Letters, June 30

What kind of Canada do you want?

As Canada Day approaches, I am reflecting on the Canada I want for all residents. The top of my list is a commitment at every level of government to deal with global warming. We know fossil fuels are top of the list as contributor to the carbon dioxide that results in the floods, forest fires and droughts we have been experiencing. Yet we continually cave in to those who choose big salaries and economic goals before acknowledging climate change.

A recent book, The Dawn of Everything, by David Graeber and David Wenglow, reminded me that Indigenous elders and traditional chiefs likely have the best ideas about the future. Unfortunately, we hear more about economic growth than about the problems that more pipelines and tree-cutting will cause.

I want a country with a healthy future, not humanistic disruption and decline.

Barry Hammond

Winnipeg

Holy smoke

Re: Holy unsatisfying (June 27)

I found the content of the review of the Rainbow Stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar to be unduly harsh and overly critical. I am happy it was given three stars, at least.

First, let me state upfront that I have no qualifications to be an art critic or reviewer. However, I am a three-decades-plus subscriber to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Manitoba Opera, Winnipeg Chamber Music Society and Rainbow Stage, and regularly attend other arts events.

So, when I read the opening night review my first thought was, “Did we see the same show?’

I get that theatre critique is part of the performance process. It can help the organization and performers grow and improve.

I attended Jesus Christ Superstar at Rainbow Stage on Friday, June 26. I enjoyed all of the cast’s performances. I found the the leads — Jesus (Connor Meek), Mary (Dutchess Cayetano) and Judas (Nathaniel Muir) — portrayed their roles with emotion and compassion. Their singing talents were obvious, as acknowledged in the review. I do agree there are sound issues that do impact the ability to clearly hear the words and need to be addressed.

But I would like to think the instantaneous standing ovation at the end of the show was not just for the great singing but also a recognition of a well-done production right here in our own Rainbow Stage.

Theatre reviews can affect decision-making of potential ticket buyers — is the show worth their time and money? I feel this three-star review could have been more balanced in identifying the successes of the show and could have included fewer harsh negative comments, including the costume critique.

Attending Rainbow Stage is a ritual in our family. We enjoy some shows more than others, but we are never disappointed with the calibre of the performances.

I encourage potential attendees to go Rainbow Stage’s 2026 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Betty Frost

East St. Paul

I am a huge fan of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. I have lost count of how many times I have seen the movie with Ted Neely and Carl Anderson and have seen touring stage shows twice. Therefore, I was apprehensive about going to see the production at Rainbow Stage after reading Alison Mayes’ review in Saturday’s paper.

Thankfully, I was reminded that a review is just one person’s opinion. The performance I viewed on Sunday was outstanding. This is a complex rock musical. The music is challenging. The topic is challenging. The performances more than met my expectations.

I had no trouble at all making out the lyrics (that may be because I know them all by heart). The costumes were appropriate and did not interfere with the story (is that not what costumes should be?). Would I have liked Judas to be a little more angry in the beginning? Yes, but he more than made up for it in the second act. As for Connor Meek as Jesus, he carried the role with his magnificent voice.

This is a production worth seeing more than once. Congratulations to Carson Nattrass for having the courage to embark on such a challenge.

Brenda Wedlake

Winnipeg

E-vehicles can be a nuisance

Re: Time for city to get handle on e-bike, e-scooter regulations (June 26)

I’m in total agreement with Tom Brodbeck regarding the need for Winnipeg to create regulatory bylaws for e-vehicle users as soon as possible, not only for their own safety, but for the safety of those in their vicinity.

I would only add that there should also be a requirement that they carry and use a bell or horn to alert pedestrians or cyclists that they are coming up to pass them. I have been scared silly and almost hit by a number of speeding, silent e-bikers.

Marlene Beaty

Winnipeg

A plea from the heart

From here in Winnipeg — the geographic heart of Canada, and close to the centre of the continent’s latitude — we watch Alberta’s debates about separation with both respect and concern. Respect, because frustration deserves to be heard. Concern, because fear is not a foundation for building a future.

Manitoba knows something about living in the middle: the middle of the map, the middle of the country, the middle of competing pressures. We know what it is to feel overlooked, and we know what it is to hold steady when the national conversation grows loud. That steadiness is not weakness. It is a strength born of long winters, long memories, and long commitments.

Albertans have contributed immeasurably to Canada — economically, culturally, and in sheer determination. The country is stronger because Alberta is in it. And Alberta is stronger when it stands inside the federation, shaping it, challenging it, and insisting on fairness from within.

Separation would not solve the frustrations Albertans face. It would only remove Alberta’s voice from the national table at the very moment when that voice is most needed. Canada’s future — and Alberta’s — will be built by people who stay, speak, negotiate, and demand better, not by those who walk away.

From the heart of Canada, we offer this simple truth:

You matter to this country. You always have. And we are better together than apart.

Anne Thompson

Winnipeg

Social media ban makes sense

Re: “Let parents be parents” (Letters, June 27)

Judy Quilty (along with Alfred Sansregret in his June 19 letter “Social media ban undercuts parents”) seems to hold the view that parents can control every minute of every day of a youngster’s life simply by banning social media/TV viewing/cell phones at home and enrolling their children in a variety of supervised activities in the community.

Parents aren’t the only influence in children’s lives. Teachers, Scout/Guide leaders, coaches, religious youth group leaders, sports stars, pop singers, television stars, and even school friends — any number of people influence young people every day.

Given the recent tragedy of Tumbler Ridge and the influence of AI and social media on the youthful perpetrator of that tragedy, the government is taking what I consider to be appropriate steps to protect Canadians under the age of 16 from negative influences.

Psychologists tell us the human brain does not mature until a person reaches the mid-20s at least, so perhaps the government should consider banning social media and AI use for everybody under 30!

Rene Jamieson

Winnipeg