Flagpole Plaza at the UBC Vancouver campus.Isabella Falsetti/The Globe and Mail
The cost of killing
Re “The time for Ottawa’s war games is over” (Editorial, July 2): I hope we never forget that whether the expenditure level is 1.5 per cent, 2 per cent or 5 per cent, it is an investment in equipment and personnel with lethal intent. It is sad that our national newspaper can speak so passionately in favour of these expenditures without at least acknowledging how tragic it is that they are deemed necessary.
Jim Smith Oakville, Ont.
Hotter and hotter
Re “Europe scorches in record-breaking heat wave” (July 1): These kinds of conditions are becoming much more common across the globe. One source has suggested that Phoenix, Ariz., will essentially be uninhabitable within 20 to 40 years. In 2024, the city logged 70 days in excess of 110 F (43.3 C). Last year also saw 600 heat-related deaths there.
Canada will increasingly come under pressure as a destination of last resort for what are being called “climate refugees.” We (currently) have livable temperatures, the perception around the world that we have lots of space and, according to the federal government, about 20 per cent of the planet’s fresh water (although less than half of that is available to our population centres).
Here’s hoping Ottawa has a plan to manage the pressures these uniquely Canadian conditions will bring as the world experiences its inexorable rise in temperatures and related extreme weather events.
Chris Gates Cobourg, Ont.
The big boy in the room
Re “Killing the DST makes Canada look weak” (Opinion, July 1): It was disappointing to see Robyn Urback’s uncritical echoing of White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Canada’s withdrawal of the digital services tax during trade deliberations with the U.S. It seems Ms. Urback has embraced the American view of events, even endorsed them, repeating their slurs of “caving” and “weakness.” This is far from the sensible and nuanced analysis the issues deserve.
Another way of characterizing these American boasts and insults might be that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team have shown restraint and a willingness to bargain under the most trying of circumstances. Experienced and mature negotiators do not expect to win every round. They know that a tax, unpopular even in Canada, is not a bad bargaining chip to relinquish. They do not publicly insult their counterparts. Nor do they gloat over wins and losses while still sitting at the table.
The Canadian electorate became increasingly weary of the message that Canada is “weak” or “broken.” Mr. Carney’s narrative of resolve and strength is what is needed now.
Nancy Bjerring London, Ont.
Prime Minister Mark Carney did not “cave” on the DST, as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brashly claims or Globe writer Robyn Urback asserts. Killing the DST does not make Canada look weak. Rather, it shows Mr. Carney to be a savvy, thoughtful leader who practises realpolitik. He fully understands that “politics is the art of the possible.” He is playing a game of poker with Donald Trump. Feeding his ego keeps Mr. Trump at the table; letting him win sometimes paves the way for Mr. Carney to win later, when the hands really matter. Don’t we all do this at times in our relationships both personal and professional?
Nigel Scott Burlington, Ont.
Whose future is it, anyway?
Re “Canada’s youth should have a gap year” (Opinion, June 30): As a 16-year-old, this civic gap year feels like adults panicking about our future while making it worse. You want us to spend a year doing taxpayer-funded volunteer work when we already do that for free every summer? Then you expect us to magically readjust to studying after 12 months off and somehow not tank our first-year grades when those actually determine our career prospects.
This is our future you’re messing with. We’re already stressed enough about getting into decent programs without you adding another hurdle that our rigid education system isn’t even designed to handle. But sure, let’s spend millions so politicians can feel good about “fixing” us.
Laura Alvares Caetano Montreal
As I read through your opinion piece I couldn’t help but think of the federal youth program Katimavik. This program has been around since 1977, thanks to the elder PM Trudeau and various others, including the late senator Jacques Hébert. I completed the nine-month program in 1983-84, and my son completed it in the mid-2000s. Although the program has changed over time, participants would spend three months living in three communities in Canada. The groups where made up of 12 participants from various socioeconomic and language backgrounds. We volunteered at jobs in the communities, participated in predefined programs and learned about the country and how to live with each other. I would highly recommend this program to new high school graduates. We had a 40-year reunion two years ago.
Mark Barnes Oxbow, Sask.
Politicians, young and old
Re “Why elected official shouldn’t be an entry-level job” (Opinion, June 27): Equally important are term limits. Politicians in office for more than a decade scare me more than newbies. The latter don’t yet understand the system enough to muck things up too much. Those present for multiple terms, especially who’ve served at different levels of government know all too well how to manipulate the system.
What’s worse, these politicians become so complacent with those around them, who are often the same as those who donate and fund their campaigns, that they fail to recognize inherent bias in their representation of all constituents.
Term limits would force change. Changes that should not come with excessive compensation borne by taxpayers. It is a great service to be a politician, but there are too many who fail to recognize when it’s time to go.
Irene Ford Vaughan, Ont.
Lessons on choice
Re “Lessons from a friend who was grateful for life, right until the end” (Opinion, June 28): I was moved by the article describing Jillian Horton’s friendship with her friend Vanessa, who died of metastatic breast cancer. Indeed, in my work as a clinical psychologist, I have heard many stories of struggle and tragedy, survival and resilience.
Resilience may be many things and possibly correlated with early life experiences, biological predispositions and socioeconomic realities. However, the concept of choice in all its powerful simplicity cannot be underestimated. We do have choice, and our belief and determination to exercise that choice may be the difference between being a victim or a survivor.
I am reminded of the quote by Santayana: “The world is not respectable, it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever, but it is shot through with beauty, with love, and with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms timidly, and struggles to the light amid the thorns.” It takes courage to choose to live in the light.
Pamela Paris Toronto
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