Letters, Jan. 21

Pros and cons

Re: Fixing Winnipeg Transit’s core problem (Editorial, Jan. 20)

While I agree that increasing resources for public transit is a good investment, low ridership is also a function of complacency, especially of people in my generation (baby boomers). As someone who owns two cars and can afford the fuel to run them, I take the bus several times per week in order to reduce my carbon footprint. But there have been other positives.

One is that the new bus route along Archibald gets me from my Island Lakes neighbourhood to downtown quicker than the old route. Second, I can read on the bus and reach my destination more relaxed. Third, it puts me in touch with a broader cross-section of our society.

Come on, boomers, join me!

Martin Entz

Winnipeg

Notable omission

Re: What should a new Sio Silica bid look like? (Think Tank, Jan. 19)

How is it possible that a former deputy minister of environment, conservation and water stewardship can write an 850-word exposition on the redux of Sio Silica in southeastern Manitoba without acknowledging that the endeavour will risk the drinking water of thousands of Manitobans?

C. Hugh Arklie

Cooks Creek

Ford’s myopia

Re: Chinese EV deal an ‘opportunity’ for Ontario, auto sector: PM (Jan. 19)

Doug Ford was quick to attach himself to the “Team Canada” label but is always the first to complain if something benefits any other province. Maybe someone should give him a geography lesson so he discovers that there’s a Canada to the east, west, and north of Ontario?

If fewer than 50,000 Chinese EVs can kill the Canadian auto sector, it is a sector that has failed to pivot and, by the logic of the free market, deserves to suffer these sort of shocks.

But Doug Ford’s myopic perspective doesn’t just ignore the agriculture sector of the Western provinces, it also lacks vision for the sector he claims to be protecting. American auto manufacturers have abidicated their spot in the market by favouring coventional fuels over reusable. Canadian consumers want more hybrid and electric choice; Asian markets and European markets are moving away from fossil fuel dependence (China far quicker than the EU).

Without some sort of investment from outside the continent, how is the Canadian sector to adapt to a shifting world economy? Or does Ford seek to harm the next generation of auto workers by staying loyal to those who are disloyal?

Kelsey Enns

Winnipeg

Reoffenders small group, big problem

Re: Police arrest two men accused in city’s final homicide of 2025 (Jan. 13)

I read your recent article on the Christmas Eve homicide with a heavy sense of familiarity. While every case is tragic and unique for the families involved, the circumstances described reflect a pattern that those working in public safety see far too often.

Serious violence in our communities is not spread evenly across the population. It is typically driven by a very small number of individuals who are already well known to police and the justice system. The article outlines repeated prior violence, weapons involvement, breaches of court orders, and escalating behaviour. None of this develops overnight, and none of it comes as a surprise to those who have dealt with these individuals before.

This is not about pointing fingers at police or investigators. In cases like this, the risk is identified, documented, and acted upon within the limits of the law. The harder question is what happens earlier , when the same people cycle through bail, probation, and short periods of custody, despite repeated non-compliance and warning signs.

If we genuinely want to prevent tragedies like this, the focus needs to shift away from broad discussions about crime in general and toward how we manage a very small group of chronic, high-risk offenders. That means honest conversations about bail, supervision, and accountability, and whether our current approach is actually protecting the public.

Marc Robichaud

Winnipeg

Signs of co-ordination

While much has been speculated with regards to U.S. President Donald Trump’s fixation on Greenland for both national security interests and critical mineral access, little has been said with regards to the vulnerability American ownership of the territory presents both Scandinavia and Europe as a whole.

Why? Because the president has demonstrated time and time again, his deference to Putin and a willingness to accommodate his aspirations of dominance.

Trump’s long-standing animosity towards all things European leaves one to wonder if the acquisition of Greenland represents a co-ordinated effort with Russia to decimate the autonomy of a great many nations to the benefit of the delusional aspirations of two of the most ruthless leaders we might well ever bear witness to in our lifetimes.

Dan Donahue

Winnipeg

In defence of CFL changes

In response to negative opinions about the CFL rule changes, my neighbour is a huge football guy and knows the CFL and NFL games as good as anyone in my opinion. I asked him explain the coming rule changes. This was his response:

The shortening of the field is needed because, with the goal posts 15 yards back, reasonable field goal range will now be the 20-25 yard line, so they need to shorten the distance to move the ball a bit, otherwise it could become a punt fest. The 30-yard line is now a 52-yarder as opposed to a 37-yarder. The 35-yard line is pretty much out of range. Points will have to be earned and there will be lots of three-down football.

There will be a pretty large “no man’s land” with these rules. And trying and missing from 35-45 yards now won’t necessarily mean that you’ve given up easy points going the other way. I see tremendous entertainment with these changes.

About the 35-second clock, the new rule will take out the subjectivity of when the referee indicates the start of the next play.

Here’s the explanation. As it stands currently, when the previous play ends, the 20-second play clock (for the next play) doesn’t start until the referee blows it in. During this time, the game clock can be moving (after a run or completed pass). So with the current way, depending on the referee’s discretion, anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds can drain off the game clock before he whistles in the play clock. This really impacts how teams play as the clock is nearing the three-minute warning in the second half.

With the new 35-second clock, immediately following the previous play, the play clock will begin counting down from 35 seconds to the snap of the next play, similar to the NFL, but five seconds less than the NFL. This rule will eliminate the referee’s influence on the game clock which should create more plays per game, hence the projected increase in touchdowns.

I think these changes will make the game more exciting in different ways. After seeing attendance numbers from around the league last season, its obvious changes are needed.

Thomas Hessian

Tyndall