A person walks during a snow fall as a Canadian and a U.S. flag wave in the wind in Niagara Falls, Ont. on Jan. 31.Carlos Osorio/Reuters
Dangerous decision
Re “Scrapping USAID doesn’t just hurt the world’s poor – it harms the West” (Feb. 10): After more than 30 years working in the international development field in regions as diverse as Ghana, Pakistan, Northwestern China, Iraq and Ukraine, I am appalled and heartbroken with the Trump administration’s decision to cut all funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The needs of those tens of millions marginalized, threatened and made destitute by war, natural disasters and poverty will not diminish, but their suffering will only increase as a result of these irresponsible actions.
In the vacuum left by U.S. abdication of its global responsibilities, authoritarian regimes everywhere will likely feel emboldened to pursue their agendas. China will likely use the opportunity to replace the United States, with serious consequences.
I have seen the pathetic face of need far too many times and know the terrible price that will be paid by those who can ill afford it.
George Richardson Ottawa
Retaliation risks
Re “Canadians believe Mark Carney would be better than Pierre Poilievre in dealing with Trump, poll finds” (Feb. 7): I can certainly appreciate the Canadian need to retaliate against Donald Trump. But it’s full of irony. The more we retaliate, as we must, the more we may end up looking like the United States.
The need to enhance our military, the lessening of government regulations on domestic industries, the diminution of our safety net to pay for other priorities, the lessening focus on climate change, the need to ship gas and oil to other markets and, at home, the pervasiveness of right-wing populism of late and growing antipathy to immigration would increasingly erode our unique sense of “Canadianness” – all the more so if Pierre Poilievre becomes our next prime minister.
Enrico Cumbo Toronto
Political pain
Re “Freeland, Carney release economic policy plans with vows to cut red tape, diversify trade” (Feb. 6): Is it possible to hear any common sense on fiscal policy from candidates for the Liberal Party leadership?
Karina Gould wants to “temporarily” drop the GST by one point. Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland want to give “middle-class tax cuts” and reinstate tax credits, and on and on the dreaming goes.
All measures that reduce government revenue would mean either huge increases in the deficit and debt, or cuts to programs that Canadians love. And likely no politician of any party has the guts to cut programs.
If any candidate wants to get a serious look from me, they will have to explain where the money will come from. And let’s not kid ourselves: Efficiencies in government wouldn’t do it.
Judy Lindsay Vancouver
I believe the failure of the carbon tax is owing to the low price elasticity of energy in general: Consumers continue to buy it, despite price increases, unless the increase is very dramatic. It seems the Trudeau Liberals failed to understand that.
That’s what Mark Carney meant when he said the carbon tax was too low. Any type of carbon taxing should be large and involve Canadians sacrificing their lifestyle to some extent.
Finding any of our politicians to support that would be quite difficult.
David Chalmers Toronto
The take-away
Re “Hopefully the U.S. and Canada can strike a deal on tariffs. But that doesn’t fix the real problem” (Report on Business, Feb. 4): Canadians know we have a productivity problem. We’ve been hearing about it for years.
But I’m generally confused on what to do about it. Knowledge of a problem is nothing without the next critical step, a recipe for how to fix it.
We have ideas on how to do our part for the environment. We need tips on how to do our part for the economy.
Working longer hours is not the answer. Canadians are smart, we work hard. We just need some direction on how to work better and smarter.
Stop telling us we have a problem and start showing us how to improve.
Jay Whetter Winnipeg
Machinery of dissent
Re “Donald Trump sparked a movement toward economic nationalism. Where will Canadians take it?” (Feb. 10): Public protest can be effective.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, my sister, who now lives in Estonia, started using an app that was developed to identify Russia-supporting companies when grocery store items were scanned.
She has since noticed that Russian goods are largely unavailable for purchase now.
Small country, but great targeted use of tech.
Kaia Toop Toronto
We are ashamed of proposed tariffs on Canadian goods and services. In Wisconsin, we are proud to be so close to our friends in Canada.
Our family members eagerly cross our peaceful border to fish in the Lake of the Woods each summer. We have travelled to your great cities: Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City.
We took our family to the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. Twice we have gone to Cape Breton to enjoy the Celtic Colours International Festival.
We have taken your efficient trains through the western mountains. Last fall, our curling club welcomed your men’s team.
The economic tiff launched by our administration is unreasonable and nonsensical. Of eligible voters in the United States, less than one-third voted for this President. Of those who did, we believe many share our bewilderment and sadness at these pointless mandates.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Jim and Boo Force Wausau, Wis.
Lasting legacy
Re “The Aga Khan believed in Canada” (Feb. 6): Thanks to Adrienne Clarkson for paying a special tribute to the Aga Khan, with further insights into his thinking and the values-oriented leadership he provided as a spiritual leader. As an immigrant to Canada who chose this country because of its values, I must say that his validation of Canada is well placed.
Ismaili friends introduced me to the Aga Khan’s teachings early in my educational career. I felt then, and recognize more so now than ever, we should be reinforcing the fact that values are what make us human. They are one of the key factors that brings us together as Canadians.
The Aga Khan embraced pluralism and compassion, qualities that so many Canadians strive to nurture in their homes, schools and communities. As tribute to one who exemplified leadership at its best, let us always remember how much he believed in us and expected of us as Canadians.
Avis Glaze Delta, B.C.
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