Letters, Dec. 21

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/12/2023 (664 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Law must change

Re: Killer appeals sentence, victim’s family disgusted (Dec. 20)

The sentence of Tyler Goodman for killing Jordyn Reimer is indeed “unfit.” He should be tried for manslaughter. Heartfelt condolences to Jordyn’s family and to the families and friends of other victims of drunk drivers.

The law must be changed to impose appropriate consequences for the choices made by irresponsible people like Goodman and his companions which put all of us at risk.

Gerri Thorsteinson

Winnipeg

Many questions on auto policy

Re: Rules of the road to electric vehicles (Dec. 20)

The recent announcement from Ottawa to end sales of fossil fuel vehicles by 2035 has all the earmarks of their immigration policy. Immigration in Canada was reported to be over one million permanent residents and temporary workers and students. That is the equivalent of one new province.

That is all well and good but our health-care system and housing availability and affordability is collapsing under the weight of the demand this policy has placed on the system. There’s nothing wrong with bringing people into the country, but there is something wrong with bringing in the massive numbers without the infrastructure to accommodate them.

What is being proposed with the elimination of selling new gasoline cars in 11 years is that same thing. There are presently just over 16,000 chargers in all of Canada. We will need at minimum 52,000 chargers in the next eight years and 3.9 million chargers by 2050. The chargers are only part of the problem of course.

Do any of the experts know if we have enough electrical capacity for this change? What about home and water heating and the 3.5 million homes we need to build for the increased population? Please tell us how this is going to be achieved in 11 years? I almost forgot to ask, where is the money coming from in 11 years?

Gilles Nicholas

Winnipeg

MLA’s remarks disheartening

Re: Ex-Speaker draws fire for ‘racist, disgraceful’ social media post (Dec. 19)

I fully condemn former Manitoba Speaker Myrna Driedger’s racist remarks labelling all the people in Gaza as terrorists.

It is disheartening to witness a lack of empathy from the former Manitoba Speaker. Instead of expressing compassion for the people in Gaza enduring constant bombardment, destruction, and loss of life, Mrs. Driedger chose to instil fear and doubt among the Canadian public regarding anyone of Palestinian descent.

In contrast, I have written a letter to Premier Wab Kinew, expressing admiration for his leadership qualities, proactive approach, and genuine concern for the well-being of innocent civilians affected by the conflict. It is commendable to see a leader not only recognizing the severity of the situation but also proposing tangible actions to address the crisis. It is heartening to see a leader not only acknowledging the gravity of the situation but also actively proposing concrete actions to address the crisis.

I am particularly moved by the suggestion that Canada should take in refugees from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His commitment to providing sanctuary and support aligns with the principles of compassion and solidarity that are crucial in times of humanitarian crises.

I was also impressed with his emphasis on ensuring that the possible welcoming of refugees allows them to return to their region in the future which reflects a thoughtful understanding of the decades-long conflict. Mrs. Driedger, please note the caveat Mr. Kinew stated in his letter to the Prime Minister.

In these challenging times, Mr. Kinew’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope and empathy. Manitoba’s willingness to open its doors to those affected by the conflict sends a powerful message about the values we hold dear as Manitobans and as a nation.

Ab Freig

Winnipeg

Codes of animal care

Re: New year a good time to go plant-based (Think Tank, Dec. 15)

Ms. Scott-Reid baselessly alleges in her opinion piece that “there are no laws governing the everyday treatment of animals on farms in Canada” and that “this allows for unchecked cruelty.” That could not be further from the truth.

In Manitoba, the health and welfare of animals is governed by the Animal Care Act, a series of laws passed and amended by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. Embedded in the regulatory framework of this legislation are the Codes of Practice for the care and handling of livestock. The codes have all been developed by stakeholders across government, animal agriculture, the grocery and restaurant sector, researchers, scientists, and even animal rights organizations. This legislation is enforced by the Office of the Chief Veterinarian, whose Animal Health and Welfare branch protects all animals under the control of individuals.

Livestock producers from every sector are committed to continuous improvement as new science becomes available on best practices for animal care, as well as mitigating the risk of negative environmental impacts. Livestock production is continuously improving its environmental footprint and emitting fewer greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to improved environmental practices and the adoption of enhancements to barn construction, lighting, heating, and insulation. Manitoba farmers are producing food that ensures Manitobans are eating more sustainably.

It’s important that the public has access to unbiased, accurate, science-based information regarding their nutritional choices. Understanding how different sources of protein affect the body is essential. While many foods are rich in protein — including meats, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, nuts, and seeds, one protein choice cannot simply nutritionally replace another. Animal-based sources of protein help provide the full complement of amino acids that our bodies need. The type of iron in animal-based proteins, heme iron, is significantly easier for our bodies to absorb than iron from plant-based sources and only animal-based foods contain the key nutrient vitamin B12.

Manitoba’s livestock sectors and producers are proud to provide some of the most cost-effective protein, grown close to home, while also feeding the world. The food we provide is packed with nutritional value, is part of a balanced diet that sustains busy lives, while helping to also minimize grocery bills. We believe that when consumers are making decisions in the grocery store, they should have access to this objective information about where their food comes from.

Brent Achtemichuk

General Manager, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba

Brenna Mahoney

General Manager, Keystone Agricultural Producers

Wayne Hiltz

Executive Director, Manitoba Chicken Producers

Cam Dahl

General Manager, Manitoba Pork Council

Cory Rybuck

General Manager, Manitoba Egg Farmers

Helga Wazny

General Manager, Manitoba Turkey Producers