A campaign sign for the Alberta Independence movement at a petition signing location in High River, Alta., on Feb. 5.Todd Korol/Reuters
Canada versus…
Re “MAGA’s plan for Canada: not annexation, but dismemberment” (March 27): I share these fears. Yet overall, we seem to be in collective denial of today’s clear and present dangers to our sovereignty and national integrity.
Last year, the federal government floated the idea of a civilian defence force. I believe we need this, without a doubt. Knitting communities, provinces and the country together at a grassroots level would give us the resilience required to fend off any U.S. threats.
Should, heaven forfend, the United States not act on its malignant intentions, with a civilian defence force we would be a stronger, happier country all the same.
Patricia Chartier Toronto
Common goal
Re “I support Quebec’s independence because the alternative is its erasure” (Opinion, March 28): It is argued that Quebec needs independence to counter federal policies of multiculturalism, open immigration, pluralism and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with a reference to “the two founding peoples.”
Besides erasing the Indigenous as founding peoples, it seems what is wanted is a homogeneous nation-state composed of descendants of the original French-speaking Quebeckers.
Such an ideal seems more at home in the 19th century than in the present moment.
Bruce Baugh Kamloops, B.C.
Re “Alberta’s push for independence is the culmination of decades of poor treatment by Ottawa” (Opinion, March 28): I am one of the 70 per cent of Albertans determined to remain a part of Canada. The country isn’t perfect, but I am a proud Canadian and a Canadian first.
I see no point listing all the ways separation would harm Alberta. But if separatists won’t listen to economic reasons, maybe they’ll listen to a moral one.
There are numerous treaties between the Crown and First Nations in Alberta which precede the formation of the province. Further, the rights of these First Nations are protected under the Constitution. Indeed, First Nations chiefs across Alberta unanimously passed a vote of non-confidence in the provincial government, citing concerns around the separatist movement and its impacts on their rights.
Alberta’s separatist movement casually ignores these significant legal and constitutional concerns of First Nations.
Andrew Torry Calgary
“Support for Alberta independence sits around 30 per cent” and “pollsters found recently that 21 per cent of Albertans under 35 are eyeing a future unburdened by equalization and with lower taxes.”
Another way to put it: 70 per cent of Albertans do not support Alberta independence and 79 per cent of Albertans under 35 are content with equalization and the taxes they pay.
Dick Hamilton Gabriola, B.C.
What goes up…
Re “Stocks can’t mask the pain of Canada’s housing bust forever” (Report on Business, March 28): Until the recent decline in prices, Canada’s housing market was inflated by investors seeking profit more than by people seeking a place to live.
For the time being, stagnating prices are keeping investors on the sidelines. They have flocked to other assets, part of the reason for the heater in the stock market.
Meanwhile, home prices are still 74 per cent higher in real terms than they were in 2005. Even if home prices stay stagnant, it would take 28 years of 2-per-cent inflation to bring them back to a 2005 level of affordability.
As soon as home prices start to increase, investors will likely pile back in and push prices upward again. What are governments doing to stop investors from again spoiling the housing market for ordinary Canadians?
Eric Stutz Toronto
Down under
Re “High-speed rail project connecting Toronto and Quebec City sparks backlash over cost, land use” (Report on Business, March 30): Understandably, residents in many municipalities are upset that the proposed routing may interfere with their quality of life and daily travels. Along comes Doug Ford pushing the idea that the tracks could run beside Highway 401.
There is arguably more built-up area along the 401 than any other proposed route. So the obvious solution would be to extend Mr. Ford’s proposed tunnel under the 401 to the Ontario-Quebec border.
Steve Zan Ottawa
On MAID
Re “Restoring sanity to MAID laws in Canada will protect them” (March 24): My beloved wife of 64 years became afflicted with a debilitating disease about 20 years ago.
Over the intervening years, she went from a dynamic, energetic, active woman operating her own chartered accountant practice to wheelchair-bound. I got her out of bed every morning, helped her to shower, fixed her hair, dressed her and fed her.
I would have done so forever but she wanted to investigate medical assistance in dying, much against my selfish wishes. Her doctor agreed, as did her doctor at the movement disorder clinic. I vehemently opposed, as did our children when they were informed.
My wife asked us to put ourselves in her shoes, being without independence, dignity and always dependent on others. We reluctantly agreed. MAID was professionally and compassionately performed.
Death was not imminent, but there are times when patient wishes should override arbitrary rules. I miss that brave woman every day.
Don Stos Espanola, Ont.
Good read
Re “Fine film” (Letters, March 27): A letter-writer criticizes Project Hail Mary for being simplistic and in many ways unbelievable.
I really enjoy Andy Weir’s writing and found that the book is able to provide much more context and background regarding its protagonist. His level of detail certainly paints a picture of how and why he has to meet the challenges inherent in the mission.
I am reminded of an old joke about two goats beside garbage cans at a movie studio. Both are busy eating discarded rolls of film.
The punchline: “It was okay, but I liked the book better.”
Paul Moulton Brewster, N.Y.
Bieber bio
Re “Justin Bieber proves he’s all grown up with his latest career revival” (Arts & Books, March 28): Hailey Bieber, the wife of Justin Bieber, is referred to as a “socialite wife.”
Ms. Bieber is a shrewd businesswoman, having founded a skin care brand and recently sold it for a record price. Her net worth is reported to be higher than that of her husband.
She has a social life, but is not a socialite.
Christine Norman Ottawa
Missed calls
Re “Robo umpires are a sign of our technocratic times” (Sports, March 28): During the Blue Jays’ first three games of this season, the umpires missed seven calls that were overturned.
Compare that to one game of last year’s World Series, during which an umpire made 17 bad calls. This was more or less typical of last year’s baseball season. Surely no lover of baseball could applaud this carelessness as an attribute of a beautiful tradition.
If belligerence in baseball can be reduced by this simple method, this fan is delighted.
David Yolles Hamilton
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