Letters, Dec. 1

Carney’s error

Re: Carney wins on oil, loses a minister (Nov. 28)

The resignation of Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet marks a sad day for the future of our planet and exposes Carney’s promise to achieve our targets under the Paris treaty as a fraud. Carney has abandoned the little that was achieved on climate over the past 10 years, and is moving us back in time by committing billions of tax dollars towards expanding the fossil fuel industry. The downsides to building pipelines are so obvious that even Big Oil is unwilling to invest.

While economies around the world — with China at the forefront — are abandoning fossil fuels in favour of clean energy at breakneck speed, our federal government is preoccupied with pacifying Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Carney needs a reminder that Smith’s supporters are never voting for him.

The planet cannot wait and neither will we. The existence of a livable world for our children and grandchildren depends on Carney and other world leaders doing what they in fact know is the right thing.

Esther Redekopp

Winnipeg

I have some advice for Prime Minister Mark Carney. First, Canada is the signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. You should read it.

Second, ceding the environmental approval process to the provinces is a bad idea. Third, prime ministers don’t own their parties. Party members do. Finally, this isn’t the U.S. and Canadians don’t want another king, we already have one.

The UN declaration guarantees the right to free, prior, and informed consent. Making agreements with provinces assuring consultation with First Nations planned for some time in the future honours none of these commitments.

Environmental protections are not a priority for some provinces. Danielle Smith’s Alberta and the Pallister/Stefanson government come to mind. The First Nations experienced this firsthand with projects like the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martins outlet channel. The silica sand proposal is also a good example. Federal oversight is essential to manage these risks.

Being prime minister is a temporary position granted by party members who elect and replace leaders as needed.

Nation building is more than pipelines and ports. Nations are built by improving the quality of life for all of its citizens, encampment dwellers and Bay Street elite alike. We are all looking for leadership, and your agreement with Alberta is a giant step backwards.

Ernie Gilroy

Winnipeg

Actions and consequences

Re: “No sale” (Letters, Nov. 28)

I wholeheartedly agree with letter writer Bill Craig’s opinion of the “half-page ad from Fargo practically begging Canadians to visit.” And his dismissal of it with: “Elections have consequences.” I’m of the same mindset.

After Trump’s notorious 51st state insults and thinly veiled threats toward our national sovereignty, I made the immediate decision to no longer shop American. With firm resolve, I spent a good part of the following Saturday deactivating every online shopping account with an American company.

When prompted by an app or website to share why I was doing so, I explained exactly why (politely). I then spent Sunday researching Canadian alternatives primarily, but options from elsewhere in the world, as well, and was not disappointed.

As for Fargo, I say: hey, neighbours. We see you’re a red state. We know how you voted. Enjoy your consequences.

Cheryl Moore

Winnipeg

Bravo Mr. Craig, for expressing your opinion on the ad from Fargo! I too, share your opinion that I will be keeping my spending on this side of the border.

I did it when Trump was elected last term and will stay away this time as well. Elections do have consequences and because North Dakota, along with other states who elected this temper-tantrum-prone bigot, will not be getting any of my dollars until he is removed. It will be a very long, cold, poor few years for your retailers and hoteliers … sorry, not sorry.

You’ve brought this on yourselves by wearing blinders. I used to love going south of the border for shopping and just a good time. I had the privilege of being scrutinized at your airport security in Newark, N.J. having to connect with my next flight to get home from Lima, Peru.

I felt singled out for being a Canadian whom Trump accuses wrongly of transporting drugs, just for bringing some bath salts as gifts for my kids! Me, a friendly 71-year-old drug smuggler! Really?

You’re really getting desperate to verify that your drug problems stem from Canadians! Sorry, not this old lady. Go pick on someone else. I won’t be back!

Colleen Henzel

Winnipeg

The housing market predicament

Re: Housing market expected to rebound in 2026: Re/Max (Nov. 27)

I doubt it based on the current real estate fiasco that is being allowed by the government.

My nephew and his new bride are having extreme difficulty trying to purchase a house in Winnipeg. Why? I’ll tell you why.

For some reason the real estate market has somehow morphed into a scenario that goes like this.

Your agent advises “they are only taking offers on Tuesday and if you expect to get the house you’ll have to pay at least $7,000 over asking price” (per offer). Meaning, if there are 10 interested parties you will have to wait until Tuesday, and then offer $70,000 (at least) over asking price! Oh and by the way, you also cannot expect to put “subject to inspection” in your offer or you’re out of the running.

So, your $400,000 house just cost you $470,000 and since you could not have it inspected, you later find the basement floors are cracked and leaking. Oops, too bad so sad for the hardworking, young couple.

So, now the $400,000 house with damaged floors is back up for sale. Sorry, oops again, now it’s a $470,000 house. Right? That’s what they paid, so that’s what it’s now worth.

Makes sense?

That’s what’s going on. Plus, the people who think they just cashed in with an extra $70,000 in their pocket are going to go through the exact same crazy scenario if they plan to purchase another house.

If you put your house up for $400,000 and someone wants to buy it on Day 1 for $400,000 (or possibly less) the people should be allowed to make an offer. The seller can take it or leave it and then on to the next one.

This is how it was in the past and it’s somehow been allowed to turn into a real estate scam that simply pads the real estate company’s pockets. It’s not the realtor’s fault for trying to make more money, it’s the government’s fault for not implementing controls to prevent this. House values are being “artificially inflated” to a point where it will be impossible for some people to ever buy a home because they will never make enough money.

Plus a home inspection should be mandatory before any sale can be completed and only waived by the buyer, not the seller.

Good grief people, society can’t afford this ridiculous scenario. The whole thing will come crashing down one day. I don’t see how it can possibly “rebound.”

Wake up government, somebody has to fix this.

James Davidson

Winnipeg