Letters, August 19

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/08/2022 (1375 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Old-growth maples cut wantonly

Re: Requiem for an elm (Aug. 16)

While I deeply sympathize with writer Ariel Gordon on the future loss of her elm tree, I see to my dismay the current wanton removal of old-growth maple trees from my neighbourhood. The trees appeared to be healthy, but I know there were complaints from their owners regarding worm infestations this spring, as well as concerns about raking up the leaves.

It’s a shame for homeowners to choose tree removal as their only management option, especially in light of the fact Winnipeg is losing such a large portion of its tree canopy to disease and infestations and can’t keep up with tree replanting.

Perhaps the city could provide some guidance for homeowners by way of requiring a permit for removal of old-growth trees of a certain stature before they could be cut down. This would help preserve our urban trees and be a resource for homeowners unsure of the viability of their trees.

One other option: those considering moving into older treed neighbourhoods should think twice about the care and maintenance that comes with the ownership of such trees and perhaps purchase in the suburbs, where they won’t have to worry about such issues for years to come.

Jeannette Astleford

Winnipeg

Improving Manitoba Marathon

Re: Lessons from a cancelled marathon (Opinion, Aug. 17)

I’m a big fan of the Manitoba Marathon, having run it many times, trained hundreds of school-age children for the event, and cheered curbside more times than I can count.

During her five-year tenure, Rachel Munday has rebuilt the marathon from the ground up. Her first task as the freshly minted executive director was to reverse the course to take advantage of shade during the latter half of the marathon. A simple, brilliant idea.

Munday’s decision to cancel this year event due to extreme heat was difficult but prudent, mitigating heat-related medical emergencies and possible death.

In their essay, Shaelyn Strachan, who ran the half-marathon, and Christine Van Winkle highlight the considerable confusion on the course caused by the cancellation one hour into the event. They discuss the importance of clear communication, simplifying the message, and “ensuring volunteer readiness to respond during an emergency.” All excellent suggestions.

I propose a flag system, similar to beach warnings, would go a long way in simplifying the message. For example, all water-station captains and road-marshal captains could have three flags at their ready: green, yellow, and red. Green means all is well, enjoy the run. Yellow means proceed with caution. Red means stop, the race is cancelled.

An explanation of the flag system would be placed in the runners’ kit and volunteers would receive similar messaging. The marathon command centre designates the appropriate flag and messaging is sent via radio. Another simple idea to consider.

Press on, Winnipeg.

Michael Bennett

Winnipeg

Cyclists take over sidewalks

Re: Not a great place to ride (Aug. 12)

While I am pleased the city will build bike lanes in Osborne Village, I feel your headline could also refer to another unsafe place for cyclists: sidewalks.

As a pedestrian, I increasingly have to step aside for adult cyclists using sidewalks beside quiet streets and, sometimes, even beside empty dedicated bike lanes. Yet the city tells me I am walking illegally if I use the road rather than the sidewalk.

Have the rules for cyclists changed? Or are pedestrians now an endangered species?

Ann Timonin

Winnipeg

Protesting LaFlamme firing

Re: Unceremonious firing of veteran CTV broadcaster Lisa LaFlamme a wakeup call (Aug. 16)

So CTV has decided to go in another direction and unceremoniously let go its best anchor, Lisa LaFlamme.

I have also decided to go in another direction and I have decided to delete all CTV programming. It isn’t as if there is nothing else to watch out there, but at least I will be exercising my right to disagree with this corporate decision.

Norm Norris

Winnipeg

Import ban on knives absurd

Re: Government to use regulation to ban handgun imports (Aug. 5)

Is Ottawa protecting us or removing our rights as citizens? Case in point.

Ottawa has banned imports of spring-assisted folding knives, a pocket knife used by farmers, delivery personnel and most other working people who need to open a knife with one hand to accomplish a lawful task. A 3.25-inch blade is a weapon that can’t be imported, yet imports of three-foot machetes and swords are allowed. Walk down a street in Winnipeg: which one will cause alarm and police presence?

The regulatory handgun import ban, set by those in Ottawa who do not have a feel for rural Canada, hides many more setbacks to our individual rights.

Cameron Peterson

Winnipegosis

Pets get better care than people

So I was reading up on the new animal protection laws Quebec will enact in 18 months. On top of no longer being able to declaw cats or dock the ears and tails of dogs for cosmetic reasons, the laws also “define the minimum standards of care for keeping or breeding cats, dogs, guinea pigs, pet pigs, rabbits, ferrets and equines, such as socialization, enrichment and exercise.”

It got me to look for similar language in Manitoba — not for animals, but for children, seniors and those with physical or developmental challenges. And I was shocked at how little is in place in terms of minimum standards in our province for the level of care we are required to provide to living, breathing human beings.

Animal cruelty and neglect is not acceptable. But neither should it be acceptable for children, seniors and those living with challenges (invisible or otherwise) to be left in a cruel existence of neglect that doesn’t provide them with the opportunity or ability to socialize, exercise or live an enriching life.

It is the responsibility of our elected officials to set, enforce and properly fund standards of care when it comes to the safety and the quality of life of the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities. That should be the goal of any society and its leaders.

In short, it looks as if a ferret or guinea pig in Quebec will have more rights and a higher expectation of care and quality of living than Manitobans directly or indirectly in the care of our government.

Brian Spencler

Winnipeg

Don’t reduce nursing standards

Re: Province seeks workforce push for internationally trained nurses (July 14)

Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon should resign or be fired for her order “lifting a restriction for testing internationally educated nurses who failed Manitoba’s clinical competence assessment.”

She’s wrong to allow nurses who are less qualified than the standard we have here. I sure as heck would not want anything less that a fully qualified nurse treating me.

The health minister seems never available for interviews after making her statements. She’s probably resting on her couch.

Ken Butchart

Winnipeg