Letters to the editor, May 26: ‘Albertans should be vocal if a proposed development in Ontario, or elsewhere in Canada, disturbs them … we are still one country’

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Same well

Re “If the American empire fades, it will be from self-inflicted wounds” (May 22): The comparison between the 1956 Suez Crisis and today’s war against Iran are right on the button.

Then, as now, the conflict was much about control over a strategic waterway linked to petroleum. I was a Royal Navy junior officer in the first tank landing craft to enter Port Said. Only a few leaders knew the plan; as sailors, we were pawns in the game. I was quietly thankful to Lester Pearson for extricating us from British folly.

In the 70 years since then, powerful countries have continued to intervene around the world, with far-reaching consequences. Why? Geopolitics and oil are inseparable.

Often the official reasons given for war are fairy tales.

John Foster Author, Oil and World Politics; Kingston, Ont.

Both ways

Re “Way forward” (Letters, May 22): A letter-writer counsels us to stop our “anti-America hissy fit.” I would say this is not a hissy fit but negotiations.

I trust our Prime Minister to play the cards he has, including spending billions of dollars on U.S. fighter jets, especially given the rhetoric coming from the Trump administration.

But Donald Trump cannot bully other countries into buying U.S. weapons, while at the same time undermining U.S. security guarantees to these same countries and making nice with Vladimir Putin.

Michael Di Paolo Toronto

Further west

Re “Lost in translation” (Letters, May 25): A letter-writer asserts that non-Albertans should have nothing to say about that province’s resource development ambitions.

I think Albertans should be vocal if a proposed development in Ontario, or elsewhere in Canada, disturbs them. Implications can be widespread. We are still one country.

British Columbia would be directly impacted by another pipeline to the coast, which Canadians from all provinces love to visit. Should they be mute on any worries they might have?

Carbon emissions disperse throughout the atmosphere, therefore the whole world, and not just Canada, has a right to raise concerns.

Ed Janicki Victoria

I am a B.C. resident who opposed the Trans Mountain pipeline (I can see the terminal across the harbour from the park where I often walk).

I didn’t see fit to agitate for B.C. separation from Canada when the federal government chose to buy and complete the pipeline. I also note that I have extended family in Alberta, including a loved one who had a job working on its construction.

Residents around Burrard Inlet and throughout British Columbia have taken one for the larger Canadian family. But rest assured, we wouldn’t be similarly inclined to roll over for an independent Alberta.

So by what logic would separation serve the Alberta oil industry’s pipeline quest, if a part of Canada still stands between it and the ocean?

Glen Schaefer North Vancouver

Too far

Re “The regulatory pendulum swings (but not far enough)” (Editorial, May 20): The government’s proposals for “reforming” regulatory oversight and approvals of major projects are no little swing of the pendulum.

The basic underlying model is one of political pre-approval. Projects designated in the national interest would move through a streamlined “technical” review process. Nuclear projects, for example, would effectively be politicized, moving decision-making authority from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to federal cabinet.

Bill C-5 has already triggered political and legal conflicts, particularly with Indigenous peoples over recognition of their rights and interests. The tortuous and costly pathway of the Trans Mountain pipeline, along with many other cases, highlights the potential for further delays and growing political and economic costs.

Projects tend to run into trouble not because of regulatory requirements, but because they are poorly conceived, subject to serious doubts about economic and technical viability, and seen to disregard Indigenous peoples.

Mark Winfield, Co-chair, Sustainable Energy Initiative, faculty of environmental and urban change, York University; Toronto

Nuclear competition

Re “As Ottawa pursues nuclear, it must not create a new monopoly with AtkinsRéalis in charge” (Report on Business, May 20): It is asserted that the U.S. government, which has an agreement to support global AP1000 reactor deployment, would actively shape Westinghouse’s strategic direction.

But there are no circumstances where the U.S. government could exert strategic direction over Westinghouse’s corporate strategy. Westinghouse governance remains firmly with its Canadian owners, Cameco and Brookfield.

Cameco views its participation in Westinghouse as a long-term investment and has the terms in place to ensure it remains Canadian-controlled.

But the sentiment that Ottawa “must not create a new monopoly with AtkinsRéalis in charge” is worth underscoring. Canada’s once‑in‑a‑generation nuclear decision should not limit competition or innovation.

Maintaining optionality is essential to achieving the best outcome for Canadians. The AP1000 reactor is an opportunity to reinforce Canada’s leadership in nuclear energy, not narrow it.

Tim Gitzel CEO, Cameco Corp.; Saskatoon

Final chapter

Re “How far do deer go in a year? These scientists are tracking the ultimate border crossers” (March 20): I am one of the researchers studying deer in eastern Ontario.

GL03 was one of the featured deer. She was born in Thousand Islands National Park. As a fawn she migrated north to Charleston Lake Provincial Park, passing six-lane Highway 401 on the way.

On May 7, I received a notification that GL03 was not moving. We call this a mortality alert when two successive GPS pings are in the same location. Her last known location: the 401.

We dispatched a crew, but they could not locate GL03. Last week, road workers found her carcass south of the eastbound lanes.

Deer biology suggests she was about to fawn; her track suggests she was returning to the national park to do so. This completes her story, highlighting the importance of protected parks and the role of humans in ecosystems.

Here’s hoping the wildlife overpass is built to support future animal movement.

Aaron Shafer Professor, Trent University; Peterborough, Ont.

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Re “In The Late Show’s melancholy, sci-fi finale, Stephen Colbert broke the comedy-variety-talk continuum” (Online, May 22): With their keen intellects and open hearts, late-night hosts, in particular Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, have long displayed critical and cutting-edge comedic mindsets.

This essence is best embodied in a Jewish proverb: “A wise man hears one word and understands two.” Long may that comic sensibility of humane values find a home in whatever evolving setting it eventually, mirthfully, establishes for us, the attentive and appreciative audience.

Toby Zanin 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