Letters to the editor, Sept. 15: ‘Have we suddenly decided that the chaos of the last nine months is over, and we can now rely on the United States?’

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Top five

Re “Carney announces five major projects to be reviewed for fast-tracking” (Sept. 12): So Mark Carney is open to a pipeline if it was connected to a “Pathways Plus” carbon-capture project.

Presumably the “Plus” is new creative branding for the as-yet-unfunded project, already estimated to cost $16.5-billion and requiring a scale that has not been proven.

Pathways Alliance states that “the project proceeding is contingent upon obtaining sufficient fiscal and policy support and regulatory approval.” I’m betting in the near future it will capture not carbon, but scarce public dollars.

Energy investment choices should reflect not just technological possibility, but also climate payback per dollar. In Alberta, renewables, particularly wind energy paired with moderate storage capacity, can offer greater, faster and surer emission reductions than carbon capture.

For governments seeking real climate impact, the renewable path would be the higher value investment. This is what we should see in the coming federal budget.

Dave Carson Hamilton

Plans in Ontario to build modular reactors at the Darlington nuclear site is one of the projects the Prime Minister has chosen to “fast-track.“ Besides the obvious problem that the electricity generated will likely be the most expensive yet, this type of reactor is relatively untested, unbuilt, unproven – and un-Canadian.

As well, U.S. firms lead this development, which is fuelled by enriched uranium exclusively from that country. Have we suddenly decided that the chaos of the last nine months is over, and we can now rely on the United States?

Mike Sullivan Stratford, Ont.

Re “Reality check: The first ‘major projects’ for fast-tracking are already on the fast track” (Sept. 12): This is like a rich young man seeking applause for a baseball triple, whilst starting life on second base.

Clay Atcheson Magog, Que.

While these projects may be well on their way, at least the Prime Minister sent a message of hope by endorsing them, as opposed to passing more regulations to put a cork in them.

Now if he would just retract Bill C-69 and a few other antidevelopment parliamentary acts, Canada would be well on its way to prosperity.

Martin Wale Dorval, Que.

Better banking

Re: Canadian coalition of banks, businesses and other groups launches program to tackle scams (Sep. 9): Canada cannot continue to rely on voluntary measures and ad campaigns while scams drain billions of dollars from seniors, newcomers, small businesses and others. Blocking fraudulent websites and texts is important, but it is only part of the picture.

The reality is that banks are not passive bystanders. In Britain, mandatory reimbursement rules and accountability frameworks have driven banks to invest seriously in prevention, detection and compensation. Australia requires banks, telecoms and digital platforms to prevent, detect and respond to scams, with penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars for non-compliance.

These reforms prove that when banks are required to protect clients and share responsibility, they innovate and act. The result: fewer scams and faster redress for victims.

Canadians deserve no less. Parliament should legislate clear rules so that fraud protection is not left to chance, and victims are not left to carry the cost alone from inaction.

Pamela Foster Ottawa

Come clean

Re “Climate risk disclosures must be mandatory for companies” (Report on Business, Sept. 10): I find it imperative that Canada fully implement the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board rules.

In July, 2023, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and University of Exeter published a critical actuarial analysis highlighting the financial risks of climate change. The message was clear: Current climate-scenario models are flawed and fail to accurately predict the future or financial ramifications.

Europe has strong disclosure guidelines, but the United States does not. Recently, the Dutch pension fund PFZW stopped investing in stock funds managed by BlackRock, in part due to concerns over the U.S. firm’s voting record on sustainability issues.

Canada should take note. We cannot afford to follow the U.S. with delays and denial. Our future prosperity depends on leadership, not imitation.

Cathy Orlando National director, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada; Sudbury, Ont.

Bridging divides

Re “TIFF premiere of Oct. 7 documentary The Road Between Us met with protests, standing ovation” (Sept. 11): Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey has apologized to the Jewish community for the hurt caused by its handling of The Road Between Us. His words matter, and they should be acknowledged.

But in the Jewish tradition, an apology – teshuvah – is more than words. First, one must ask forgiveness from those who were harmed. Second, and more difficult, one must show through action that lessons have been learned and harm will not be repeated.

For TIFF, that should mean establishing open dialogue with the Jewish community and adopting clearer communication protocols. It might mean a commitment to ensure that stories of Jewish resilience and survival are given the same respect as other narratives showcased at the festival.

An apology not followed by change risks becoming hollow. If TIFF backs Mr. Bailey’s words with action, his apology can become a genuine moment of teshuvah, and a chance to rebuild trust.

Bernie Farber Past CEO, Canadian Jewish Congress; Thornhill, Ont.

‘bout my generation

Re “Gen Zs and older adults find common ground in this intergenerational classroom” (Sept. 9): This is not dissimilar to the Interlink intergenerational program I started in cities throughout Canada more than 30 years ago. The only difference was the main component of letter-writing, where seniors and children became pen pals before meeting.

Bottom line is that any form of bringing together generations, who have so much to offer one another, is not only rewarding, but essential to their understanding and appreciation of one another.

Bravo to the “Aging and Health” class at the University of Toronto.

Selma Edelstone Toronto, Ont.

I’m off to my German history class at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. We are studying Germany from the time of Otto von Bismarck to 1990, so I’ll be able to relate my teenage perceptions of the Berlin Wall to my fellow students.

I’m 76. This will be my 23rd class at Laurier Brantford as an auditing student in the last 10 years. I tell people I’m doing a double major in English and history. It’s been great exercise for my brain.

I can’t seem to stay out of school. I love being surrounded by young people. They and the professors are very welcoming.

One creative writing course I took was designed to integrate seniors with senior students. We wrote autobiographical stories and shared our writings with the class. It was awesome.

Bravo to the University of Toronto. Keep up the good work.

Laurier Brantford is my first love now.

Edie Lewis Brantford, Ont.

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