Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with reporters during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in August.James Park/Reuters
True form
Re “Mark Carney’s speech got the world’s attention – but was it the right message?” (Feb. 7): I applaud putting some perspective on Canadian pride.
We seem to be a nation so worried about who we are, we forget what we truly are: a very fortunate nation living beside a larger consumer nation. Our economic livelihood rests, and should rest, with the United States.
Now if only the Prime Minister would make a speech criticizing our internal trade barriers, then we would be on a true path to prosperity.
Jan Jagiellowicz Waterloo, Ont.
Where to start?
Re “Better together” (Letters, Feb. 7): Cutting “red tape” sounds appealing until one remembers what it really means: weaker environmental safeguards, poorer workplace safety and less protection for ordinary people, all of which exist because past disasters and abuses forced change.
If we truly want our Prime Minister to “cut federal spending” and “get out of the way,” start with corporate welfare, not basic protections for workers and the environment.
Research from the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary shows that federal business subsidies have exploded, rising about 140 per cent over nine years to 2023–2024 and projected to approach $50-billion annually by 2027–2028, more than half of all corporate income tax revenue.
An Environmental Defence analysis found that fossil fuel and petrochemical companies alone received at least $29.6-billion in federal financing in 2024, and about $74.6-billion over five years.
That record hardly reflects free‑market capitalism; it is permanent dependence on taxpayers.
Timothy Kwiatkowski London, Ont.
History not repeating
Re “Minnesota” (Editorial Cartoon, Feb. 7): I strongly object to this cartoon comparing Donald Trump with Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon brought the enlightened values of the French Revolution to the places he conquered, introducing the Code civil, also known as the Napoleonic Code, thus introducing or expanding civil rights everywhere.
Donald Trump does the exact opposite, stepping on and attempting to eliminate civil rights everywhere.
Cornelius Krijnen Calgary
Shine a light
Re “Will soaring electricity rates kill Ontario’s nuclear expansion?” (Report on Business, Feb. 7): While legacy Liberal-era contracts remain high, the cost of new solar has plummeted by roughly 90 per cent over the last 15 years. Globally, utility-scale solar is now one of the cheapest sources of new electricity.
In contrast, Ontario is doubling down on nuclear projects such as the $20.9-billion Darlington small modular reactors, which have been exempt from competitive procurements. By shielding nuclear energy from market competition while citing decade-old solar prices to justify its exclusion, the government is making a big bet with taxpayer money based on a flawed premise.
We should not confuse the cost of past policy mistakes with the current potential of low-cost renewables. If we want to avoid “soaring” rates, stop ignoring one of the most affordable kilowatt-hours on the market today.
Ray Nakano Toronto
Bets off
Re “Why Canada needs to tackle the scourge of sports betting” and “Sports books bet big on transforming our society. This year, they’ll make losers of us all” (Opinion, Feb. 7): Why is more not being done by our elected representatives to address the terrible damage being inflicted on Canada from online gambling?
Some help is possibly on the way through Bill S-211, passed in the Senate last October but now languishing in the House. It is interesting that a quick search of the federal lobbying registry shows interest in this bill from the likes of the Canadian Gaming Association, Canadian Association of Broadcasters, sports betting company Flutter Entertainment and the National Hockey League.
One can only imagine they are not lobbying for quick passage of S-211.
Greg Kane Ottawa
It was fascinating and disheartening to learn just how pervasive the problem of sports betting is in Canada, especially among young men.
Not surprising, however. Some time ago, it dawned on me that many sportscasters are biased toward sports betting, so I decided not to watch them.
I am a loyal hockey fan. However, it has been more than a year since I have watched between-period commentators, switching instead to news channels where I might learn something useful – and less biased.
Mark Cullen CM Markham, Ont.
Much meddling
Re “Thank God for free trade, as the U.S. shoots itself in the foot” (Report on Business, Feb. 7): It occurs to me that tinkering constantly with trade policy has a similar effect to tinkering constantly with an investment portfolio.
Tom Ferris Victoria
By example
Re “MP Kirsty Duncan became a crusader for safety in sport” (Obituary, Feb. 7): Why did it take Kirsty Duncan’s death for me to become aware of her incredible contributions to Canada? I can only wish more politicians could follow her ethos and compassion.
We need more Kirsty Duncans and to give profile to their contributions to the fabric of Canada.
Janice Vansickle Victoria
I briefly met former Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan when she served in the dual cabinet roles of sport and science.
About eight years ago, Dr. Duncan and her team filmed a short video at my curling club lounge. She used the rink as a backdrop while we postgame curlers tamped down our usual animated conversations.
Afterward, Dr. Duncan dropped by each table of curlers to chat and apologize for the inconvenience. I can tell genuineness versus affectation right off, and while a “big, beautiful smile” can sound clichéd, sometimes it works: Dr. Duncan had a big, beautiful smile.
Mel Simoneau Gatineau, Que.
At your service
Re “Two burrito bowls with a side of guilt, please” (Opinion, Feb. 7): Is relying on delivered restaurant meals costly? Yes. Convenient in a busy (lazy?) household? Yes.
But there are also meal kit services springing up as alternatives to food shopping and meal planning for busy households. They deliver dinner kits and all the ingredients; we do the prep and cooking.
They can be a lifesaver, especially in a two-person household where one person – my wife – has just had a knee replaced. Given my limited culinary skills, she had the foresight to order two weeks’ worth of these kits from a popular service provider.
We both agree they are delicious and cheaper than restaurant takeout, with virtually no food waste. A win-win for us, leaving me with more time for such tasks as laundry, housecleaning, snow shovelling and chauffeuring to physio appointments.
Chris Gates Cobourg, Ont.
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