Letters, July 16

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2024 (450 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Take action on homelessness

Re: Residents demand action on homeless camp after senior assaulted (July 13)

The headline should have read “Residents demand action on homelessness…”

Yes, the people interviewed wanted action. However, the action most often cited was action on homelessness itself, not just to deal with the camp!

Most of the people interviewed, including the man who was assaulted, reported primarily that what they want dealt with is homelessness — of which the encampments are merely outcomes of that deeper problem faced by the people in the camps.

The headline missed that good news; suggesting that readers only see relevance in the problems others face if the problem also impacts us.

Based on this story and the many conversations I’ve had on the topic, I’m happy to report that is a false assumption.

Let’s work together to create a Winnipeg where everyone has a fair chance of being housed and living well.

John david Pankratz

Winnipeg

Freedom to dismiss words

U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that it is time to cool down political passions. Most people would agree with him.

One thing that might assist the achievement of this goal is to remember that a politician’s speeches are just words in the air. They only become dangerous when you and I believe them and choose to act on them.

We have the freedom to say: “That’s nonsense,” and to dismiss the words from our minds.

Politicians only are dangerous if we choose to believe them. Act accordingly.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg

Disturbing revelations

Re: Horses face harrowing journey to Japan (Think Tank, July 13)

It is disturbing that Canada’s animal transportation laws, already recognized as some of the poorest in the developed world, can be violated with impunity. Depending on species, animals can be legally transported for 28 to 36 hours with no food water or rest in all extremes of temperature. Incredibly, the time limit is 72 hours for newly hatched chicks being shipped via Canada Post.

Given that horses being exported to Japan for slaughter are being sold for $8,000 to $9,000 each, there is a vested interest in having them arrive at their destination alive, at the very least, whereas the 1.6 million animals who die en route to slaughter houses every year domestically are, apparently, the cost of doing business.

Opponents of Bill C-355, which would prohibit the export of horses for slaughter by air, invoked the “slippery slope” argument. The question has to be, slippery slope to what? A more compassionate world? Sure seems like an uphill battle to me.

Debbie Wall

Winnipeg

It’s appalling to me that the Canada Food Inspection Agency and horse shipments are even mentioned in the same article. Horses should not be food regulated by such an agency.

Horses have helped build this country and deserve our respect. They fought in wars, plowed fields, helped with construction and numerous other roles in Canada. Where would we be without them?

That a privileged few get to profit and fill their bellies on such a beautiful and historically important animal is shocking.

While Bill C-355 (bill to ban the live export of Canadian horses) is in the Senate, there should be a stop to these shipments. Upon returning, the Senate should fast track the bill, and stop this abhorrent industry for good!

Laura Potts

Winnipeg

Jessica Scott-Reid paints a pretty good picture in her brief summation regarding the conditions these horses endure on their way to slaughter in Japan.

I’ve seen the horses being loaded up on the tarmac at the airport here in Winnipeg as well. Bone chilling -30 weather and they’ve been loaded into these crates for hours waiting for the plane to arrive.

Any animal lover, pet lover, human being with an ounce of compassion would be visibly upset to see this unfolding. The disregard and lack of respect for an animal that has received accolades for the service rendered in Canada’s history is shocking. These magnificent animals do not deserve the brutality being inflicted upon them. No animal does.

The surplus of used up animals from the horse racing industry and horse enthusiasts that relinquish their horses when they are tired of them or no longer can afford to properly care for them make these horses easy pickings for kill buyers at auction.

Free Press readers may be shocked to know there are breeders in Canada that breed heavy (draft) horses specifically for selling to the overseas market for slaughter… usually around two years of age. Draft horses are big, so more money per animal and they are docile so easier for transport.

Say what you will, there’s something inherently wrong with exporting live horses to be killed and eaten. Curtailing this is a start to putting things right.

Thank you to those organizations like Manitoba Animal Save, the Winnipeg Humane Society and Animal Justice that are fighting for change.

Lois Taylor

Winnipeg

Soldier’s story touching

Re: From northern Manitoba to a foxhole in Ukraine (July 12)

The article written by Melissa Martin about Austin Lathlin-Bercier was brilliant. She writes from her heart and soul, and I cried.

Myra Smith

Winnipeg

Reading this in-depth article written by Melissa Martin, Free Press writer-at- large, she portrayed an excellent account about a young soldier from Opaskywayak Cree Nation, located about 630 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, on the banks of the Saskatchewan River.

Austin Lathlin-Bercier enlisted as a volunteer (International Legion’s Branch) into the Ukrainian army in March of 2022. Personally what I liked about this narrative is the chronological information provided, identifying that Austin, a member of the Cree Nation, a young man who had aspiration to enlist into the Canadian Armed Forces, but became a courageous member of the Ukrainian militia.

This article mentions Lathlin-Bercier’s love of nature, particularly around Opaskwayak and his close relationship and connection with his family. These attributes had a bearing on his flexibility and mobility in the Ukrainian forces.

The article highlights that during Austin’s time in the Ukrainian Army, this young soldier from Opaskywayak Cree Nation was loved and shared a deep bond with his brothers-in-arms, like Luka, a person that was rescued by Austin. What I find it very interesting and heart touching, that a person probably having no connection to Ukraine, lived on the other side of the world, but dedicated his young life to the causes of the war in a foreign country.

Unfortunately, Lathlin-Bercier had become the first Manitoban known to be killed in combat in Ukraine, it really hurts to see that people like Austin knew the consequences, the risk involved, but he chose a different path in his life. I appreciate the coverage of this article about how Austin had an influence in the Ukrainian war.

Peter John Manastyrsky

Winnipeg

Praise for production

On July 13 I attended MA-BUHAY! at Rainbow Stage. The production is excellent. Music, choreography, singing, costumes are second to none. The backdrop and special effects were created by Sisler High School students.

The energy of the performers is outstanding. Intertwined in the vocal competition which is the basic story, there are three themes dealing with important family issues that stand the test of time. The band, directed and guided by Seanne Buenafe was fantastic.

I wish this production much success in the future. They certainly deserve it.

Louisa Ryz

Winnipeg