Editor, The News:
Re: Pitt couple evicted from housing co-op (The News, June 5).
I hope that the B.C. Supreme Court overturns this ruling made by the Meadowland Co-op and B.C. Co-operative Association.
Residing at a co-op in Maple Ridge for seniors, I am painfully familiar with too many rules – often outdated and dictatorial rules.
It is appalling to have fewer rights in our golden years.
Joan and Jim Fast deserve to be treated with consideration, respect and compassion for doing all they can for their ailing adult son, in their home.
Rules can be changed, exceptions can be made, given the circumstances of individual cases.
The actions of the Meadowland board of directors, their lawyers and the B.C. co-op branch, and the 66 per cent of the members who voted to evict this couple, reeks of unfairness.
Disregarding common sense, quality of life, moral and ethical values, is an abomination for which the co-op should be punished.
Joan and Jim Fast should not.
I trust and expect this miscarriage of justice to be rectified by the Supreme Court.
Having an advocate at seniors’ co-ops will go a long way to ease the pressure and abuse of power exercised by closed minds that enforce rules and ignore all other factors – such as human rights and family values.
Nelida Tilbe
Maple Ridge