Letters, Oct. 16

Concern over closure

As advocates for seniors in Manitoba, CARP Manitoba (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) is deeply concerned about the closure of the Lions Club Charleswood Adult Day Club.

This closure will have a significant impact on seniors in the community who rely on the Adult Day Club for social connection, companionship, meaningful activities and stimulation. It will also place additional pressure on other Adult Day Clubs throughout the city, many of which are already experiencing increased demand and are now being required to establish waiting lists.

Families of affected seniors are understandably concerned that, without access to this important community-based support, their loved ones may eventually require admission to personal care homes. Adult Day Clubs play an important role in helping seniors remain independent, connected to their communities and living in their own homes for as long as possible.

CARP Manitoba is also concerned about the potential closure of other Adult Day Clubs, particularly if financial considerations were a significant factor in the decision to close the Charleswood program. We believe there should be transparency regarding the decision-making process. Specifically, what cost-benefit analysis was conducted, and what factors were considered in determining that closure was the appropriate course of action?

We would like to know what steps the candidates running for office in the mayoral election would take, if elected, to ensure that seniors in our community are properly supported, respected, and heard. In particular, what would they do to help ensure that seniors have access to the community-based services they need to remain safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible?

CARP Manitoba believes that seniors deserve to age with dignity, remain connected to their communities, and have meaningful access to the supports that make this possible.

Marnie Strath

Chair, CARP Manitoba chapter

Winnipeg

Out of bounds

Re: Civic campaign fails to inspire (Think Tank, Oct. 14)

Associate professor Greg Mason proposes that the mayoralty candidates should consider some “out of the box” ideas, such as selling off all 12 city-owned golf courses for residential development and other purposes.

Just the other day, U.S. President Donald Trump was subjected to harsh criticism for approving the removal of 450 trees from a municipal golf course in Washington to make the course more similar to the ones that he owns. The uprooting took place despite the order of a Washington federal district judge to not remove any trees from the public course.

Winnipeg’s 12 municipal public golf courses have a long history and have a lot of mature trees. Estimating that each golf course might have approximately 3,000 trees, this would equate to the removal of about 36,000 trees from our urban canopy.

As a campaign pledge, “pave paradise, put up a parking lot” would not fly well.

Terry Aseltine

Winnipeg

Do as we say, not as we do

A few days ago, U.S. President Donald Trump attended a rally in Arizona. At about the same time, Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada was interviewed on The Really Big Show. At the rally, Trump once again told his adoring crowd that Canada will [end up being the 51st state, because that’s the only way it works.” Meanwhile. Hoekstra told his audience that Canada might be conducting “election interference” in the U.S. and warned: “Keep your nose out of American politics.”

So, the American government is warning us to stay in our lane. How dare we even ponder the thought of meddling in their affairs.

This, of course, is the regime which sent forces to kidnap Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela; the regime that sent JD Vance to support Hungarian authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán in his re-election bid and then went on to Germany to back a far-right extremist party. Let us not forget that members of Trump’s inner circle, including Scott Bessent, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, met with members of several Alberta separatist groups in Washington last spring.

I cannot believe the depth of American arrogance at this moment, nor can I fathom why our federal leaders tolerate such hypocritical nonsense from our neighbours to the south. Hoekstra should be summoned to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office, dressed down and sent packing.

To add insult to injury, at the end of his interview, Hoekstra spoke glowingly of Alberta and its oil reserves. Go figure.

Roland Dion

Winnipeg

Speak freely, truthfully

Re: Denialism hurtful, not a crime: Kinew (Oct. 15)

Premier Wab Kinew is to be congratulated for taking a firm stand on a fundamental value of a healthy democracy —free speech — especially given the criticism he now faces.

Historically, the right to speak freely as long as we don’t incite violence serves Canadians well, both individually and as a society. Free speech allows criticism of government, unlike in authoritarian regimes, and provides an open forum that gives people freedom to form opinions uncensored by others.

Banning speech can have negative consequences, I would argue one example being the ban on Holocaust denial. Recent surveys reveal that some Canadians lack basic knowledge of the Holocaust. Perhaps if denialism was public rather than hidden in private chat rooms, more Canadians would understand the horror of Nazi crimes. What better defence against antisemitism, and, likewise, against false claims about residential schools?

The proper response to denialism is speech documenting historical facts, whereas a ban means lost opportunities to engage in such talk. Counter-arguments are critical, given Canadians will still be exposed to the offensive speech, from both within and outside the country (e.g., on social media). Open discussion in family and public settings (e.g., newspapers) will better prepare everyone to counter such confrontations.

People believe and say many ugly things. We should recognize offensive speech, including about residential schools, as an opportunity to reflect on and discredit false ideas, as affirmed by Premier Kinew’s call for “education.” Canadians become more knowledgeable and mentally resilient, and our integrity as a bastion of free speech and democracy remains intact.

Jim Clark

Winnipeg

Better safe …

Re: “A missing piece” (Letters, Oct. 15)

A followup to Elizabeth Dorey’s letter to the editor about the Manitoba e-scooter legislation:

When I was younger, adult road bicycles, as they were called then, required a license and, in order for the license to be issued, the rider had to pass a road knowledge test. The bicycle also had to have a front light on the handlebar, a reflector on the back fender, and a rear-view mirror attached to the handlebar. I realize there are no more fenders anymore, but I am hoping that these other requirements, especially the road knowledge test, will be part of the legislation for safety on our streets.

Judy Herscovitch

Winnipeg