Letters, Oct. 9

Politicizing justice

Re: Kinew takes issue with bail decision in fatal crash (Oct. 8)

Is Premier Wab Kinew losing the plot?

Kinew wants individuals to bear the weight of the public’s perception of the justice system, rather than having the case for bail based solely on the outcome of due legal process.

In other words, he wants to politicize the justice system. With reference to Manitoba legislature approves fines for former premier and cabinet ministers (Oct. 7), is he in favour of “banana republics” or not?

Ken Clark

Winnipeg

As president of the Legal Aid Lawyers Association, I was concerned by Premier Wab Kinew’s recent comments about a Manitoba judge’s bail decision. While the premier later clarified his remarks, political leaders should avoid commenting on specific judicial decisions. It does little to build public confidence in the justice system.

As professor Brandon Trask explained, bail is a constitutional safeguard, not a sign of leniency. Judges apply the law based on evidence, risk, and the presumption of innocence — not public opinion. When politicians weigh in on individual cases, even with good intentions, it risks eroding the independence that keeps our courts impartial and fair.

If the Crown disagrees with a release, the law provides a proper avenue for review. But public confidence will not grow by urging judges to think more like politicians. It will grow when we help Manitobans understand why the rule of law sometimes produces results that are difficult, yet essential to justice.

Gary Robinson

Winnipeg

In need of answers

Re: NDP neglects public transport on path to net zero (Oct. 8)

Tom Brodbeck identifies and underscores an all too obvious quality of life and environmental issue that has long plagued our city. The lack of provincial and where possible, federal, funding for public transit has been a head scratcher for years.

When rapid transit was initially being discussed, I naively thought public transportation was becoming a city and provincial priority. What happened?

The opportunity for direct and real improvement of public quality of life and environmental responsibility seems too obvious and critical to be lacking major investment, especially, by an NDP government that cares about human well-being.

What, in fact, are the real and true reasons for disregarding the direct value of a major expansion public transportation? Why is there such emphasis on prioritizing road construction at the expense of ambitious investment in public transportation?

Please, Premier Wab Kinew, gives a straight answer.

Garrett Loeppky

Winnipeg

Email to the rescue

Re: “Tax problems” (Letters, Oct. 7)

Further to David Cohen’s letter about the upcoming tax season and the striking postal workers. Fear not, it is 2025 and all financial companies have the ability to email out tax slips/receipts/ whatever.

If, for some unknown reason, a person does not have email, you could always go to your financial/brokerage institution and pick them up.

Long before tax season is even a thought, Canada Post employees will be back at work with their tails between their legs trying to play catch-up with their bills!

Alfred Sansregret

Winnipeg

Condemnation of nation not hatred

Re: The canary in the coal mine of hatred (Think Tank, Oct. 7)

I write on behalf of the United Jewish People’s Order/Jews for Social Justice.

Are Jews really the canary in the coal mine of hatred, as Mr. Lieberman asserts? The recent speech in the United Nations General Assembly by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu witnessed the exodus of nearly 80 delegations from the session in protest. The delegations were protesting Israeli war crimes and genocide in Gaza as well as the rest of Palestine.

As the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg (JFW) Mr. Lieberman is well aware that the JFW unequivocally supports the actions of the state of Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu has declared on many occasions that he represents world Jewry. Similarly, the JFW claims to represent all Winnipeg Jews. When Mr. Lieberman declares “holding Jews accountable for the actions of a foreign government is Jew hatred” is he now declaring that the JFW is distancing itself from the actions of the state of Israel? Or is criticism of the state of Israel a manifestation of Jew hatred? One cannot have it both ways.

Most Canadians are opposed to antisemitism and racism in general. The groundswell of condemnation of Israel by the world community does not reflect a hatred of Jewish people. This is an assertion made by those who unequivocally support the actions of the state of Israel.

Rubin Kantorovich

Winnipeg

Bold step

Re: Province unveils long-term blueprint to achieve net-zero emissions (Oct. 6)

Oceans North, of which we are vice-president of policy development and counsel, and director of program development respectively, applauds Premier Wab Kinew’s commitment to work with the federal government on a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) for western Hudson Bay. This is a bold and timely step toward ensuring that economic development — including the expansion at the Port of Churchill — proceeds alongside strong environmental safeguards.

Hudson Bay is home to an abundance of beluga whales, polar bears, and migratory birds, and sustains Indigenous communities whose cultures and livelihoods depend on its health. As western Hudson Bay faces rapid change, protecting these waters is essential for a sustainable northern future.

Oceans North has long supported and promoted the creation of an NMCA for western Hudson Bay. It brings resources for environmental monitoring and comprehensive planning, as well as jobs and infrastructure upgrades. We welcome Premier Kinew’s vision to use this tested conservation tool, and we look forward to working with Manitoba, the federal government, and northern communities to make this shared vision a reality.

Chris Debicki and Paul Labun

Winnipeg

Thankless work

Re: Chair of police board makes ‘hard decision’ to step down, citing health issues (Oct. 6)

Most people don’t realize how tough that job is. Chairing the Winnipeg Police Board isn’t something you do for attention or thanks, it’s late nights, criticism from all sides, and constant pressure to somehow keep everyone satisfied.

Coun. Markus Chambers did that work for seven years, five of them as chair. He stepped into the role at one of the hardest times imaginable, right after the murder of George Floyd, when trust in policing was at its lowest. He didn’t shy away from it. He listened, he kept people talking, and he tried to help the city move forward.

He worked behind the scenes to build bridges between the police service, city hall, and the community. He helped bring in a new police chief, pushed for long-term planning, and quietly supported efforts to improve relationships with Indigenous communities.

It’s easy to take shots at people in public roles, we have seen that more and more , especially when the issues are emotional and complicated. But having someone who leads with calm, empathy, and a sense of balance matters.

Whatever comes next for him, I think it’s worth saying thank you. He took on a thankless job and did it with integrity and Winnipeg’s better for it.

Marc Robichaud

Winnipeg