Whistler’s Answers: May 17, 1984Whistler’s Answers: May 17, 1984
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1984. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: On May 8, 1984, an army corporal entered the National Assembly in Quebec City and shot sixteen people, killing three. It is believed that the shooter was motivated to “destroy” the government of the Parti Quebecois, including Premier René Lévesque. Following the shooting, security measures were increased at the National Assembly, including the introduction of armed police officers and metal detectors.
Question: Following the shooting in Quebec Legislature, do you think politicians will increase security?
Peter Porteous – Waiting Unit – Brio
Obviously security is lacking, but living in Canada, we don’t have to protect ourselves with armed guards outside of the Parliament building. We are fortunate for that – it’s not an armed fortress like in Europe.
Megan Moore – Hotel Employee – Alta Vista
I think they probably will for a while, probably for about a year, and then it will go back to normal. They’ll find something else to do. Canada does have gun control, so it’s a safe country.
Don Goodall – Unemployed – Whistler
If they do plan on being more security conscious there’s the possibility that they might take it a bit too far and infringe on the people’s right to enter the legislature and see government in action. On the other hand terrorism is on the rise, so I guess politics could be a dangerous profession for the next few years.