Steve Fonyo and the Order of Canada

Posted January 26, 2010

We simply cannot get a grip on that small matter of “Integrity” in this Country

Steve Fonyo may be derelict in his approach to life-style choices but must we shame someone who actually tried to do something positive for this country? I just don’t understand how an individual who unselfishly raised $13,000,000 could fall on such challenging life circumstances and shame.

We gave this honour to Conrad Black and he was convicted of fraud. He even gave up citizenship to wallow in the House of Lords. We gave this honour to a “holocaust abortionist” by the name of Henry Morgentaler and I am certain that Prime Minister Brian Mulroney did not intend to be a party in tax evasion. Did he return the $2,000,000 because integrity would be an issue? Canadian standards need closer scrutiny.

Approximately two years ago some fellow colleagues from the University of Toronto and I nominated Professor Ron Lee Pringle to the Order. Two years later no one has heard anything of this nomination. Mr. Lee, as he prefers to be called, is a University Professor, Journalist, Author of several books, a Linguist who speaks English, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish and several Slavic languages, as well as being a Paralegal, Social-activist, accomplished Musician and a consultant to the movie industry.. Mr. Lee has even been instrumental in co-authoring and establishing an official Roma language. Did I just mention the “key word”? This individual has dedicated his life to helping the Roma cause, or Gypsies, as the Order of Canada may identify them. Can you imagine a Gypsy with the Order of Canada? Let us be cautious who we honour because our idealism seems to be taking root in dishonesty, corruption, nepotism and prorogation.

Bankers and fund managers have raped this country for billions, politicians have squandered the same and now we are doing our best to destroy something that should be part of our Canadian legacy. No doubt we will have to wait until Michael Bryant receives the Order to make up for Fonyo’s loss. Who is making these absurd decisions?

Thank you,
Joseph Pede