Re: “Fréchette says OQLF needs to learn from controversies” (The Gazette, June 16)
It is somewhat encouraging to have heard Premier Christine Fréchette’s conciliatory tone, as it respects the non-francophone population.
As well, her apparent understanding of the ridiculous notions of the Office québécois de la langue française concerning “Go Habs Go” and “nosh” certainly looks like a refreshing change of direction.
But, as with all things, actions speak louder than words.
So as we nosh on our souvlaki and our sushi and our falafel and our Timbits, let’s see if the premier actually lives up to her words.
Allen Rubin, Westmount
Picture this: $49M put toward better uses
Re: “Noshing together” (The Gazette, June 16)
The front page rarely brings out a smile, but when I saw Allen McInnis’s
big photo of a deli owner’s storefront window — with the word “nosh” and a smiley face — it brought a big smile to my face.
Kudos to all the other restaurants rallying around Arthurs Nosh Bar in similar fashion.
The language watchdog has gone too far once again. The $49 million it receives from the government could be used in so many other productive ways in this province.
Joyce Stempkowsky, N.D.G.
On cellphones, parents must show by example
Re: “A year after school cellphone ban, students mostly positive” (The Gazette, June 11)
I feel it’s healthier that students do not have cellphones in school. Thing is, what happens after school?
If students go home only to see their parents using their cellphones and iPads, chances are they will go back to their old habits of texting instead of having face-to-face conversations.
It takes a community to change digital habits. Parents and their children must engage socially when they are together — and put their phones away.
Franceen Goodman Finesilver, Côte-St-Luc
Reckless e-bike riders need policing
I have no desire to snitch on kids, but I’m concerned a serious accident is waiting to happen.
I recently saw two teenagers riding an electric bike at a fast clip, with the one on the back not wearing a helmet. I was driving behind them on Cavendish Blvd., from Côte-St-Luc into Hampstead. They weaved through busy traffic, switching lanes between cars on Fleet Rd.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen young boys driving their electric bikes or scooters in the middle of heavy traffic while ignoring stop signs or traffic lights. I even saw some of them racing at high speed one night at 1 a.m. on Cavendish.
I am convinced that sooner or later, there will be a major accident. We need better police vigilance to avoid a tragedy.
Peter Sipos, Côte-St-Luc
Development aid merits support
As debates about government spending continue, it is important for Canadians not to overlook the value of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
International assistance helps support access to health care, education, food security and emergency relief for millions of people around the world. At a time when conflicts, climate-related disasters and humanitarian crises continue to affect vulnerable populations, development assistance remains one of the most effective tools available to reduce poverty and create long-term stability.
As a McGill University student studying political science and international development, and as a volunteer with The Borgen Project, I have learned how closely connected global challenges are to our shared future. Effective international assistance is not simply an act of charity. It is an investment in healthier, more stable and more prosperous communities worldwide.
Canada has long been recognized as a country that values international co-operation and humanitarian leadership. Maintaining strong support for development assistance reflects those values and helps ensure that Canada remains a constructive partner in addressing global challenges.
Public engagement also matters. When Canadians communicate with their elected representatives about issues such as poverty reduction and international development, they help ensure these priorities remain part of the national conversation.
Margaux Duchanaud, Montreal
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