Re: 'He lied to me. He cheated on me. He used me to come to Canada’, April 6, 2006

It was with great interest that I read your cover story on the foreign man who now faces deportation for using his marriage to a Canadian woman as an easy way into the country.

While this particular case seems open to legal challenge (the woman’s testimony seems contradictory in parts), let’s hope it does not get over-turned.

This ruling has huge, and very positive, implications for Canadians who take a considerable risk in bringing a foreign spouse here.

Aside from the $1,500 it costs to obtain the landed immigrant status, the sponsoring Canadian spouse is required to sign a surety that if the foreigner walks out (like the Fijian man did), the Canadian guarantor will still be responsible for all that individual’s debts and living expenses -- including healthcare, etc.

This should clear the way for many Canadians (men in particular) to return to Canada with foreign spouses free from the fear that they will be sued by the government for every penny should the new wife say ‘see ya later, sucker.’

While I have no particular fears for my own situation (we’ve been married for more than four years and have two kids born in Thailand -- Thai/Canadian citizens), the present Canadian rules seemed geared to discourage Canadians from marrying foreigners and settling in Canada.

Let’s hope this leads to a change in those rules that would allow my wife to come to Canada with me with a bit less skepticism, and a bit less onus on me - and more on the authorities, and that’s the way it should be.

If the spouse becomes estranged prior to receiving citizenship, then they should leave the country.

It’s about time. It’s about fairness.

The Canadian government should investigate right away if they are receiving tips about the illegal activites of immigrants. Why do we need to wait several years to catch any type of criminals in Canada? Immigrants committing serious offense in Canada should not be allowed to stay here and they should be removed from Canada immediately.

I do not agree with Mr. Henian E’s stance (see Reader’s Corner, April 6, 2006) that Taiwan should be unified with China because "Taiwan used to be a part of China," and Chinese would support it.

Historically, Taiwan was part of China sometimes and was not some other times. If whether a nation should be part of another is based on some history, nations like Canada and America should still be part of England today, and China should be part of Mongolia since it was once ruled by the Mongols.

The principle of the matter is self-determination, which is asserted in the U.N. Charter.

As for the second argument, has he asked any Taiwanese to see if they want to be ruled by China?

He also argues against the Taiwan Affairs Act being proposed in the House of Commons.

The Act actually tries to provide protocol as bases to handle issues related to Taiwan. Unless Canada intends to close its trades and other relations with Taiwan, this protocol is absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, Canada, a nation priding itself on promoting human rights, justice, democracy and peace, should offer its support for Taiwan when that democratic sovereign nation is being bullied by an autocratic, totalitarian regime which doesn’t respect even the rights of its own people.

Re: ‘Speak up for Jassi’, Feb 23, 2005

I am so glad you have dedicated so much of your time into providing us all you know of Jassi’s case. I am also aware of the petition you have online in hope that justice is done in Jassi’s case.

Can we not start a petition on getting Mittu out of jail? I want more than anything to do something for him as do many other people. Would Jassi not want us to help her husband when she is not here to do so?

I am more than sure that if we got people to sign this petition and sent it off to the government of India they might look more thoroughly into his case.

Someone needs to do something and I think you have all the resources and people do come visit your site often.

We can all give Jassi a voice and through her we will gain the strength to help someone she so much gave her life for.

I hope you will consider helping start a petition for Mithu.

Re: 'Give my marriage a chance’, Nov 24, 2005

The world can always use more love and marriage. Who cares what genitalia they happened to be born with? Give it a chance. Better that two people who truly love each other marry, rather than two people who don’t love one another do it for money or convenience. Isn’t that what marriage is truly valued for?

Re: ‘Mary Kay’s pink gospel converts China’, Dec 22, 2005

How wonderful to read that Chinese woman are now able to experience the joys of a career with Mary Kay. For women to be able to finally pursue a career of their choice and succeed, is a far cry from how China used to be. It was interesting to read about the factory and growth in the Asian arm of Mary Kay Cosmetics as well. More opportunities for jobs in China. More successes.

My wishes to all the consultants, directors and new nationals in China!!