Letters, April 4

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/04/2024 (894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Unimpressed by budget

In the 2024 budget set forth by the Manitoba NDP, did they say where they are going to find: 100 doctors, 210 nurses, 90 paramedics, and 600 health-care aides, during a worldwide shortage of health-care professionals?

There was also the promise to improve the health-care system. They have been in power for over five months, with no improvement to our health-care system. Many promises, but no progress.

Also no incentives for private business sector growth.

Alfred Sansregret

Winnipeg

Premier must have Manitobans’ backs

I am extremely concerned that Premier Kinew is considering pulling Manitoba out of the climate agreement we have with the feds.

As a senior citizen on a fixed income, the $150 I receive every three months will be sorely missed. I am wondering why a party that clearly states they are for the “little guy,” may be hurting that little guy.

I am sure Kinew is not going to jeopardize our future monies without giving we renters something in return, after all taking from the poor would be against the philosophy of the New Democratic Party.

I am wondering if the people of Manitoba realize 80 per cent of us are getting back more climate rebate than it is costing us individually so 80 per cent of us are going to be hundreds of dollars short if Kinew “axes the tax.”

In closing, I am hoping something happens to change Kinew’s mind and we can look forward to our climate rebate for some time.

Kathryn Guilford

Winnipeg

On Monday, Premier Kinew visited the fuel depot in Gretna. He stated that with respect to energy, he and his government have the backs of Manitobans. Do they?

While they followed through on their election promise to remove the gasoline tax, within a few weeks the retail fuel prices increased by the same amount. It’s quite obvious that the oil companies are, once again, profiteering at Manitobans’ expense and are taking all of what was meant for all Manitobans. Since then, what has the premier and government done about it?

I have not heard them say anything about the less than coincidental rise in fuel prices. So, I ask again, does Kinew and the new provincial government really have the backs of Manitoba taxpayers?

John Robinson

Morden

Alternatives to dealing with impaired driving

Re: Impaired drivers and their rights (Think Tank, April 3)

The writer of this article commends Saskatchewan for getting tougher on drunk driving by enforcing a Criminal Code amendment that provides police the right to request a breathalyzer sample from a driver pulled over for a traffic violation, regardless if the police have a reasonable suspicion that the driver may be impaired.

To capture more drunk drivers, the writer further recommends an amendment that would see drivers who leave the scene of an accident charged with refusing to provide a breathalyzer, as many drunk drivers flee accident scenes to avoid the police detecting their impairment.

While such an amendment would be to the Criminal Code, requiring federal approval, something similar could be done in Manitoba by an amendment to Autopac that would make leaving the scene of an accident without reasonable excuse a breach of coverage. Such an amendment exists for automobile coverage in British Columbia, and could be made by the present Manitoba government.

While this does not amount to a criminal charge, withdrawing automobile coverage from drivers who flee the accident scene to escape impairment detection would further Manitoba’s proclaimed stance to be tough on drunk driving.

Keith Addison

Winnipeg

Important fiscal points

Re: Tories’ reckless fiscal sleight of hand leaves Kinew, Manitobans in need of Hydro magic (March 25)

In a recent column, Dan Lett discussed accounting and budgeting matters and his concerns with the province’s summary financial reporting. As auditor general, one of my duties is to audit the province’s financial statements. I am writing to provide my view on the importance of summary financial reporting.

All provincial and federal governments in Canada use Public Sector Accounting Standards which require the inclusion of all controlled entities within the government’s financial statements. This means the government’s financial statements include not only government departments, but also Crown corporations (such as Manitoba Hydro) and other entities the government controls. Consolidating these entities gives a full view of the government’s financial affairs, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of its overall financial health and results.

Mr. Lett raised concerns about the volatility that can occur to the bottom line when using summary budgeting (and reporting). He noted changes in water levels impact the amount of electricity Manitoba Hydro can export, ultimately impacting the summary net bottom line. However, there are two important points that I think should be considered.

First, volatility in various entities is part of the economic reality that must be managed by the government. Excluding information strictly because it can be volatile would not provide fair presentation of the financial results.

Second, summary financial reporting allows for comparable and consistent financial reporting across jurisdictions. This consistency enables stakeholders to compare performance, assess efficiency, and identify areas of concern.

The province’s audited summary financial statements provide the complete financial picture of government.

Tyson Shtykalo, FCPA, FCA

Auditor general of Manitoba

Winnipeg

Hunting an abhorrent ‘sport’

Re: Animal rights groups seek review of Ontario’s new hunting dog law (March 27)

Now here is an activity that screams human supremacy and exceptionalism.

Groups of privileged, predominately white males allow their packs of dogs to chase and maul terrified wild animals, already traumatized from being trapped and held captive, who have no means of escape. Only five per cent of Canadians hunt and, if you filter out those who identify as “ethical,” you are left with but a tiny fraction of that number who engage in this abhorrent so-called “sport.”

Why should they be able to call the shots (no pun intended) when it comes to wildlife who, if they “belong” to anyone, “belong” to everyone?

Debbie Wall

Winnipeg

Jets need to play harder

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has been lauded for his player acquisitions, including those made at the trade deadline.

Not to discredit Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller, I wonder whether this is what this team needed most. The Jets have had plenty of scorers and yet have died before or in the early rounds of the playoffs. I believe that the Jets’ greatest need is a few players with a physical jump to them.

This team is too passive. Not infrequently, the Jets come for the first period with the speed and determination of a sloth and this rubs off on the whole team. Even our best players are not physical and would benefit from a spark of energy. Brenden Dillon, to my mind, best exemplifies the type of needed player, but we need more.

Recently, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Joel Edmundson whom Craig Berube, previous coach of the St. Louis Blues, described in this way: “Physical play, being hard to play against, blocking shots, defending. Everything that’s important in playoffs.”

That is a player I would like to have on our team. I think it might be time for Chevy to reassess what this team needs.

Ivan Bilash

Winnipeg