Letters, Sept. 29

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/09/2023 (978 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The path not taken

Think about who has been in political power in Manitoba. For the last two decades we’ve been blessed with the NDP and the PCs.

Want more of the same? Give Lamont a shot. He is the only one who can say, “never made this mess.” The other two parties, not so much.

Ed Friesen

Winnipeg

 

Pledges unconvincing

I get the daily paper and every day, on the front page, no less is another empty promise from Wab Kinew!

This morning it was how the NDP are going to expand the sexual assault clinic; the other day they promised to rebuild CancerCare; and there was the promise of revamping the older women’s clinic. It goes on and on! Mr. Kinew, where is all this money coming from?

You’re very good and handing out empty promises but you have no follow through. How stupid do you think us Manitobans are?

Luann Smythe

Winnipeg

 

Answers revealing

Re: Pop go the parties (Sept. 28)

Pop go the Parties by Jen Zoratti is a brilliant expose of true character.

Listen to the words but watch the actions has never been more relevant than in this provincial election. The case of people vs privilege is revealed in the actions of those popped in what has to be one of the cleverest journalistic endeavours. It’s an easy read between the lines to see who is for the people and who has privilege as their “go-to place.”

As Gloria Steinem said, “the personal is political,” and one can only hope voters do a “double double” to see who really cares about the people of Manitoba.

Heather Emberley

Winnipeg

 

Respect rule of law

I am writing on behalf of the Legal Aid Lawyers Association to address our deep concerns regarding the recent campaign advertisement published by the Progressive Conservative (PC) party in the Free Press. As an organization representing lawyers who defend individuals accused of crimes, we believe it is crucial to emphasize the importance of fairness and integrity in election campaigning, particularly when it involves candidates’ professional backgrounds and legal careers.

In the ad, the PC party highlights past criminal charges and legal careers of several NDP candidates, including their leader, Wab Kinew, and Mark Wasyliw, who is a member of our profession. While we respect the right of political parties to scrutinize the records of their opponents, it is disheartening to witness an approach that appears to denigrate the vital role of legal defense in our justice system.

First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that defending individuals accused of crimes is an indispensable function within our justice system. Legal representation ensures that individuals have access to a fair and impartial trial, protecting their constitutional rights and preserving the integrity of the judicial process. Casting aspersions on a candidate for their involvement in this essential aspect of our legal system undermines the very foundation of justice itself.

Moreover, the ad labels Mr. Kinew as a “joker” and highlights past criminal charges against him without providing necessary context or acknowledging his subsequent actions, including receiving a pardon for his past convictions and the staying of two domestic assault charges. Using these incidents to discredit a candidate’s character without considering the entirety of their experience and contributions does a disservice to voters and our democratic process.

Mr. Wasyliw’s profession as a criminal defence lawyer is a testament to his commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Lawyers in this field play a vital role in upholding the principles upon which our justice system is built. They ensure that even the most vulnerable members of our society receive a proper defense and have their rights protected. Suggesting that Mr. Wasyliw’s profession disqualifies him from public office is not only unfair but also undermines the values upon which our society is founded.

As the provincial election on Oct. 3 approaches, we implore all political parties to maintain a commitment to fairness, integrity, and transparency in their campaigning efforts. Voters should be provided with accurate and relevant information about candidates and parties, and it should be presented in a balanced and fair manner that respects the importance of all professions within our society, including legal defense.

In conclusion, it is our sincere hope that the upcoming election campaign will focus on substantive policy discussions and the merits of the candidates and their respective platforms, rather than engaging in character assassination or undermining the vital role of legal defense in our justice system. Our democracy thrives when it operates on principles of fairness and respect for the rule of law, and we believe that Manitobans deserve nothing less.

Sincerely,

Gary Robinson

President, Legal Aid Lawyers Association

Winnipeg

 

PM has made his bed

Can anybody else see the writing upon the wall? Is there no one who can sense it? Justin Trudeau has shot himself in the foot one time too many!

The gaffe committed during the Zelenskyy visit has brought considerable comfort to Putin(not to mention the useful idiots who assault the cause of an independent Ukraine and an eventual democratization of Russia here and elsewhere). Trudeau has sealed his fate beyond all possible doubt.

The Liberal party has just suffered a potentially mortal wound. I wonder if, rather than wait for the next federal election, or even for a possible alignment of the opposition parties against them, the federal Liberals might just contemplate turning on Justin and turning him out of leadership.

This may seem to be a pipe dream, but a change of leadership within the party could just make some headway in redeeming their hopes in the future, and the Ukrainian cause besides.

David Martineau

Winnipeg

 

Student speaks out

I am currently in high school, writing to speak out against a great threat.

For two years, a storm has been encroaching upon us. Florida, then Texas, then Kentucky, then North Dakota. New Brunswick then Saskatchewan. Now there are “Parents know best” ads on the sides of buses and billboards, and I’m scared.

I have several friends who are trans/non-binary, and really great people. This whole “parental rights” stuff is ridiculous. Parent’s rights to do what? Force schools to de-closet their kids?

They’ll come out when/if they feel comfortable telling you. Please, please don’t sacrifice your children, or their classmates, for provincial politics.

Robert Bennett

Winnipeg

 

All have part to play

Re: It’s all on fire — what’s the plan? (Think Tank, Sept. 26)

Peter Denton simplistically blames the onrushing climate apocalypse on “bad business and worse government”. But anyone who would like to dig deeper into the causes of our dilemma needs only to look in the mirror.

Look in the mirror of your huge SUV as you sit alone idling in the drive-thru to buy a cup of coffee .

Look at your reflection in the window of your aircraft as you jet away on another vacation because you can afford it and gee, you deserve it! (When you get home, watch yourself on the news howling about your passenger “rights” because your luggage was lost or your return delayed due to — surprise! — a weather event.)

Business and government certainly had a huge hand in creating this mess, but any party daring enough to take the kind of drastic measures needed to get us out of it would be wiped out on election day.

Mark Doerksen

Winnipeg