Letter to Editor: In-person apology sought

Whistler Question, October 30, 2008

Here in Whistler, tremendous effort is put towards protecting our bears through programs of awareness and respect. Last week our Council passed a bylaw which gives residents and tourists the option of being fined up to $10,000 a day for not bear-proofing their home. For the record, I agree with the bylaw.

Also, last week, I read the apology to the residents of Whistler from Andrew Robertson for shooting a bear cub in May 2008 on the school grounds, when school was in session, in a residential area where the discharge of a firearm is not allowed. Then Mr. Robertson fled but was apprehended and was put under criminal arrest. At the court hearing, the judge handed down certain tasks to performed. One of the tasks was to write an apology to the residents and students of Whistler.

This is where I get explicit and angry: Locals can be fined $10,000/day for attracting a bear for not “bear proofing” their domain, but a person that indiscriminately shoots a bear cub can just submit a letter “of apology.”

To Mr. Robertson: I was very upset when I heard about this open-air slaughter last May. I wrote a letter to the local newspaper to invite you to a public forum, to answer questions and afford you the opportunity to hear our grievances. We want to give you the privilege to explain to the locals what you were thinking when you were driving around with a loaded firearm, shot a cub in a populated school ground and ran from the authorities. We want to know what you were thinking! The residents of Whistler are understanding and I think that a face-to-face apology would carry a lot more credence than a letter written by somebody on your behalf.

Andrew Robertson, I for one, would consider this apology IF you made it in person at a public meeting. Your call!
Murray Coates, Whistler