Canadian and U.S. flags fly in the wind at the Peach Arch monument on the Canada-U.S. border on Sept. 11, 2026.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Wait and see
Re “There has been a ‘slight intensification’ in trade talks with U.S., Carney says” (Oct. 27): Our position in any talks should be straightforward: The United States should live up to its signed legal commitments, including those pertaining to the USMCA and Gordie Howe bridge, and pay Canada compensation for having unilaterally abrogated those commitments.
Failing this, we should await a U.S. administration actually prepared to honour its commitments, however long that takes.
Andrew Vanderwal Toronto
“There’s a possibility that a deal could be reached by Nov. 3.”
Canada should definitely not make a deal by Nov. 3. That would be interfering in U.S. midterm elections.
Dianne Skoll Ottawa
Work starts now
Re “B.C. election turnout slumps to new low as fewer than half of voters cast ballot” (Oct. 26): Adding to the confusion was a cynical move – calling an unnecessary election when the B.C. NDP’s opponents were in disarray, around the same time as municipal elections – that I believe was responsible for the historic low voter turnout.
Voters should never be taken for granted. Politicians should engage with voters and respond positively to their concerns. Hopefully this new government will sit in the legislature and be accountable.
Let’s change this historic turnout into a new high after this new low.
Marianne Freeman Vancouver
Not again
Re “In other words” (Letters, Oct. 23): A letter-writer states that Albertans should have decided on questions “more relevant” (on health care, education and the environment) than those in the referendum. However, such questions should never be decided via referendum.
As social scientist Daniel Yankelovich noted in Changing Maps: Governing in a World of Rapid Change (1995), “Inconveniently, people do hold strong opinions on subjects about which they know nothing, and to which they have devoted little or no thought.” Following from that, he advocated for what he called “public judgment,” but which is now better known as deliberative democracy – the best example being that of citizens’ assemblies.
Evan Bedford Red Deer, Alta.
Final decision
Re “Supreme Court to hear federal appeal of Emergencies Act use” (Oct. 23): It is reported that Chief Justice Richard Wagner has considered the issue of bias and recusal and concluded there is nothing that requires his recusal.
The Supreme Court test for whether a judge must recuse themselves for bias is if “an informed person, viewing the matter realistically and practically and having thought the matter through, would think it more likely than not that the decision-maker would unconsciously or consciously decide the issue unfairly.”
I consider myself such “an informed person” and, “having thought the matter through,” I think he would “decide the issue unfairly.” So, with respect, Chief Justice Wagner should step back.
Jacques Konig Toronto
The Emergencies Act authorizes the federal government to use extraordinary measures to quell disturbances which it considers a threat to national security, or which ordinary law enforcement cannot handle. Two lower courts found the crippling occupation of downtown Ottawa in 2022 did not rise to such a level, and therefore ruled that invoking the act violated Charter rights.
With respect, I believe that decision is misconceived. Deciding whether conduct rises to a threat to national security is best left to the organization tasked with solving the problem, namely the federal government, not a court months later from the comfort of a judge’s chamber.
The courts should decide whether the scope and aggressiveness with which extraordinary powers were used was appropriate and proportionate to the specific circumstances. That should be the more important question, not which statute was invoked.
Dan Mersich Owen Sound, Ont.
Stands to gain
Re “About time” (Letters, Oct. 23): On Bill C-39, a letter-writer asks, “What is wrong with a one-year deadline?”
There can be many things wrong with a one-size-fits-all approach to environmental assessments. Meaningful studies on ecological impact are subject to timelines dictated by the types of ecosystems and species that are vulnerable.
While there are improvements that can be made to the overall process, such as avoiding duplication and resolving jurisdictional issues, there is only so much that can be done to effectively study impact on such things as migration routes, spawning habitats, water quality, etc. Many “bureaucrats” blamed for delays in project approvals are dedicated scientists who recognize the need for valid scientific study.
Proactive monitoring and studies initiated earlier in the process can inform decision-making and support projects, rather than impede. More simplistic approaches have resulted in the issues faced today, including species at risk. The clock is ticking on their futures as well.
Gerry McKenna Clarington, Ont.
Re “Swing back” (Letters, Oct. 26): A letter-writer proposes that Bill C-39 will move us away from the cudgel that “special interest groups” brought to oil sands regulation.
I’d argue the bill is the result of a much more powerful and persistent special interest group: the oil and gas industry. One only has to look at federal lobbyist records to see the imbalance between industry groups and those who care more about the future of our planet.
Furthermore, recent data from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers shows hydrocarbon production climbed steadily throughout the Trudeau years, from around seven million barrels per day in 2015 to almost 10 million today. Hardly regulating an industry “into atrophy.”
Dave Carson Hamilton
Money for nothing?
Re “Fraud accounts for rising share of money-laundering offences, FinTRAC reports” (Report on Business, Oct. 26): The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada announced it imposed penalties of $247-million, “by far the largest amount in FINTRAC’s history.” Sounds like a success, doesn’t it?
If one takes out the two big penalties that I believe will never be collected from offshore entities, the remainder is just $50-million, and who knows how much of that will even be collected. A penalty that cannot be extracted or enforced is not really a penalty.
Richard Austin Toronto
Lift up
Re “In my senior years, I aim to make a difference and keep life interesting” (First Person, Oct. 22): Many thanks to the 80-year-old essay-writer who is still volunteering and making a difference in her world.
It is a good reminder that arts organizations, political parties, community support agencies, environmental groups, faith-based groups and many more non-profits would cease to exist without the dedication, wisdom and financial support of older women.
Dorothy Watts Vancouver
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