Vehicles at a Canada Post delivery depot in Burnaby, B.C.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Elbow to elbow
Re “Ford government to introduce ‘Buy Ontario’ legislation in a bid to protect jobs” (Nov. 21): Canadians responded to Donald Trump with a national commitment to internal free trade. No more barriers.
But, like a rainbow, it seems the commitment didn’t last and the Buy Ontario Act has been introduced. No pot of gold at rainbow’s end for Canada. Parochialism is back.
The squabbling can begin again.
Ian Thompson Halifax
Pay now
Re “Alberta is about to test public-private health care. Canada will be watching” (Nov. 21): I live in British Columbia. I am in extreme pain, need hip surgery and use two canes. My life has stopped in its tracks.
It has taken one year to get an appointment with a surgeon, and I have been told it will be another 12 to 14 months before I have surgery. In the meantime, I take drugs to try to alleviate the pain that never goes away.
I could spend $31,000 and go to Alberta and get a new hip in a week. B.C. should permit private surgery for people in extreme pain and can’t wait anymore.
Cathryn Robertson Bowen Island, B.C.
Essential service
Re “Canada Post reports largest quarterly loss in its history, says it needs short-term financing” (Nov. 22): I see again headlines about Canada Post’s “loss.”
We don’t talk about “loss” incurred in providing health care or infrastructure. We instead say that we spend taxpayer money on such services.
For many (most?) Canadians, Canada Post continues to be a necessary and important service. Maybe it should no longer be a Crown corporation?
In any event, let’s talk about how much we are willing to spend on providing postal service, rather than how much Canada Post is losing.
Kathy Belicki Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
In this corner
Re “Toronto shuts the door on the corner store” (Editorial, Nov. 19): One can’t close a door sealed shut. Corner stores have not been allowed here for decades, and their return was only being considered (the city had to study opening the door, typical).
While the planning committee was set to truly gut the initiative, 3,400-plus petition signatories, a sitting councillor, Arkells (yes, the band) and many others helped secure a compromise. Did we kick the door off its hinges? Sadly not. But it’s now open enough to let in some light.
There is an emerging movement in North American cities, most notably Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York, made up of people who love urban life but have been shut out of enacting positive change. In our case, we eked out a small win in the face of 70 years of planning orthodoxy and NIMBY voices.
It’s not much, but I can guarantee this won’t stop with just corner stores.
Dan Seljak Toronto
I’ve always lived within walking distance of a convenience store.
Whenever I’ve had occasion to drive through other parts of the city where, conspicuously, there are none, I think, “These people have to get in their cars in order to buy a loaf of bread?”
Rick Banek Hamilton
Clear vision
Re “Sobey Art Award loses focus after dropping under-40 requirement” (Nov. 8) and “On merit” (Nov. 15): The sixth iteration of the Salt Spring National Art Prize recently closed.
As in previous years, the jury was of equivalent professional status to the Sobey Art Award jury. Anonymous until award decisions were made, the works of 51 finalists were chosen democratically and solely on their art and artist statements.
The result is an exhibit demonstrating current art concerns and our country’s cultural and geographic diversity. SSNAP knows what it is celebrating: an unbiased view of the best of art being made across the length and breadth of Canada. The competition has no large corporate sponsors, it is supported by the artists and art lovers of the island.
We are justifiably proud, in a community of 12,000, to have one of the highest proportions of artists in Canada. To our delight, this year’s winner was one of our own: Anna Gustafson, a much-respected island artist.
Margaret Day Director and curator, Point Gallery; Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Open book
Re “The shift from wife to caregiver was instant and soul crushing” (First Person, Nov. 3): After my friend read this account of caring for a partner who has posterior cortical atrophy, she could not wait to share the news with me.
Similarly diagnosed in 2021 with PCA after years of being reassured that her hands, vision and mind were fine, she now finds magical moments in music, friendships and listening to the CBC. With the help of friends, she attends Rare Dementia Support Canada webinars and similarly does her best to raise awareness of this devastating disease.
As the late author Sir Terry Pratchett, also afflicted with PCA, once reflected: “It occurred to me that at one point it was like I had two diseases – one was Alzheimer’s and the other was knowing I had Alzheimer’s.” He also reminded us that the first step in finding a cure for PCA is to speak openly about it.
Thanks for doing just that.
Anna Larson Oakville, Ont.
In style
Re “Driving a stick shift is a holiday treat, even in Italy” (First Person, Nov. 5), “DIY” (Letters, Nov. 12), “Vibe shift” (Letters, Nov. 19) and “Shifting gears” (Letters, Nov. 21): I began driving in 1960 and drove stick shifts for the next two decades. When travelling overseas, I always rented a manual transmission. What fun to drive!
For the past six years, my summer car has been a snappy European-made 2012 Fiat. I keep it in St. John’s for seasonal use, storing it in a friend’s garage during winter.
The little Fiat has become part of my identity, certainly making me feel a little younger than my 84 years. Last summer, I was approached by two people asking if my car was for sale, charmed by its appearance and old-fashioned gear shift.
That didn’t surprise me, because I’ve noticed more than a few locals staring at the old dude driving down the street with the top down.
Les Dominy Renfrew, Ont.
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