Opinion

Outpouring of support encouraging

It was heartwarming to wake up this morning to the news that the citizens of Brandon had voted almost unanimously against the idea of banning books based on LGBTTQ+ content to protect the rights of all people in their community.

The message was clear. Ideas that promote hatred and ignorance will not fly here! Thank you for showing the world what all Canadians should stand for.

Gladys Bellamy

Winnipeg

Re: “Keep church and school separate” and “Learn from past mistakes” (Letters, May 24)

Plaudits to Dan Donahue and Rachel Morgan for their cogent and well-reasoned letters.

The recent surge of book-banning efforts in our province, and the ongoing distrust of anyone and anything that is outside one’s personal circle/experience is distressing.

Book-banning is a favourite activity of any and all repressive societies (Nazi Germany springs to mind) and the negativity expressed about Indigenous peoples and Canadians whose cultural roots are not European is destructive and narrow-minded. I agree with Morgan — Canada’s present diversity makes it a far more interesting place than it was when my family arrived here in 1952.

Public schools are not the place for Christian education, and there are already several Christian schools in our province. Let them suffice. For the book-banners, may I suggest that they take time to learn the realities about gender/sexual orientation and stop letting fear drive the train? For all of us, it is time to embrace our diversity and enjoy the cultural mosaic that is Canada.

Rene Jamieson

Winnipeg

Accountability at last

Re: ‘I was not prepared to delay taking action’: MPI board chair (May 23)

Thank you Free Press for bringing accountability to the table when all other parties privy to the same information did nothing. Your reporting of the facts clearly indicated performance and ethical issues by Eric Herbelin and voila, he is fired with cause when pertinent information becomes known and uncomfortable

The members of the board are off the hook as the new chair of the board says he will not discuss any issues previous to his appointment. The provincial justice minister responsible for MPI indicates that because this is a human resources issue, he is not privy to that information and has not reviewed the investigation… what? How could he not be? He is responsible for this Crown corporation.

All of the information relevant to Mr. Herbelin’s performance in performing the duties of CEO of MPI was known to those tasked with governance over it. It is extremely disappointing to watch this shell game of dodging responsibility and the cavalier, disingenuous use of language in doing so. Perhaps another word that sums up all of this — Teflon. Nothing sticks to anyone — hopefully the voters hold this government responsible.

Doug Howell

Winnipeg

Hold those who commit crimes responsible

Re: We are on our own: store owners (May 19)

In reading the article, “We are on our own” regarding the increase in grocery thefts, I was reminded of an incident I witnessed not long ago. I was in a business and watched four people successfully shoplift within 10 minutes. They were brazen, strong adults and everybody just stepped out of their way. They, of course, all wore blue surgical masks that are not effective in stopping a virus, but quite effective in disguising identities.

Another shoplifter was confronted by a store employee who blocked his cart. The man took off running but not before he traumatized customers by kicking doors and causing damage on his way out.

I spoke with the manager and an employee after these terrifying incidents and what I noted was not that they were just angry or frustrated, but completely demoralized by these thieves. It was taking its toll and I could absolutely empathize with them.

Shoplifting affects not only grocery inflation but it also has a very negative effect on the employees, and those watching these crimes unfold.

Right versus wrong , justice versus injustice play a huge part in our day to day lives. I’m sure some customers looked around and thought, “Why am I standing in line paying for food when I could just fill a cart and walk out?”

Another thought could be, “Why get a job, work hard for my money and provide for my family when others can choose not to work and not to pay for things?”

What we hear time and time again is that we need more social programs, and that this would help curb shoplifting among other crimes. Is there truth to that statement? Possibly.

However, how about instead of constantly blaming the system we hold the individual accountable for the crime they have committed and they can take personal responsibility for their own choices.

Christine Cockerill

Winnipeg

Park pass problems

Over the past weekend I visited St. Malo Provincial Park and tried to purchase a yearly permit at the campground office.

We were informed that their debit machine was inoperable and only cash could be used. However the staff did not feel it was fair to only charge those who had cash, so would not be charging any entry fee. They indicated it could be some time for repairs to be completed on the debit machine. I am unsure if this also applied to overnight camping fees.

As a regular purchaser and supporter of park fees I am puzzled as to why this situation could be allowed to go on.

This must result in a huge loss of revenue at the yearly permit fee of $44.50 or $9.50 daily. This is a highly used provincial park and it was a busy early summer weekend with little revenue received for this wonderful facility.

I would hope this matter is resolved quickly.

Lucille Rybuck

Winnipeg

Lack of vision big problem with road plan

Re: Route 90 plan will help those in city’s southwest (Letters, May 24)

So Wayne Manishen and others strongly believe that expanding Route 90 will alleviate traffic congestion on Route 90 (and other routes). Poppycock.

Everyone seems to be ignoring the elephant in the room — the City of Winnipeg’s utter lack of vision when it comes to expanding and improving public transportation.

That $1.2 billion could buy, and pay for the operation of, over 1,000 electric or hybrid buses. Each carrying about 60 passengers, potentially taking 6,000 cars off the road on each trip.

Imagine increased and more reliable bus routes in this city… imagine that $1.2 billion going towards truly well planned, viable north-south and east-west express transit corridors. Imagine new housing developments planned for transit first, rather than as an afterthought.

Imagine.

That’s how you reduce traffic congestion, and make the city more livable for all citizens, not just the wealthy vehicle owners in the southwest corner of the city.

Jacqueline Cassel-Cramer

Winnipeg