Letters, Jan. 25

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/01/2024 (839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Weighing in on Stefanson column

Re: Columnist should do better (Think Tank, Jan. 24)

I read Lauren Stone’s op-ed and found I had to comment. When Tom Brodbeck moved to the Winnipeg Free Press, I admit I was prejudiced towards him based on his work for the Winnipeg Sun. As a reader of his column I was surprised to find him insightful, and that he offers a measured critique of the subjects he comments on.

I have never had the privilege or desire to work as a politician. I do however, work in a field where I daily meet both the public and the people I am paid by the government of Manitoba to serve. What a great day I would have were someone I interacted with to call me “feckless” and really mean it. I would love to be called a “pawn” or a “spokesperson.” In my line of work (and I got a university degree to receive the abuse hurled at me on a daily basis) I am called words that rhyme with witch, punt and duck. I have had people I serve tell me they were going to gather all their friends and kill me.

So yes, sticks and stones will hurt my bones but words will seldom hurt me. I have lived on this Earth long enough to know — clarify your purpose, do that work, and ignore the rest. If you have truly done your best, then walk with your head held high.

I think what really hurt was that Mr. Brodbeck told the truth. And Ms. Stefanson is lucky, because if all the women who worked for her during her time in office started telling our truths there really would be some vitriol.

Now please excuse me. I need to go to continue to serve the great people of Manitoba.

Carolyn Quinton

Beausejour

Tom Brodbeck described Heather Stefanson as feckless. I agree with him. There are simply too many blunders and misjudgments that can be attributed to Ms. Stefanson and her party. Too many to list here.

Disrespectful rhetoric is exactly what Ms. Stefanson’s conservatives engaged in during the final desperate days leading up to the election. We all remember the shocking billboards; False accusations against Bernadette Smith suggesting she wanted to give away hard drugs and of course Wab Kinew’s past, already a matter of public knowledge. Just a few of the candidates who were personally slandered.

Instead of accusing a hard-working, factually sound journalist of vitriol, Lauren Stone should look for change within her own party. Heather Stefanson was the leader, she set the tone for the party until the end.

Jane Pogson

Winnipeg

As an NDP MLA for many years, I couldn’t agree more with the thrust of MLA Lauren Stone’s reaction to the column attacking former premier Heather Stefanson. It is one thing for a journalist to highlight contradictions in policy, statements or decisions, but there is no need to personalize the attack.

Whether this was a misogynistic outburst, or a habit of personalizing editorial positions is another question. Men and women in leadership roles are increasingly being attacked personally for policies they support and decisions they have made. Disagreement with the views of others is appropriate, but vilifying individuals personally is unfair and unnecessary.

The fact is the Winnipeg Free Press, and sadly many other media outlets, seem to believe that denigrating or belittling public figures personally is a legitimate journalistic endeavour. We need journalists who challenge the ideas and decisions of elected officials, but attacks based on perceived weaknesses in their character is beyond the bounds of good journalism.

Whether this was a misogynist outburst, or an example of the journalistic ethics of the day, this kind of rant can never be justified whether it is against Heather Stefanson or any other person serving the public. This is just another example of the encroachment of the profane on what is serious business — public service.

Let’s stick to the facts and leave the character assassinations to late night comedians.

Jerry Storie

Winnipeg

Feds share responsibility

It’s ironic the federal government is now turning to demonizing international students after their own policies, especially an abrogation of their responsibility to fund directly post-secondary institutions, has prompted the structural necessity of international student tuition to so many institutions.

The federal government has not increased base funding to assist provinces in providing quality post-secondary education since 2008-2009; Canadian institutions receive far less money from the federal government than other institutions in comparable countries in the OECD. Moreover, the federal government has refused calls from faculty associations to come up with a post-secondary strategy for Canada, or to implement direct and specific funding for post-secondary education akin to the direct streams for health and other programs.

While some institutions may indeed be at fault and may have taken advantage of easily available student visas, the government should look at its own culpability in this situation, especially its neglect of funding for capital, operations, and research across the Canadian post-secondary sector.

Peter J. Miller

President, University of Winnipeg Faculty Association

Winnipeg

Disappointed by decision

Re: Federal use of the Emergencies Act was unreasonable, judge rules (Jan. 23)

I am disappointed in the judge saying the Emergencies Act was not justified to remove the convoy, two years ago. I’m glad the government is appealing the decision.

The use of the EA wouldn’t have been necessary if the premier of Ontario and the police had done their jobs in dealing with the convoy. Let’s not forget that Candice Bergen had said to make the convoy Trudeau’s problem. The Conservatives also met with the convoy. Some of the convoy also wanted to overthrow the government.

My question to the judge is “what about the civil liberties of the residents?” They had to listen to 24-hour truck horns, diesel fumes and get harassed if they were wearing masks. What about the businesses that closed? Let’s hope that this decision doesn’t encourage more occupations.

Leanne Hanuschuk

Winnipeg

Seeking compromise

The Forks River trail for many Winnipegers is such a highlight of our community, embracing the slog that winter can be and surprising reunions with friends and neighbours at a special well-run meeting place. It’s very sad that early indications are the skating trail may not come to be this season. But I will offer a ray of hope and hopefully practical compromise to The Forks administration.

Forget about the skating. With river conditions, it only makes sense. Instead, put your resources toward plowing a meandering trail that avoids the city’s drainage outlets and fast flow spots where ice thickness is an issue. Install all the access ramps!

You might be surprised how many Winnipegers will hike, bike or ski to The Forks. To put safety in context, the Assiniboine is so low if the trail is close to the shore you’re going to get a boot full of water, that’s it.

Mark Riddell

Winnipeg