, Freedom Party of Ontario) For further details, contact:
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Freedom Party of Ontario 240
Commissioners Road West
London, Ontario
CANADA N6J 1Y1
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