Letters, Oct. 14

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/10/2023 (1075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Spare the innocent

I am writing with a heavy heart to express my profound concern and sorrow regarding the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces.

The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated to a point where it is causing immense suffering and tragedy for both sides, particularly innocent civilians who are caught in crossfire.

It is indeed tragic and deeply disturbing that innocent Israeli children and women have been subjected to horrifying acts of violence and brutality. Such inhuman actions have no place in any civilized society and must be strongly condemned.

These acts of violence are not only morally reprehensible but also hinder any prospects for lasting peace in the region.

Moreover, the use of innocent people as hostages by Hamas is an indefensible tactic that inflicts even more pain and anguish on an already suffering population.

It is essential that the international community stands firmly against such actions and works towards a peaceful resolution to this protracted conflict.

As we witnessed the loss of life and devastation brought upon innocent people, my thought and prayers are with all those affected by this conflict. We must all hope and pray for an end to this violence and establishment of a lasting peace in the region.

It is the responsibility of leaders and nations to come together, engage in dialogue, and find a way to break this cycle of violence. In these trying times, I implore all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, regardless of their nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

It is only through a commitment to peace, empathy, and understanding that we can hope to put an end to this senseless and devastating conflict.

Yog Rahi Gupta

President – Winnipeg Multicultural Resource Centre

No celebration

Regarding the heinous depravity and slaughter of 1,200 Israeli babies, toddlers, the elderly, men and women, as well as kidnapping and threats of death for 150 civilians. As a Canadian, I am dismayed and disgusted by seeing the day after this slaughter, pro-Palestinian rallies, with far too many in attendance celebrating, glorifying , and justifying this event, with blatant antisemitic overtones.

Even more disappointing is the silence and lack of unequivocal condemnation of Hamas from the Muslim community, their leaders and clergy.

These are terrorists, full stop, no different than ISIS, and this event and the silence from the Muslim community only harms their Palestinian cause.

I believe the silent majority of Canadians are horrified and disgusted by what they see.

There is far too much hate on display. It’s time to loudly speak against it.

David Falk

Winnipeg

Charter abused

Once again, we have the premier of a Canadian province invoking the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian constitution in anticipation that his proposed policy will be found to be contrary to the charter rights of Canadians.

While this will no doubt be cheered by those who agree with the Scott Moe government’s actions, all Canadians should be concerned for how certain premiers have been regarding the notwithstanding clause as their go-to position.

Certainly there are those who don’t agree with how the courts have ruled regarding the provisions of the Charter.

However, I would rather have a Charter interpreted by the courts than have my rights determined by politicians seeking to court favour of certain segments of society.

Today, the notwithstanding clause is being used by a conservative government to trample the rights of children.

Tomorrow, it could very well be used by a government of an opposite ideology to do the same to a right they regard as opposed to their ideology.

Think that can’t happen? These premiers are setting a precedent to do exactly that.

Brian Huzel

Winnipeg

Paying their fair share

As stated in the report to the City of Winnipeg’s Executive Policy Committee, the proposed license fees for short-term rental operators that “have been established are based on a level proportionate to business tax rates paid by establishments offering similar services” — i.e. hotels.

It is not uncommon for hotels to have six-figure business tax bills in Winnipeg. For some larger properties those can be over a couple hundred thousand dollars annually.

That is just business taxes, let alone property taxes that can far exceed that.

Hotels contribute to our community in a wide variety of ways, whether that is employing thousands of people or donating items to those less fortunate.

We are happy to play this role, and our guests also pay the five per cent accommodation tax which helps support Economic Development Winnipeg and the Special Event Tourism Fund that brings more great events to our city.

We look to build our city and community, because that is what attracts visitors at the end of the day.

Simply put, businesses that accommodate visitors to Winnipeg pay taxes for the privilege of doing so.

Michael Juce

Winnipeg

Homes and homeless

As the chill in the air thickens, the majority of Winnipegers are cozy and warm in our heated homes.

It is easy for us to forget that a segment of Winnipeg’s population is neither cozy or warm. They do not have a home.

Lorie English highlights this issue in her Think Tank article, “The solution is more housing”, Oct. 11.

A coalition of organizations are offering their services to assist the various levels of government in resolving homelessness in Winnipeg. Please take up their offer and work together. We can and must end homelessness.

In the meantime, as the wind blows ever colder, it is imperative that we provide warm and safe accommodation this winter for those who have no home.

Gladys Legal

Winnipeg

Sit down together

Re: “Ignoring Manitoba’s past at their peril”, Oct. 11.

The landfill site search issue has divided Manitoban’s nearly 50/50, and it seems like both sides of the issue have dug in their heels and are not prepared to give in.

In my humble view, both sides are wrong with the government view and ugly attack ads on one side and the unnecessary landfill site blocking and rhetoric on the other side — neither of which solves the problem.

We can only hope the new premier-elect will see fit to have cooler heads prevail and, before anything else is done sit down with both sides of this issue with an independent moderator and work toward a reasonable and equitable solution for the betterment of all on the current issue and going forward.

Constant bickering will not solve the problem and that is not the Manitoba way . I raise the question — are all sides prepared to sit down together?

Mel Boisvert

Headingley

Time to look forward

Wab Kinew has made a positive start to his premiership with his graceful and powerful statement to all the people of Manitoba, including those who opposed him at the polls. This was the statesmanlike message of a man who has pulled himself out from adversity, through a sustained effort of his will — and no doubt, the support of those who love him.

It is a shame that Niigaan Sinclair has not heeded this message (“Too many people still bought into PCs poisonous election campaign”, Oct. 10). By implying that anybody who voted for the PCs holds racist and other hateful views, Sinclair perpetuates a division among Manitobans, just as Kinew is calling us to work together.

The election is over. Now is the time to heal those wounds, not encourage them to fester.

Kinew can soar like an eagle; surely Niigaan could look ahead, not backwards.

Francis Newman

Winnipeg