‘If Canada is going to fall apart, we can manage that perfectly well on our own — no foreign power is required.’ Letters to the editor for Feb. 2

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The state of Alberta

Re “Smith defends Alberta separatists after Eby’s ‘treason’ remarks” (Jan. 30): I read with great interest the report that Alberta separatists have been holding secret talks with certain members of the Trump administration and not at all surprised that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending them.

Asking a foreign power — particularly one not known for its current gentle handling of federal systems — to help dismantle Canada is a bit like asking a moose to babysit your china cabinet. I can’t imagine that working out well in the end.

B.C. Premier David Eby said Canadians need to speak with one voice on this issue and he is right. That voice should say: Our disagreements are many, our Confederation is sometimes messy, but our arguments are ours and are homegrown. If Canada is going to fall apart, we can manage that perfectly well on our own — no foreign power is required.

Karin Bjornson Montreal

Would it not be far simpler for the Alberta separatists plotting with Trump officials to simply move to the United States, perhaps Minneapolis, in order to enjoy all of the blessings and freedoms they are denied here in Canada?

Jim Reynolds Niagara on the Lake, Ont.

Now that separatist movements are rising once again in Quebec and Alberta, it may be time for our legislators to revisit the Clarity Act, amending it to require at least a 75 per cent vote in favour of separation before Ottawa enters into negotiations. That higher threshold than the current nebulous one would surely take the stuffing out of the current attempts, aided and abetted by Donald Trump, to destabilize the country.

Errol W.A. Townshend Toronto

Seoul mates?

Re “Ottawa, Seoul agree to work on bringing South Korean auto sector manufacturing to Canada” (Jan. 29): What a powerful breath of fresh air has blown into Canada from South Korea. It is exactly what the doctor ordered regarding our diversification of trade so necessary in the face of America’s perfidious trade actions toward us. South Korea is a stable, reliable nation with a talented, dependable workforce. They have a new President, by all accounts a trustworthy leader with impeccable qualifications.

It is hoped we will pursue a solid trade relationship with South Korea, that includes serious potential investments in Canada with respect to the auto industry, and perhaps to other sectors of the economy.

Thank you, Prime Minister Mark Carney. Your efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

Robert Milan Victoria

The South Korean auto manufacturers should restart the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ont. After all, our government poured millions of dollars into the plant only for General Motors to abandon it, just as GM has abandoned its third shift in Oshawa, Ont.

With the South Korean expertise in electric vehicles and their existing investment in battery manufacturing in Canada, it makes perfect sense.

Gerrard Weedon Toronto

Driving the market

Re “Put the market in the driver’s seat for EVs” (Editorial, Jan. 30): The widely respected principle of Occam’s razor is that simpler solutions are generally the best starting point when facing complex problems with multiple options. Competition guided past decisions in the wildly successful era of cheap oil and gas-powered vehicles, and the same will undoubtedly be true as we witness the resurgence in popularity of electric vehicles. So pick up that razor and let the market run with it.

Paul Thiessen Vancouver

We are in the market to buy an electric vehicle this spring and would love to buy one manufactured in Canada. However, research reveals that the only two options are a muscle car or luxury vehicle. We just want a reasonably priced run-around car, but it seems nothing is available. So sign me up for a Chinese EV. When can I get one?

Alison Harvey Nepean, Ont.

Jurors’ trials

Re “What I got from not getting myself out of jury duty” (First Person, Jan. 30): It has been almost 20 years since I and my fellow jurors were faced with in a similarly difficult case. Deciding the fate of an accused, the alleged victim and all those around them beyond reasonable doubt is a profoundly difficult thing to do. I cried like a baby in my car when it was all over and I was completely useless at work afterward. I choke up at the idea to this day. Jury duty is important and necessary; but be prepared for a certain amount of post-traumatic stress.

Lyle Clarke Whitby, Ont.

Voices of America

Re “God bless Americans” (Letters, Jan. 29): These four letters from Americans offered viewpoints, apologies in some cases, and explanations of the situation they and we all find ourselves in with their current U.S. leader and administration.

But how can any U.S citizen say the man they elected twice – whom around 40 per cent of them still support – does not represent the American people? Donald Trump may not represent these letter writers but they do not speak for the entire country. This situation was allowed to happen by all Americans.

I’m sorry, too.

Martha Cheney Delta B.C.

I certainly appreciated the thoughts expressed in those letters. However, I notice that none of them came from southern or midwestern states - U.S. President Donald Trump’s heartland. Mr. Trump has to do a lot more damage in his heartland before Canadians have a realistic chance for change.

Michael Di Paolo Toronto

RIP Joe Borovich

Re “Designer Joe Borovich created the original Vancouver Canucks logo” (Obituaries, Jan. 29): I felt more than a little nostalgia while reading the obituary of Joe Borovich, the designer of the Vancouver Canucks’ first logo. As kids growing up in the 1970s, we didn’t really know what the crest meant, but we enjoyed drawing it during idle moments in school because of its simplicity. Now, much like Ken Dryden’s iconic mask, the Canucks’ logo is a powerful symbol of Canadiana from a bygone era. RIP, Mr. Borovich. You designed something indelible.

J. D. M. Stewart Toronto

Cool in a crisis

Re “Let me tell you a story about my wonky refrigerator” (First Person, Jan. 29): Thank you to Jane Macdougall for her article. Even though she must have been totally disgusted by the service provided to her “Fancy High-end Fridge,” she kept her cool and her sense of humour. If that had happened to me, I would have been tearing my hair out.

Good luck, Jane.

Marie Medoro Mississauga, Ont.

Thanks for the laughs

Re “Drum roll, please!” (Editorial cartoon, Jan. 30): I congratulate David Parkins for his exceptional editorial cartoons. In a time of such upheaval throughout the world, his drawings give us something to laugh about in the morning.

Cynthia Carsley Toronto

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@globeandmail.com