Letters, May 25

Walking off the cliff

Re: Carney, Smith all smiles while time runs out on climate change (May 18)

Excellent opinion piece by Dan Lett regarding the deal between Alberta and the federal government to build another pipeline. It is so refreshing to see that there still is some sanity left in this country and world and that someone is calling this pipeline out for what it is, a complete farce.

The comments made by Thomas Gunton stating that there is unused pipeline capacity available right now that could move another two million barrels of Alberta crude per day, more than double the capacity of the proposed new pipeline, shows how insane this project is. Not to mention, ignoring climate change and proceeding as if it’s business as usual is like walking off a cliff.

Sadly with the leadership we have that is exactly where we’re heading. And as Dan states, we’ve probably already run out of time.

Ken McLean

Starbuck

In need of a grocer

Re: Hermanos steakhouse to shutter, relocate in Exchange (May 12)

Nicole Buffie reported that Hermanos will be moving out of an iconic building in the Exchange District. This past winter, Ashdown Market also left the area.

As downtown residents who try to access services by walking or using public transit whenever possible, we wonder whether one of the major food chains or an independent grocer might consider opening a grocery store in this soon-to-be-vacant space.

Many people live downtown and a range of initiatives (improved safety measures, new residential and commercial developments and ongoing revitalization efforts) are making the area an increasingly welcoming and vibrant place to live.

An invitation is therefore extended to both large retail chains and independent grocery operators to help improve access to everyday food essentials within walking distance for downtown residents.

My grocery list is ready!

Jules Rocque

Winnipeg

Fuelling connections

I believe early, hands-on career and post-secondary experiences can change a young person’s life. When youth get real-world exposure and mentorship, they don’t just learn about careers, they start to see themselves in them. That’s what builds confidence, motivation and direction because potential isn’t the issue, access is. And when we close that gap, we change lives.

The job market is tight and entry-level roles are limited. In this post-pandemic Manitoba, our unemployment rate has fluctuated but remains relatively low overall. In February, a Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada reported that youth unemployment in Manitoba has risen to 14.1 which is an all-time high. Competition is too steep, too many young people are left trying to navigate systems that have been designed without clear guidance or pathways.

Economic uncertainty doesn’t have to limit young people’s futures. Yet we know from Canadian research that even as higher skill roles grow, many youth — especially newcomers and those without Canadian work experience — face barriers to entry. Stats Canada states that 40 per cent of newcomers report that their experience or credentials are not recognized, it’s not just opportunity that’s limited — it’s confidence. Without meaningful exposure to careers and pathways, confidence is often the first foundational life skill to decline. Together, these forces drive rising absenteeism and deepen the already stark inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

I believe that Career Trek is helping to change that. In Manitoba’s evolving labour market, roughly 70 per cent of jobs over the next five years will require post-secondary education. Yet without early exposure and guidance, many young people struggle to see a clear path forward. Career Trek bridges that gap by connecting youth directly to opportunities, industries, mentors and staff who make the path forward feel real and achievable — boosting confidence.

For over 30 years, Career Trek has helped thousands of Manitoban youths — especially those from equity-deserving backgrounds—stay engaged in school and move toward meaningful careers.

Career Trek delivers concrete, tangible outcomes. Students in grades 5 and 6 explore their interests and begin to see what’s possible. By grades 9–12, they are connecting with post-secondary campuses and colleges, tradespeople and industry leaders and experiencing careers first-hand. Through hands-on cohorts in fields like aviation and aerospace, computer science, and engineering, youth get a clear picture of what their future could look like.

Join us in closing that gap by becoming a monthly donor today to fuel connections for youth to career pathways and confidence.

Kerry Swanson

Winnipeg

Understanding dental hygiene profession

Following National Dental Hygiene Week and National Oral Health Month, I aim to help readers better understand the profession of dental hygiene and the role of the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba (CDHM), of which I am registrar and executive director, in protecting the public. As the regulatory body for the profession, CDHM establishes standards for safe, ethical and competent practice, ensures registrants are appropriately trained and qualified and holds them accountable to those standards in the public interest.

Dental hygienists focus on three key areas of oral health: the prevention and treatment of gum disease, the prevention of tooth decay and screening for head and neck cancer. Most people are familiar with the prevention and treatment of gum disease and tooth decay; however, an equally important — yet often less widely recognized — role is screening for head and neck cancer, particularly given the rising rates of oral cancer.

The prevention and treatment of gum disease includes regular professional care from dental hygienists. This involves removing plaque, buildup and hardened deposits from the teeth to help reduce inflammation and keep the mouth healthy. It also includes helping patients improve their daily brushing and flossing routines, which is an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.

Tooth decay prevention includes professional treatments, such as fluoride applications and protective coatings, as well as education to support effective personal oral hygiene practices.

Head and neck cancer screening involves a careful check of the mouth and surrounding areas, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth and throat area, as well as a gentle but firm feel of the jaw, neck, lymph nodes and thyroid region. These areas should be assessed by the dental hygienist as part of a complete oral health exam at every appointment.

As a regulatory body, CDHM encourages the public to take an active role in their oral health by seeing a dental hygienist regularly, asking questions and learning how to support their safety and overall health. The work of dental hygienists is a vital part of preventive health care, helping to detect, prevent and manage oral disease and supporting overall well-being.

My priority is ensuring that the public can have confidence that every registered dental hygienist in Manitoba is providing safe, ethical and competent care. Public protection remains at the centre of everything the college does and supporting strong professional standards helps ensure Manitobans receive the quality oral health care they deserve.

Kyle Fraser

Winnipeg