As a British Columbian and a local activist, I urge Premier Christy Clark to cancel the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), inviting actors here from Bollywood, whereas our film industry is struggling to exist, here in B.C.
This comes with a hefty $10-million tag for the residents of B.C., whereas I personally feel there are enough entertainment promoters who can do the job. We do not wish to pay for it as British Columbians.
As an immigrant from India, now a citizen of Canada, I strongly feel this is a serious attempt to woo ethnic votes and in this economy should not be a burden on B.C. residents.
The Bollywood industry has enough money to do such events.
This is the first time any provincial government has spent money on Bollywood. No state in India even has such policy.
It is a commercial, private entertainment business.
Let’s contract out the TOIFA and save $10 million for education and health care.
Vikram Bajwa
Get out and vote
I have become increasingly aware of the lack of basic common sense among our elected politicians. One of my mother’s oft repeated phrases was “they were behind the door when God gave out common sense,”
How else can you explain the closure of the coast guard station in Kitsilano and the lack of a decent bus/rail service in Surrey when millions have been spent on advertising, more millions on an awards ceremony for an Indian film festival (when our own industry is moribund), and last week the announcement of $4 million to restore the old horse barns at the PNE – which apparently have historical significance.
We are in desperate need of new, pragmatic leadership. I, along with other seniors, will not miss visiting the polling booths in May. I urge all younger generations to become aware of how our province is being run, educate yourselves – and wake up and smell the coffee. You can make a difference – get out and vote.
Sheila Gair