A car drives onto the University of Toronto Mississauga campus on Dec. 5, 2018.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Come together
Re “In this moment of division, let’s unite to push for the release of the hostages in Gaza” (Oct. 24): Thanks to contributors Yonah Diamond and Irwin Cotler for their excellent writing on Vivian Silver and the scores of peace organizations and tens of thousands of Israelis and Arabs advocating for peace. Unlike a suggestion that Ms. Silver is “silenced” now, I imagine she’s experiencing her finest hour, talking peace with her kidnappers.
Once this morass of war is over, people in civil societies in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank should turn to her and others to help guide the region in transitioning to safe, respectful and interconnected communities.
Marty Cutler Toronto
Free to choose
Re “Student union that backed Palestinians says it won’t be silenced by political ‘bullying’” (Oct. 24): The university collects the fees for student unions. Perhaps it is time for freedom of choice.
Universities could allow students to direct their fees to the campus organizations they support. This allows for more student participation on campus (always desirable) without coercion that can occur under the present arrangements.
Barry Goldlist Professor of medicine, University of Toronto
FYI
Re “Business groups warn of trade and hiring impact as dispute with India continues” (Report on Business, Oct. 23): The majority of citizens in Canada and India are left wondering why there is insufficient transparency regarding the possible involvement of Indian agents in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The majority of Indians and Canadians are on friendly terms and there is no good reason why they would not remain so in future. All they are asking for is full transparency and accountability, which should be considered essential for good governance and democratic principles.
These are serious allegations made by Canada. If not backed up with solid evidence, and soon, there will likely be a lack of confidence in leadership and institutions, both in India and Canada. And some very bad feelings, too.
Vinod Sahgal Ottawa
Fed up
Re “Argentina’s cry of anger” (Opinion, Oct. 21): What I find most compelling about Argentina’s elections is the example of how successive governments, despite reassurances otherwise, can spend a country into such economic misery – triple-digit inflation and gravely devalued currency – that a large percentage of the middle and lower classes feel only a “chainsaw-wielding” leader can extricate them from their mess.
If ever there was a time for NIMBY-ism, this should be it. Oh, Canada, are we paying attention?
Dan Brennan Belleville, Ont.
In Alberta
Re “National unity is fraying under Trudeau’s watch” (Oct. 23): “What is surprising is the depth of his hostility,” writes columnist John Ibbitson. I think the Prime Minister is actually ahead of the curve in understanding that the Alberta trial balloon regarding the Canada Pension Plan is actually a Trojan horse.
Polls show that most Albertans do not have problems with Canada’s well-run and highly regarded CPP. Therein, then, is the issue. It is one of the only objective benefits I see of remaining within Canada under the continued obtuse and divisive national government lead by Justin Trudeau.
If the platforms, initiatives and financial stewardship by this government continue to be supported by a majority of Canadians, then I believe many Albertans no longer see a place for themselves in Confederation.
Leaving the CPP isn’t really attractive. But if there is a stomach in Alberta for that, the rest of enacting secession would look increasingly like a cakewalk.
Dave McClurg Calgary
I have been saying for years that Justin Trudeau is the most divisive prime minister in generations, pitting region against region, gender against gender, income class against income class, French against English, industry against industry, all the while reiterating a narrative of unity.
In my opinion, Justin and Pierre Trudeau will go down as the two worst prime ministers in Canadian history, having left things much worse at the end of their tenures than they found them at the beginning.
C. Bryce Code Calgary
Legally speaking
Re “Round two of Canada’s boxing match over emissions goes to the provinces” (Oct. 17): I beg to differ.
The Supreme Court simply said that the federal government, while it has broad constitutional power over the environment and climate change, does not have unlimited authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the national-concern power in the Constitution – as the court has said before.
That does not affect the proposed federal clean electricity regulations, which contributor Marla Orenstein claims are at risk. They will be made under the Environmental Protection Act, which has been upheld by the court under the federal criminal-law power in the Constitution – a different head of power.
Indeed, Saskatchewan’s lawyers conceded in court that “Parliament has ample constitutional powers … to address climate change … through the criminal law power,” and Alberta agreed. Nothing in the court decision changes this established federal authority over climate regulation, despite the political rhetoric from Alberta and Saskatchewan’s premiers.
Stewart Elgie Professor of law, University of Ottawa
History repeating
Re “St. Lawrence Seaway workers strike over wages, halt flow of goods on major trade artery” (Oct. 24): As the union director of research representing St. Lawrence Seaway workers during a narrowly averted strike in 1966, I note they have again been forced into action.
Embroiled in Vietnam, then-U.S. president Lyndon Johnson was adamant there should be no interference in the shipping of munitions from the Great Lakes. He “ordered” then-prime minister Lester Pearson to prevent such.
In a marathon 12-hour session with Mr. Pearson’s appointed mediator, the union side refused to accept less than a 30-per-cent wage increase. With six hours to the strike deadline, this demand was agreed to and got instant cabinet approval.
Average hourly pay rose from $2.30 to $3.15. Mr. Pearson said it was in the “national interest.”
With incomes much more unequal today – and for as long as capitalism wills a free-for-all – the Seaway workers have a right to regard themselves as part of the “all.”
Anthony Carew Stockport, England
How much?
Re “CEO departs from industry organization for financial advisers amid financial losses” (Report on Business, Oct. 24): The national group for financial advisers lost $2.5-million in 2022. The irony is delicious.
Ab Dukacz Mississauga
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