Opinion

The real question on Kenaston

I have been reading commentary regarding the proposed Kenaston Boulevard project with more than a little interest as some appear to suggest that the cost is an all-or-nothing amount. I will suggest that it must be regarded as a project with the following parts: the active transportation component; the bridge work component; the sewer work; and the road work.

I doubt if anyone would argue that, at present, trying to cycle on Kenaston Boulevard could be regarded as suicidal. As to the bridge work, anyone who has met a pothole on one of the bridges would argue that the current bridges are in need of an overhaul that could include improvements in safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.

This leaves sewers and roadway for discussion. As the area currently has a combined sewer system, sewer work is necessary. Given this, as well as the deteriorating pavement, road work is also necessary. Thus the only question should be what kind of roadway. Should it be a total of four lanes or six lanes, or four lanes for private vehicles and two lanes for rapid transit?

In other words, the debate should be how much should be spent and for what, not whether or not the project should go ahead at all. Cities need efficient transportation. The current section of Kenaston Boulevard does not meet the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists, both private and commercial.

Brian Huzel

Winnipeg

Grad videos pointless stunt

Re: Critics give premier’s grad video offer failing grade (May 18)

Premier Stefanson has done it again.

To think that this offer is appropriate, or would be welcomed, shows how completely politicized the premier is.

Graduating students want to hear from the people who matter to them and to their education.

Rather than creating a pointless political stunt, perhaps the premier could return the funding her government’s policies have withdrawn.

Lynn Silver

Winnipeg

Proceed with caution on psychedelics

Approximately six or seven years ago my friend the late Robert (Bob) McIlwraith, who was the head of the clinical psychology arm of the WRHA, note the increase of “potential” for some of the psychedelics, for a variety of conditions from migraine headaches to depression and in the treatment of addictions.

Being an astute observer of scientific research, he also noted a need to proceed cautiously.

Two cases for it being legal for commercial sales have been put forth. First, that the substance has been approved for use clinically for several conditions. Second, that the government shouldn’t have the right to regulate what substance individuals can legally consume.

With regards to the first point, when delving into the clinical research, virtually all the recommendations for this type of treatment come with a caveat that this be done with a skilled professional who is trained in the effects of these substances and the art of helping individuals process the experience of taking such agents to function in a more effective manner in their daily lives.

The second, that the government shouldn’t dictate what substances individuals can take, ignores the social impact and costs that could result from allowing this.

I would like to note that I am one who sees great potential in the microdosing with psychedelics. But potential can become hype, hype can lead to losing focus regarding potential risks. In the past I have advised several friends that they might wish to consult and expert in some treatments with psychedialic therapy, as I am an interested party, not an expert.

This issue highlights the need for us all to engage in some critical thinking about how we as a society will decide to handle the potential benefits of psychedelics.

Dick Forbes, RPN

Winnipeg

Closure needed

Re: Chief’s tenure just not feasible (May 18)

This article written by Niigaan Sinclair brought a tear to my eye.

As I read it, I know that if this was a person that was white, the police, government and everyone else would do whatever was necessary to discover if their remains were in the landfills.

Why in this day and age is this still happening? If one of my family members was suspected to be in a landfill, I would not be able to rest until their remains were brought home. It is part of the closure process of death.

Can we as a mankind, stop this “them and us” approach, and just start doing things that reflect our common bond, that we are all people?

Will Franklin

Winnipeg

More effort needed on bike recovery

Re: Two wheels and one big problem (Editorial, May 17)

A few short weeks ago I saw a relatively new, large bike for sale on Kijiji. When I went to see it the seller informed me that a neighbour had asked him to sell it for him.

The Kijiji seller is a senior whose pastime is bike refurbishing. He was suspicious the bike had been stolen so he contacted the Winnipeg Police Service bike recovery unit. They took the bike and had it for nine months. Since no one claimed it they returned the bike to him. I bought the bike and the seller gave me the bike recovery officer’s business card.

The next day I saw a small sticker on the bike, indicating where it had been purchased. I called the Kijiji seller and he agreed that if I found the legal bike owner he would give me my money back. I called the store whose sticker was on the bike and gave them the serial number. They told me the bike had been purchased there and they had the purchaser’s contact information. The store employee said he’d ask the manager what to do.

A few minutes after that call the original owner called me and explained that the bike had been stolen two weeks after he bought it, but he had never reported it stolen. He had purchased another bike and put the experience behind him. I told him how I had come to possess his bike. Then I arranged to return the bike to the Kijiji seller and let the two of them sort it out. I also indicated that, after he recovered his stolen bike, he’d have two identical bikes and I’d buy one of them.

I returned the bike to the Kijiji seller, got my money back, and gave the Kijiji seller and the original owner each other’s contact info. About an hour later the legal owner delivered and sold the bike back to me.

In less than five minutes I connected the stolen bike with its original owner. The city could do a more thorough job of dealing with stolen bikes with a little more staff and initiative.

Jeff Delaney

Winnipeg

Poor planning on health care

I don’t understand why the political leaders of our health-care system (past and present) didn’t plan ahead for a shortage of doctors, nurses and health-care workers.

Our health-care system has been in crisis for many years. Our government could have offered more incentives and grants to train students who are interested in become GPs, specialists, nurses and aids. Perhaps high schools should offer more speakers, medical career days, spending a day with a professional, etc. to students to give them a feel for a career in health care.

Now our government is scrambling and offering incentives to entice professionals from other countries yet red tape is holding up the process. Meanwhile, wait times are at an all time high and you can’t blame the brunt of it on COVID… this was happening way before the pandemic.

With more people immigrating to Manitoba every year, something has to be done right away. Let’s start the training at home right now for a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Lynn Murphy

Winnipeg