Letter to Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health, written by Stephen Pender, PhD
Dear Mr. Hoskins,
While I'm certain you've heard from a number of citizens from Windsor, Ontario, about the proposed mega-hospital's wrong-headed suburban site, I would still very much like to add my voice to the chorus of opposition: locating the new facility so very far away from the core, and from most residents of the city, is sorely, sharply mistaken, as most critics, advocates, planners, and thinkers about urban space and civic life attest. That much, to me --- and I have lived in London, UK, Toronto, Ontario, and now, for the least 16 years, in Windsor --- is perfectly obvious: it will present not only a loss of service and care, but insurmountable transportation barriers [and costs] for residents, especially working class, under-employed or under-housed Windsorites. In fact, I don't know a single wise soul who supports this project and its aims, and that's why the 'Re-Think the Mega-Hospital' signs quite literally colour my neighbourhood with their signature burgundy.
But there is another concern, at least for me: a commitment to open and responsive, public and nuanced debate: both Dave Cooke and Dave Musyj are arch, disingenuous, and occasionally bullying, blocking people from contacting them, coercing various organisations, including non-profits, to write in support of their vision, and advocating this mega-project while remaining aloof, unavailable, and unaccountable to the people of this city.
Two concerns then: the project itself, which I find astonishingly under-thought; and the questionable conduct of its most public advocates.
I trust you shall take to heart my concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Pender
Stephen Pender, PhD
Professor, English / Fellow, CRRAR
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
While I'm certain you've heard from a number of citizens from Windsor, Ontario, about the proposed mega-hospital's wrong-headed suburban site, I would still very much like to add my voice to the chorus of opposition: locating the new facility so very far away from the core, and from most residents of the city, is sorely, sharply mistaken, as most critics, advocates, planners, and thinkers about urban space and civic life attest. That much, to me --- and I have lived in London, UK, Toronto, Ontario, and now, for the least 16 years, in Windsor --- is perfectly obvious: it will present not only a loss of service and care, but insurmountable transportation barriers [and costs] for residents, especially working class, under-employed or under-housed Windsorites. In fact, I don't know a single wise soul who supports this project and its aims, and that's why the 'Re-Think the Mega-Hospital' signs quite literally colour my neighbourhood with their signature burgundy.
But there is another concern, at least for me: a commitment to open and responsive, public and nuanced debate: both Dave Cooke and Dave Musyj are arch, disingenuous, and occasionally bullying, blocking people from contacting them, coercing various organisations, including non-profits, to write in support of their vision, and advocating this mega-project while remaining aloof, unavailable, and unaccountable to the people of this city.
Two concerns then: the project itself, which I find astonishingly under-thought; and the questionable conduct of its most public advocates.
I trust you shall take to heart my concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Pender
Stephen Pender, PhD
Professor, English / Fellow, CRRAR
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada