that supports native education including funding for specialty schools in languages and culture such as French and Mi'kmagq.

g outrageous statements based on unreliable

"facts," the most troubling is his opinion regarding what constitutes ethnic diversity. In proposing his argument against Atlantic Canada's lack of cultural diversity he basi- cally says that unless you are of non- European decent you do not qualify as cul- turally different.

Effectually, this means that the proverbial "we" (i.e. white) need to be able to visibly recognize an individual or group as a minority by the colour of their skin in order for "us" to acknowledge them. Unfortunately, this token gesture, obvious- ly made in an attempt to appease those who feel discriminated against and do identify themselves as members of a

minority group, only serves to separate and isolate them even further.

Differences are not absolute, and basing cultural diversity on the colour of one's skin is not only insulting, but it's potentially dangerous, Not only should people not have to point out their differ-_ ences in order to be treated equally, but qualifying "difference " limits peoples! choices and ability to change.

It is obvious in Ibbitson's state- ments that he believes that visible minori- ties should remain visible and argues that the importance of this maintains what he calls "civilized cities." What is most amusing about this opinion is that in reali- ty immigrants are often drawn (or forced) to large cities by the exploitation of their own people because of incurred debt. The prevalence of slave labour and the illegal sex trade in Canada's major cities is shock- ing, and often goes unidentified by those of us who benefit from cheap clothes and easy satisfaction.

These "happy cities" that Ibbitson is so desperately trying to portray are rid- dled with ethnic tension (visible in territo- rial gang wars), poverty, and all forms of discrimination. Unfortunately, these social

problems are often viewed as someone else's problem; Ibbitson's statements quite clearly reflect this attitude.

He complains that 55 percent of immigrants "choose" to live in Ontario and only | to 3 percent live in any of the Maritime provinces. Rather than acknowl- edging the real issues and helping develop rational solutions, he prefers to blame Atlantic Canada for the rest of the coun- try's social problems. I wonder if the true motivations for his attack are based on a need to justify why he resents the fact that he does not feel safer within his own com- munity.

I think Mr. Ibbitson needs to

“rethink why he is asking certain questions

yet insisting on only particular answers.

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As a final point, Mr. I[bbitson completed his assault on Atlantic Canada with the question of whether Atlantic Canadians think that the safety and cele- bration of their communities is worth the snub of some people's decision to live here. Well, as a person "from away" who represents the supposedly non-existent

. group of people who want to live in

Atlantic Canada, I can tell you that the quality of living is astoundingly different, — and yes, it is worth it.

How realistic to you think it is to be able to send your kids out to play in Toronto and know that the neighbours, the store clerk, and the guy who delivers your. oil will notice if something or someone is out of place? As a woman, how safe would I feel walking alone in downtown Vancouver? How many times a year can

- you depend on your neighbours to get

together to discuss and implement a solu- tion to a local problem?

In Atlantic Canada, cultural diver- sity is distinguished by more than just the colour of a person's skin; unique diversities do exist within this region, and they will continue to be preserved by the passion and commitment of its people.