U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron look at each other during a press conference, at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Different scenarios
Re “Trump signals Ukraine could reclaim some land, but rifts with allies deepen at UN” (Feb. 25): It’s heartbreaking that so many countries overlooked so many opportunities to prevent the war in Ukraine, but the reality I see is that Russia has won and there is nothing the collective West can do about it.
Sanctions, arms and training have proved ineffectual, and talk of cobbling together a Western army to turn the tide seems nothing short of delusional. Russia today is militarily, economically and politically stronger than it has ever been. Although this isn’t the outcome Western leaders intended, it’s one they should accept.
Everyone should breathe a sigh of relief that the United States and Russia are normalizing relations. If they can suggest a possible peace agreement for Ukraine, all the better.
Love him or not, I think Donald Trump is right: It’s time to end this pointless, tragic war, and there is no place at peace talks for anyone who wishes to prolong it.
Mike Ward Duncan, B.C.
I believe Ukraine has two compelling reasons to accept a deal for the United States to access its critical minerals.
Firstly, it would provide much-needed investment and jobs at a time when Ukraine will be rebuilding its war-torn economy. Secondly, we know that treaties and security agreements from the U.S. and Russia are probably not worth the paper they are printed on.
A substantial, strategic investment in Ukrainian critical minerals by the U.S. would assure their interest in Ukrainian independence. There is a long history of this kind of U.S. economic imperialism.
John Seigner Calgary
Takeaways
Re “In facing an imperialist neighbour, Ukraine offers a cautionary tale for Canada” (Feb. 20): For a defence to be credible, have a credible nuclear arsenal.
In the early 1990s, Ukraine was obliged by a triumphal West to send its nukes to the care of newly democratic Russia. In exchange for independence and security, it was said. That went well.
Canada’s nuclear capacity ranks sixth in the global, peaceable reactor scale. However, a time existed when Canadian-built reactors were sought because of what they could produce in addition to energy.
Canada could punch far above its weight defence-wise, and in short order. But its citizenry could no longer be precious about peaceful uses only.
L.W. Naylor Stratford, Ont.
Recent history
Re “Canada helping G20 host South Africa endure pressure as U.S. boycotts historic meetings, Joly says” (Feb. 20): As a 2024 recipient of a South African Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, in recognition of my more than 10 years of solidarity work with the anti-apartheid liberation movement, and as a Canadian whose work history has been defined by social justice struggles, I am highly offended by the patronizing attitude of Mélanie Joly.
South Africans fought fascism since apartheid in 1948. Forty-six years later, the National Party’s racist policies were defeated and replaced by a democratic, non-racial country.
But during those decades, I witnessed Western capitalism profit from every dollar created by cheap South African labour. Today’s Canadian representatives should never pretend any innocence in or denial of this nation’s involvement in that exploitation, that “crime against humanity” as it was defined at the time.
Ms. Joly should learn from South Africa, rather than pretend Canada is its tutor. Show more international solidarity and humility instead.
Ken Luckhardt Toronto
Can do
Re “Decision to pause a $2-billion investment in canola rattles Saskatchewan growers” (Report on Business, Feb. 19): “Saskatchewan scientists (with help from Manitoba researchers) developed the crop around 50 years go.” The Saskatchewan scientists were employees of the research branch of Agriculture Canada at two of several experimental farms across the country, owned and paid for by Canadian taxpayers from coast to coast.
Canola was the brainchild of Keith Downey, who led its long development after the Second World War until it was finally accepted as safe for human consumption in the United States. This process involved many individuals and organizations both public and private, including Ottawa scientists at the National Research Council and the Animal Research Institute on the Central Experimental Farm.
William Watt Ottawa
Diverse approach
Re “The war against DEI will cost us all” (Report on Business, Feb. 19): There can still be DEI, but I believe what has happened is that it was forced onto everyone in the hiring field. Things cannot be forced.
The most capable applicant, with the best skills for a job, should be the one chosen to ensure the best in productivity. It has been written that Canada’s productivity, at this time, is low.
Kevin Kerr Penetanguishene, Ont.
Historic disasters and business failures provide many examples of “groupthink,” a phenomenon linked to bad decisions.
Research shows that diversity of opinion, experience and background dramatically improve the quality of decision-making. Groups that embrace diversity are more successful whether they be trial juries, political parties or boardrooms.
Years ago, I joined the executive team of a large retail chain. Even though research indicated women made up half the customer base, we didn’t have any women in senior marketing roles.
When we corrected this omission, the new incumbent’s first decision was to lower shelf levels in housewares to women’s average eye level. Sales increased.
The initial purpose of DEI initiatives was to allow qualified individuals previously excluded from certain opportunities to more fully participate. Today, the primary beneficiaries of DEI programs are the organizations espousing them.
Conversely, it would be those organizations that suffer when such programs are abandoned.
John Rankin Burlington, Ont.
Offside
Re “How Canada’s nearly 50-year romance with Wayne Gretzky came to an end” (Feb. 24): I was once a Wayne Gretzky fan.
As Alexander Ovechkin closes in on his goals record, I was hoping it wouldn’t happen. Now with Mr. Gretzky cozying up to Donald Trump and his failure to stand up for Canada, I’m indifferent at best.
It all makes me very sad.
Brian McCluskey Hamilton
I think cancel culture is un-Canadian.
Some people have called for the cancellation of Wayne Gretzky because of his political beliefs. If we start cancelling people for their political beliefs, then it seems a very short jump to cancelling people for their religious beliefs. Do we want a Canada where people are cancelled for their political and religious beliefs?
Remember these words: “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” When someone tries to “cancel” another Canadian for their beliefs, tell them in letters to the editor and to their face that they are wrong.
Chris Robertson Stony Plain, Alta.
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