Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and MP Jamil Jivani in the House of Commons in April, 2024.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
To our defence
Re “America’s roots are showing. That does not bode well for Canada” (Opinion, Feb. 14): Contrary to this bleak view, Canada should technically not be without military defenders in the event of a potential U.S. invasion.
As a NATO member, Canada can in theory call upon it to help defend against any aggressor nation, including the United States; U.S. aggression should ipso facto result in NATO expulsion. Whether NATO’s remaining members would have the resolve to come to Canada‘s defence under those circumstances is a question we hope to never need explore, but it exists as a theoretical possibility.
Furthermore, Canada would be morally at liberty to call upon China for assistance, just as Canada has reached out to China to offset Donald Trump’s tariffs. China need not actually launch any missiles: A few “economic bombs” such as calling in U.S. debt, of which China holds a sizable percentage, should cause America to think twice.
W. E. Hildreth Prince Edward County, Ont.
All over
Re “The post-Poilievre leadership race has begun” (Feb. 18) and “Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux crosses floor to Liberals” (Feb. 19): The Progressive Conservatives merged with the Canadian Alliance to become the Conservative Party. Two entities became one, but the rapture looks to have ruptured.
Jamil Jivani, critical of Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs and comfortable, even cozy, with the Trump machine, appears to represent one constituency within the Conservatives. Meanwhile Matt Jeneroux’s floor-crossing, preceded by two other (former) Conservative MPs, suggests that the three hold very different views about Canada and its future.
So where’s Pierre Poilievre in all this? He’s being pummelled on one flank while leaking on the other. The centre, as they say, isn’t holding.
But if it isn’t, which way to go?
Dale Churchward Toronto
Despite their diametrically opposed views on almost any political issue, Jamil Jivani and Nate Erskine-Smith (“Erskine-Smith says he’ll resign as MP when Ford calls provincial by-election” – Feb. 5) seem to have a lot in common: Both are younger MPs with overreaching ambition, strivers who, from what I see, will stop at nothing to advance their personal political careers.
Mr. Jivani is jeopardizing his own party’s agenda with his disruptive pronouncements on U.S. trade. Mr. Erskine-Smith is doing likewise by keeping his place as a federal MP while he considers yet another attempt at leading the Ontario Liberal Party.
Floor-crossing MPs are roundly criticized for betraying the people who voted for them, but at least they have the courage of their convictions, declare them publicly and face the consequences. Meanwhile, Mr. Jivani and Mr. Erskine-Smith each seem to serve a constituency of one, to the detriment of responsible government.
Paul LeBel Toronto
Just do it
Re “B.C. rolls out law to tackle interprovincial trade barriers” (Feb. 19): When will our politicians get the point that what we need are less trade laws and regulations, not more?
Find an existing statute that obstructs trade and shred it, simple. Then go find another, an repeat.
Martin Wale Dorval, Que.
Taxing stuff
Re “Enbridge says it’s not willing to take on development risk of Alberta pipeline project” (Report on Business, Feb. 14): I am a Canadian taxpayer and I, too, am unwilling to take on the risk of an Alberta pipeline project.
Patty Benjamin Victoria
Re “B.C. to raise taxes, cut jobs as budget projects record deficit” (Feb. 18): All levels of government are facing serious fiscal pressures. What stands out to me here is that “labour compensation is the single largest cost across the B.C. government.”
Governments are beginning to trim the civil service, which is a start, but pensions and benefits should be reconsidered as well. I’m all for good pay, but pensions and benefits for government employees should be in line with what the average Canadian receives.
Taxpayer-funded pensions represent most of the top pensions in Canada. I find them too generous and I no longer want to fund them.
E.L. McDonald London, Ont.
Worth it
Re “Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for our food is a recipe for disaster” (Feb. 17): This year, I wondered if I could find Canadian-grown salad greens, cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes all winter long. I did, and more.
Sometimes it is a bit more expensive, but not by much. There is a good supply from Ontario greenhouses and vertical farms. There are also fresh frozen Canadian vegetables and fruits of all kinds. Nova Scotia frozen wild blueberries are exceptional and a fraction of the price of summer fresh supplies.
All of these can be found in all major grocery stores I go to. Isn’t this an economic opportunity that needs scaling up?
It could really help put us on the road to Canadian food sovereignty.
Sheila Petzold Ottawa
Age-old questions
Re “Easing the load: The caregiver-friendly workplace is emerging” (Feb. 17): I have been reading the numerous articles about extreme difficulties faced by caretakers. The experience is obviously demanding and painful.
However, at 71 with Type 1 diabetes, I also read about the many horrifying deficiencies of assisted living and long-term care. I’m left scared and determined not to put anyone through having to manage my old, gross body.
The very idea of extreme dependency as I deteriorate is a fate I will do anything to avoid. Why should anyone have to suffer by trying to maintain me as I slowly degrade? No, no, no.
Caretakers are invaluable and can’t be thanked enough. However, those of us who may need care are reading this too. What are we to do?
Denise Mumford Toronto
Clutch performance
Re “Czechs invoke Nagano spirit as Canada narrowly avoids a history lesson” (Sports, Feb. 19): Many Maple Leaf fans unfairly blamed Mitch Marner for not producing when it mattered most. Despite Mr. Marner averaging more playoff points per game than any of his teammates, he was routinely blamed for Toronto’s playoff losses.
In the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Olympics, Mr. Marner now has two clutch overtime goals to keep Canada in the competition. He also went on to set up Connor McDavid for the 4 Nations overtime tournament winner.
Seems Mr. Marner does fine under pressure. Meanwhile, Leaf “fans” who booed him on his return to Toronto should ask themselves two questions: Are the Leafs a better team this year, or last? And when did some Toronto fans become classless boors?
Robert McManus Hamilton
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