Close-up of 'Shop Canadian' poster displayed in a store in Edmonton, on March 27.Artur Widak/Reuters
Terrible tragedy
Re “Vancouver vehicle attack marks city’s ‘darkest day’ as residents mourn 11 killed, dozens injured” (April 28): Where were the concrete barriers at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival? Several similar tragedies have occurred in global cities in recent years, yet the street was only blocked by movable posts as I understand.
Even a couple of police cars blocking the street and all other access points would have made a significant difference in preventing this horrific act.
Serious questions need to be asked, and someone needs to be held accountable.
Hans Verbeek Qualicum Beach, B.C.
My condolences to those families and friends affected by this unspeakable crime. All of Canada mourns with you.
I listened to the press conference by the Vancouver Police Department and mental health was mentioned as part of the suspect’s background. There was no tie of mental health to the offence; and I suspect a thorough forensic assessment would not have been completed at this time.
I am concerned that mental health is again presented, without evidence, as somehow tied to this offending behaviour. People with mental-health concerns, and the concerns are broad, are more likely to be victims, as opposed to perpetrators.
I know people are searching for an explanation, but unfortunately reality is not like Law and Order. Until we have something definitive, such as a professional assessment, we should keep mental health out of this discussion.
John Watters Ottawa
Spending shifts
Re “One industry continues to do well amid tariffs: resale. What does that mean for consumers?” (Report on Business, April 28): This might explain the demise of the typical department store. How can they compete with a system of business when the product comes in for free? Why do people go thrifting?
Some department stores were selling merchandise from areas where they were cheap and they charged exorbitant prices for these products.
It might have worked for a little while but we weren’t stupid – how can you charge such prices for items of such poor quality?
Hence the thrifting. The products at the thrift store are, in most cases, of better quality than at the department stores.
Leslie Martel Mississauga
Trade ties
Re “Donald Trump conjured this crisis. Only he can save us from it” (Report on Business, April 26): The stock market has noticed the U.S. President has backed off from some of his most extreme trade measures against China and other countries.
But the question remains as to whether it is tariffs or the threats of tariffs that most poison the climate for investment in the U.S. and around the world.
Mr. Trump wants new deals with trading countries. My feeling is countries, including Canada, would be wise to engage in such discussions. But only if there are severe penalties for any violations of these agreements once they are signed.
They may not give us what we want. But at least trading uncertainty would diminish. And it would give countries like Canada an opportunity to forge agreements to fill in gaps.
We need to re-establish trading certainty, even if the new arrangements offer less than what we have been used to in the recent past.
Ed Dunnett Qualicum Beach, B.C.
As we navigate a new world order, Canada is rightly rethinking trade and diplomatic relations with many countries.
Unfortunately, not much has been said on building greater trade links with Southeast Asia, otherwise known as the ASEAN region. ASEAN is poised for explosive economic growth in the next decade (irrespective of U.S. tariffs).
These are millions of new potential customers taking their increasing business elsewhere, every single day.
Canada has committed to signing a free trade agreement with Indonesia later this year, and it has burgeoning ties with Singapore and Thailand. We should immediately offer relatively wealthy Malaysian citizens visa-free tourist and business access.
Pursuing ASEAN as a growth avenue for Canada is imperative.
Jonathan Alphonsus Calgary
Re “If the soft approach doesn’t work with Trump, we must try the hard” (Report on Business, April 25): To so casually throw supply management under the bus shows a deep misunderstanding of the importance of ensuring a safe food supply.
Besides devastating Canadian farms, families and communities, such a suggestion would cost Canadian taxpayers billions of dollars to cover the consequences of ending supply management, all while U.S. milk, dairy and eggs flood into Canada.
Why would we trust our vital food supply to such an unstable and unpredictable a country as the U.S. right now? Tariffs today, none tomorrow, even more after that.
We cannot entrust our food supply to such an unreliable neighbour.
Stuart Laidlaw Toronto
Stark difference
Re “Investors relieved Musk will refocus on Tesla, but worry about brand damage” (Report on Business, April 24): Imagine if Elon Musk was more like Henry Ford, America would be on the road to industrial greatness again.
Years from now, no matter who writes the history, Henry Ford and Elon Musk will be judged as the two great titans of the American automobile industry.
The two men have many similarities. Both were exceptional visionaries, industrialists, and entrepreneurs. But the two differed in what type of car they wanted to create.
Henry Ford sought to create a car for everyman – he built cars which his workers could afford to buy.
Elon Musk sought to create an electric car that was better than luxury gas-powered cars. He succeeded, but it was a car for the rich.
China has now built the electric car for everyman, which must be kept out by tariffs.
George Fallis Toronto
Buy Canadian
Re “‘Buy Canadian’ is just a passing trend. Just ask Hudson’s Bay Co.” (Report on Business, April 24) The article calls out complacent and predictable Canadians, saying that Buy Canadian is a fad that will fizzle.
Recently someone commented to me that in due time, we will be able to go to Starbucks and buy California wine without guilt.
Donald Trump has presented Canada with a great opportunity to rebuild our identity and prosperity, which we must not waste.
No doubt the article’s author would be happy to be proven wrong.
Tony Hooper Toronto
Winging it
Re “Racing pigeon from Spain has rare journey to Canada after wrong turn in Mediterranean” (April 28): Peter is one lucky bird. He landed on Canadian soil, and not American.
If he had landed somewhere in America, he might have been shipped further downwards to El Salvador instead.
Naba Siddiqui Hamilton
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