Letters, Nov. 20

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This article was published 20/11/2024 (525 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Welcoming the stranger

Re: Proposed cuts to refugee numbers ‘troubling’ (Nov. 18)

I would like to express thanks to the Mennonite Central Committee for voicing its concern to the federal government. Its proposed reduction of immigrants and refugees is indeed ‘troubling’.

At a time when millions of people are being forced from their homes, and many subjected to the darkness of human trafficking, this is not the time for Canada to be closing its doors. Yes, the impact of refugees on Canada is real and complex, but this is an issue calling for us to work together. When many faith groups worked together to welcome Yazidi refugees in 2015, it did much for our own sense of community.

And now these individuals and families who fled ISIS are contributing to Canada’s health. As we approach the Christmas season, “welcoming the stranger” will deepen our understanding of the God whose costly, welcoming grace is made known in this story.

Ray Harris

Winnipeg

Border issues

Re: Federal government to reduce hours at 12 Manitoba border ports of entry (Nov. 19)

I read with interest and disappointment the article in the Nov. 19 edition regarding the reduction in hours at border crossing points. And while there was good coverage about the impact of the closures on the surrounding municipalities, what was missing was the significant impact one of these reductions would have on general aviation.

The Piney border crossing sits adjacent to an airstrip that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. This airstrip is used quite often for general aviation pilots returning from the United States. Clearing customs at this airport is quicker, simpler and more cost-efficient than clearing customs at the Winnipeg International Airport.

Reducing the hours at this crossing means that a general aviation aircraft returning from the United States between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. will now be required to land in Winnipeg and clear customs. This will increase general aviation traffic coming into the Winnipeg airport, which, in turn, increases not only the workload for customs agents in Winnipeg but will also increase the workload for air traffic controllers in Winnipeg, as they will be required to deal with increased general aviation aircraft flying in Winnipeg. They’ll have to manage 737s flying into Winnipeg alongside piper cubs that land at 60 miles (100 kilometres) per hour. It’s not unreasonable to think this could also end up causing delays in passenger flights, due to the lower landing speed and additional time required for these small aircraft to vacate the runways.

Beyond these delays, landing fees are also imposed on all aircraft that land in Winnipeg. This is an additional cost to the aircraft owner and an additional processing expense for Nav Canada. An aircraft hangared in Steinbach would also now be required to fly to Winnipeg to clear customs, and then fly back to Steinbach, resulting in additional time and cost for the pilot.

The Piney Border crossing is run on a minimum staff as is. Any cost savings from reducing the hours of this location are overshadowed by the increased cost, time and potential impact on safety from requiring all small aircraft to fly into Winnipeg to clear customs instead of clearing at Piney.

Brian Gilchrist

Winnipeg

Go easy on Bombers

I am annoyed by negative comments directed at the Bombers.

People complain about three consecutive losses in the Grey Cup, and forget that to appear in five consecutive Grey Cups is a tremendous accomplishment. Some fans believe that to lose the last game negates the entire season, which is silly. It’s like measuring the strength of your marriage by the argument you had last night.

People forget that the losses in 2022 and 2023 were incredibly close. A change in two or three plays would have given the Bombers the win in both games.

Too many fair weather fans in Winnipeg right now.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg

Slow it down, or pay

With all due respect to those who resent getting caught speeding or going through a red light by photo-radar cameras, please don’t embarrass yourself with petty excuses.

The rules of the road were created to protect people, sometimes from themselves — think seatbelt legislation. Traffic laws are no different, and although they may inconvenience you, the simple fact is that driving slower is safer — period. Whether it is photo enforced or not, slowing down saves lives.

If you don’t like getting tickets, pay attention to posted speed signs, it will save you money and you won’t have to whine to your friends about how unfair it all is.

Jerry Storie

Winnipeg

Safety strategy must evolve

The recently unveiled Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns public safety strategy has been heralded as a road map for a safer Manitoba. However, I believe it resembles a treasure map more than a practical road map — filled with aspirational promises but lacking the clear, actionable directions to reach the desired destination.

While the strategy outlines commendable goals, such as addressing the roots of crime, investing in mental health resources and expanding First Nations policing programs, it leaves critical questions unanswered. How will these initiatives be implemented effectively? Who will ensure accountability for these promises? What measurable benchmarks will determine the strategy’s success?

For example, increasing funding for municipal law enforcement and hiring mental-health workers are steps in the right direction.

Yet, without a comprehensive plan for their integration into existing systems, we risk these investments becoming disjointed, reactive measures instead of proactive solutions.

Similarly, while the strategy touts extensive consultations with community stakeholders, many grassroots organizations often find themselves excluded from the decision-making process once the strategy is unveiled. Will their voices continue to guide implementation, or will these initiatives fall prey to bureaucracy and short-term political optics?

Moreover, the permanent funding for Winnipeg Police Service officers through the retail crime initiative underscores an ongoing urban focus. While rural and northern communities see promises of enhanced protection order enforcement and electronic monitoring, these remain vague commitments without tangible timelines or allocated resources.

A true road map provides clear directions, milestones and contingencies to navigate challenges along the way. A treasure map, on the other hand, sparks hope but often leaves the seeker stranded, wondering how to proceed.

If Manitoba truly aims to create safer neighbourhoods and downtowns, this strategy must evolve into a detailed, transparent plan with measurable outcomes. Only then can Manitobans trust that this isn’t another well-intentioned initiative that fails to deliver real change.

Marc Robichaud

Winnipeg