A school zone with a 30 kilometre per hour speed limit in Montreal.Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press
Line starts here
Re “Progressive groups plan protests to challenge parts of Carney agenda” (Sept. 19): The Draw the Line protests are about capturing the attention of all those in leadership positions, government and non-government, to voice our concerns about crucial issues that threaten the future of our country and our world.
We march “for life, for people, for the planet.” Leaders should listen up, be accountable and act accordingly.
Sheila Lacroix Toronto
This looks like the quixotic NDP platform of the last election.
I see only one major and feasible way for Canada to fund the lengthy wish list of Draw the Line protesters: Keep extracting fossil fuels to one day create a sovereign wealth fund like Norway does.
I find most of the remaining revenue tools exhausted, trivial or too politically unpalatable to implement.
Neil Rau Toronto
All for one
Re “Will Mark Carney’s choice of ‘major projects’ be powered by politics or economics?” (Report on Business, Sept. 16): Here’s a bold solution: Kill the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act and Impact Assessment Act.
Then issue an invitation to the Canadian oil and gas industry, Poland, Germany and other interested European parties to study the technical and economical feasibility of a single project. It would consist of two pipelines from Alberta to terminals in Churchill, Man., one for liquefied natural gas and the other for oil.
Given the current geopolitical environment, such a project might be considered a national security matter for Canada and potentially for European buyers. If executed without any government financial involvement, this could transform Canada into a transitional-energy superpower.
Stephen Berbekar Kelowna, B.C.
Don’t push it
Re “Alberta to use notwithstanding clause on its three transgender laws, leaked memo shows” (Sept. 19): I am horrified by the Alberta government’s plan to invoke the notwithstanding clause to pass anti-trans legislation.
These laws – forcing parental consent or notification for name and pronoun changes at school, banning puberty blockers and other gender-affirming care for minors and requiring invasive proof of “female” birth status for girls in school sports – target some of the most vulnerable youth in our province.
I do not believe this is about protecting children or fairness in sports, but rather about using state power to strip rights from marginalized Albertans to appease a vocal minority. The courts have already found reason to grant an interim injunction against the care ban, yet the government presses ahead.
Using the notwithstanding clause in this way would undermine democracy, betray the Charter and harm kids who deserve dignity and support, not political attacks.
Emily McCartney Calgary
Up to speed
Re “Why Doug Ford is wrong about speed cameras” (Sept. 13): I was appalled by Doug Ford’s comments following the mass vandalism of automated speed cameras in Toronto. Instead of condemning this, the Premier suggested they be removed, even offering to help do so.
By making such remarks, the Premier risks sounding as though he condones vandalism rather than standing up for the rule of law. Even more disturbing, he seems to ignore what these cameras are about: saving lives.
Excessive speeding is a widespread problem in Toronto. Families have lost loved ones to reckless drivers.
As a Toronto resident, parent and driver, I support speed cameras because they make our streets safer for children, pedestrians, cyclists and all road users. The Premier’s words show me a shocking disregard for public safety.
He should apologize and commit to protecting lives, not defending lawlessness.
Karri Ojanen Toronto
So Doug Ford wants to do away with speed cameras across the province, saying they’re just a “cash grab.”
Normally a “law and order” guy, he feels it’s just fine for drivers to ignore posted speed limits. In the interest of getting traffic really moving, why not eliminate all speed limits?
A “war on the car?” More like a war on pedestrians and cyclists.
David Schenck Vaughan, Ont.
It is obvious that reduced speed, especially around schools, make streets safer for children. It is also obvious that speed cameras can be a deterrent.
It should also be obvious that, in democracies, consent of the governed is fundamental to ensuring compliance. Why, then, is there so much antipathy toward Toronto speed cameras?
First, slower speeds are enforced even when traffic is light and children are not in school. While 40 kilometres an hour might be appropriate at 3 p.m., 50 km/h might be more so at 11 p.m.
There is also no tolerance limit. A police officer would likely not stop someone speeding by 2 km/h. But Toronto reportedly issues fines for such speeds when caught on camera.
As to the consent of the governed, Toronto drivers are unlikely to accept what Doug Ford’s brother called the ”war on the car.” Zero-tolerance speed cameras are a bridge too far.
John Harris Toronto
People antagonized by speed cameras make me laugh.
The same people probably complained when drinking and driving became illegal, then complained about seat belts. Then smoking in public places. They probably roll through stop signs, too.
What gives the democratically elected government the right to tell them what to do? Speed cameras are a cash grab? Then so are radars in general, or parking tickets.
This is 2025. Our cellphones know how fast we are moving. Newer in-car display knows what the speed limit is within metres of a location.
There should be no expectation of any privacy when we are in a vehicle. What will people do when their cars are able to report their speeding, red-light running and failures to stop autonomously?
They’re not sorry for their actions. They’re just upset that they got caught.
Peter Lehman Waterloo, Ont.
Can someone tell me, please, what is the true speed limit if it is not the posted number?
Ed Janicki Victoria
Welcome respite
Re “Toronto Public Library expands social, crisis support program amid growing need for mental health services” (Sept. 17): This brings to mind a librarian in St. Catharines, Ont., who offered a helping hand to a homeless teenager named Richard Wagamese.
Karen Kingsbury Pointe-Claire, Que.
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