Opinion: Letters, Oct. 2
Divisive strategy sad
Re: Tories tumble into deep, dark hole at the end of campaign trail (Sept. 29)
The opinion piece by Tom Brodbeck is an accurate and comprehensive autopsy of how many bad practices and decisions were made in this election campaign and these past seven years under this current PC government. Although we will await the official ‘call’ until later next week after the ballots are counted, revival is highly unlikely.
Of particular notice to me is Tom’s scrutiny of the loathsome unrelenting attack on Wab Kinew by the Tories. I understand and recognize insidious Manitoba-made racism, having lived here for almost seven decades. As a lifelong Winnipegger, I have seen how easy and lazy it is to negatively label and attack our Indigenous brothers and sisters, it is a sad part of our incomplete and dreadfully slow journey to a just, fair and equitable society. We will do better as a community of diverse people together soon as we elevate our values and attitudes to define people by their gifts, contributions and integrity, rather than any other physical, mental or social gauge.
It is a sad reality that too many still hang on to desperately unfair perceptions and negativity that divide people that are irrational and fear-based. Hopefully on Tuesday night we can take a brave step forward to embrace a better future with more of us together that will build a better Manitoba.
Roland Stankevicius
Winnipeg
All’s fair…
Had a good laugh reading all the posts with the feigned indignation about the conservative ads pointing out the poor quality of many of the NDP candidates, given if they were conservatives the exact same or worse ads would be running.
Think back to when Stephen Harper was around, the opposition were bringing back speeches he had make over 30 years prior and hammering away that a person does not change over time and what he said or did then still applies today.
The one way the NDP could have avoided all this was to choose better candidates.
Jim Roberts
Winnipeg
Prioritize driver, rider safety
Re: A good start for safer transit (Editorial, Sept. 29)
Reading the editorial today on transit security, I am writing to wish Mr. Chrismas all the best in his new post.
I find it strange that the Transit police will not be carrying firearms, but then, we are not living in the U.S., so I can accept that. What surprises me more, however, is that the force will not be allowed tasers, which are not considered a lethal weapon, and have been instrumental in giving police a welcome alternative to the use of firearms in cases where a perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, such as a knife.
The editorial addresses the need for compassion towards trouble makers, which is a fine sentiment, but to my mind, a transit force’s primary task is the protection of Transit drivers and passengers, and not least, the safety of the new Transit police force members themselves.
Michael Dowling
Winnipeg
How Parliament works
“Again, I say, because ultimately I am responsible for the security in this place, that I am deeply disturbed that this could happen.”
Words spoken by then-Speaker of the House of Commons John Fraser April 10, 1990. What happened here in the house was Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough—Agincourt) had provided two visitors with signed cards admitting them to the visitor gallery. These two men caused a disturbance when the House was trying to debate a bill. It is said Karygiannis had prior knowledge of their intentions to disrupt Parliament for political gain.
There have been many other disturbances in the house gallery. Either someone planted there for nefarious reasons by a member of parliament or by misadventure.
Many people don’t understand how parliament works. Simply put, there is a separation between the House and all political parties and senate. The House is independent as are the courts of Canada, not to be interfered with by any political party. The Speaker of the House is voted on by every member of the house no matter what party they are from. The slate of candidates for house speaker is made of anyone of any party who wants the job. The Speaker of the House is the one who enforces the rules and is responsible for what happens in the House.
It’s unfortunate Pierre Pollievre doesn’t know the rules or the role of the house and speaker. He misleads Canadians by blaming Justin Trudeau and the Liberals for this unfortunate incident, where the Speaker of the House rightly took the blame and resigned. Don’t get me wrong. I too have Trudeau fatigue and would like someone else to vote for. If Canadians catch on to Pierre Pollievre’s disinformation, I fear the big blue Conservative machine will swallow him up as it did with all Conservative leaders since Harper.
With all this aside, it is obvious that the gallery has major deficiencies and that new rules for vetting are added so this doesn’t happen again.
Gerald Trudeau
Winnipeg
Eye on the neighbours
I have to ask, what are our provincial neighbours taking as it seems they have lost the plot. We have Smith from Alberta threatening that Alberta will face blackouts and hardship if they have to adhere to federal legislation that will make Canada’s electricity grid net-zero by 2035. Yet only two months ago the Pembina Institute reported that Smith killed $25 billion worth of green energy investments in Alberta.
Then we have Moe from Saskatchewan who will follow in Quebec’s footsteps by enacting the notwithstanding clause to trample on minority rights and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
We have Ford from Ontario “winning” a majority after a 43 per cent voter turn out last year (take note Manitoba) who then proceeded to try to sneak through what might have been the biggest heist in Canadian history. While nothing has been proven in court it has been alleged well connected PC Party donors were almost allowed to rake in billions of dollars in profit in land switch deals that opened up the communal land belt around the Greater Toronto area.
Now we have Ford preparing to push through a huge building scheme to dramatically increase Ontario’s nuclear power that will cost upwards of $400 billion while ignoring green alternatives.
Let’s hope whatever madness has taken hold of our neighbours doesn’t make its way here after Oct. 3.
Jamie Bonner
Winnipeg
Bad timing
I am quite certain that Premier Heather Stefanson and her team are very much regretting their choice to call the election for Oct. 3.
It likely didn’t occur to them that it would fall just days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Their campaign platform has been anything but reflecting on the truth of our past and contributing to a movement of justice.
I am unsure if Heather Stefanson should even be present without detracting from what this day means to all of the Manitobans that will be walking. However, I very much look forward to seeing our future premier, Wab Kinew and his team walking in step and hand in hand towards good choices and hope.
Andrea Sanderson
Winnipeg
Credit: Opinion: Letters, Oct. 2
