‘Ideological extremism’
Dear Editor:
Pierre Poilievre’s recent claim in an interview with Jordan Peterson that Canada’s current government has operated as “authoritarian socialism” is not only a grotesque falsehood, but another troubling example of his use of extreme and misleading rhetoric.
While Poilievre is entitled to criticize government policies, resorting to such exaggerated language misrepresents the political realities of Canada. It is also deeply disrespectful to the millions of Canadians who have worked hard to build and protect our thriving democracy.
I would be curious to know if our member of parliament, Michael Chong, supports his party leader’s demeaning and inaccurate description.
The term “authoritarian socialism” refers to regimes where the government has nearly total control over the economy and individual freedoms, often without any democratic accountability, such as in North Korea.
Canada, on the other hand, is a strong liberal democracy. We hold free and fair elections, protect individual rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and maintain independent institutions like the judiciary and press.
Perhaps Poilievre lacks a full understanding of what life is actually like under an authoritarian state. Those of us who have lived in such regimes have experienced firsthand the restrictions and suffering they impose and know full well that Canada, thankfully, is not one.
Economically, Canada obviously doesn’t fit the definition of socialism, let alone “authoritarian socialism.” All Canadian governments operate within a capitalist system, balancing free markets with redistributive programs like universal healthcare, old age security, and child benefits.
These policies aim to reduce inequality and address challenges like poverty and public health, but they don’t resemble the centralized economic planning or state ownership of industries seen in actual authoritarian socialist regimes, such as the former Soviet Union. Canadian businesses remain privately owned, and the market functions freely, contrary to Poilievre’s dark fantasies.
The danger of Poilievre’s rhetoric lies in how intentionally divisive and manipulative it is. Labelling the government as “authoritarian socialism” is calculated to polarize Canadians, reduce important issues to simplistic slogans, and deliberately derail meaningful conversations. Instead of offering thoughtful critiques, Poilievre frequently uses this kind of language to demonize political opponents and deflect accountability for his own ideas.
Canada deserves better leadership. We need constructive discussions about our country’s challenges, not fear mongering and ideological extremism.
If Poilievre’s policies have merit, Canadians would be much better served by a thorough and honest presentation of them instead of his mudslinging rhetoric. Does Mr. Chong agree?
Jonathan Schmidt,
Elora
‘Disappointed’
Dear Editor:
As I reflect on the year that was 2024, I am filled with a sense of disappointment and at the same time renewed resolve.
Disappointed that, collectively, we have decided to proceed in the same direction regardless of what we have learned. All we need to do is look to our neighbours south to see the consequences of failing to learn from the past.
Many things were learned in the pandemic – the importance of face to face social contact, the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing severe disease, the catastrophic consequences of isolation and money saving minimalistic care of the elderly – and yet, we persist in putting this most vulnerable population last, making them pay the price while we resume our previous carefree social events.
I just experienced the fifth consecutive Christmas with my elderly father in a care home in Fergus, where he has not been able to see my face. We have been mandated to wear masks at all times since September (even though there is no respiratory outbreak).
Multiple other institutional decisions continue to ignore what we know is best. Staff work on multiple wards; humidifiers, known to decrease infection risk and enhance resident comfort, are non-functional with no date for repair; the front door is broken, forcing all residents and visitors to traverse an open courtyard to the side entrance.
So yes, I am disappointed, but I am also determined to keep trying to make things better, to hold those in positions of power to a higher standard of behaviour, to seek out the truth and expect genuine caring actions from myself and those around me.
All the best in 2025.
Betty Bartleman,
Ladysmith
‘Still inspirational’
Dear Editor:
Being a long afflicted local history nerd, I wanted to send along a comment about the Stephen Thorning Revisted articles that the Advertiser has been running for years now. After reading the really good recent article on celebrating Christmas in late 19th century Wellington County, it struck me how great these articles as a whole have been.
What caught my eye was that Stephen had passed away in February 2015 and how that is now pretty much a decade ago. I wondered what he would’ve thought of the last 10 years of the comings and goings of our community, what would he have thought was the good, the bad and the ugly?
I lost one of my parents last summer and I wondered what would their impact be a decade from now?
Stephen’s family I hope can take some real positive solace in the fact that his work is still enjoyed, his sense of humour is still intact and his knowledge and enthusiasm for Wellington County’s stories is still inspirational.
Jeff Duncan,
Hillsburgh
’Community spirit’
Dear Editor:
On behalf of Groves Hospital Foundation, a great big thank-you to our community!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to come in and visit us, call us or donate online.
It meant so much to us to have so many people go out of their way to support the hospital, our much-needed equipment and our urgently needed new CT scanner. It was so nice to see you in person, talk to you over the phone, and receive your emails and online messages.
Despite not being able to send out our holiday appeal, we still received such a wonderful number of gifts over the months of November and December. You truly showed us the community spirit of Centre Wellington and the surrounding areas.
Thanks to all of your support and donations, Groves will be equipped to continue to provide excellent care for our patients. All our best for 2025!
Lori Arsenault,
Executive director,
Groves Hospital Foundation
Village song
Dear Editor:
After listening to the gripes about the recent issues in Elora, I thought it was time to write a song.
This is called It’s Christmas Time in Elora (Dec 25, 2024).
The Grand River flows
To the village of stone.
They called it Elora
It’s now my home.
We walked to the village
One Saturday morn,
Thought about changes
And how they were born.
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
Our village will be lit up
Like a billionaire’s home,
Christmas is coming
We won’t be alone.
They’ll light up Elora
Invite you to come,
Visit the market
There’ll be lots of fun.
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
The headlights kept coming
Way past Badley bridge
While a busker was playing
By the footbridge.
The parking was crazy
The lineups were long,
Exhausted shopkeepers
Amidst Christmas songs.
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
The old mill stands proudly,
A visual treat.
Tourists searching
For places to eat.
The trash cans overflowed
With discarded cups
And takeout containers
There’s much to cleanup.
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
Soon they’ll be leaving,
We’ll turn off the lights.
Back to the silence of
Elora Nights.
The sound of the river
Rushing on stone.
They called it Elora
It’s now my home.
It’s Christmas time,
It’s Christmas time,
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
It’s Christmas time in Elora.
Peter Mandic,
Elora
Peanuts to president
Dear Editor:
If I said author of over 30 books, who do you think of? If I said solar panels, what do you think of? If I said cardigan, who do you think of?
How about, “If I lie don’t vote for me.” Do you know who said this? How about 4,300 homes for Habitat for Humanity, 150 of them in Canada for the 150-year anniversary. Do you know who now?
If I said peanuts, what do you think of? One hundred years old … now?
James Earl Carter. Look him up. He died last week. Here’s a few more: husband of 77 years, father, grandfather, great grandchildren.
But most of all: 39th president of the United States.
Lucy Dyment,
Fergus
‘An absolute gift’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to the Township of Centre Wellington.
We the undersigned businesses wish to state our unwavering support for the Kat Florence Christmas Market and the upcoming proposed promotions for the village.
We also wish to request additional support from the township in order to make them a success.
Winter promotions are essential to all local businesses. Towns that are only seasonally successful do not thrive. Nothing grows in a healthy way and the businesses cannot provide long-term options for youth to stay and work in them.
The money they make in the summer goes to keeping the doors open in winter, rather than on building on successes.
If we want to attract world-class staff and provide world-class service, we need year-round employment and year-round business.
The recent promotions being spearheaded by Kat Florence are an absolute gift to our community in this regard, and we wish to ask the township and council to do everything in their power to keep them happening and make them a success.
We are excited to work with township in any way possible to prioritize the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.
We aim to create a seamless enjoyable experience for all.
Aileen Jenkins – Seasons Home & Gift,
Andrew Neufeld – Lightwood Designs
Anna Drimmie – Drimmie Florist
Becky & Ardin Lalui – The Lobby Bar
Becky & Ardin Lalui – The Friendly Society
Brian Randall – Gents & Kings
Cathy Brousseau – The Handsome Devil
Christine Kempf – Mrs Greenway
Dar Dunn – Dar’s Country Market
Darrell Frazer – Elora Bread Company
Dominique Wild – The Wild Tart
Dylan James – The Elora Brewing Company
Elias Chalhoub – E&G Bakery
Emma Smith – Lost & Found Cafe
Eric Parkinson – The Ayrshire House
Geoffrey Wild – The Badley
Ghada Chalhoub – E&G Bakery
Gisela Ruehe – Hanscomb Glass
Jacquelyn van Kampen – Studio Kampina
James Dunn – Dar’s Country Market
Jeanine Carson – Jeanine Carson Clay
Jim Muzyka – Terre Bleu
Jocelyn Maurice – The Elora Mill
Jon Laurencic – The Elora Brewing Company
Jon Ralston – Riverfest Elora
Kevin Zuber – The Cellar Pub
Laura Demers – Epiphany
Laura Demers – Jammed Lovely
Laura Demers – Natural Home
Laurie Hillesheim – Community Coffee
Lesley Magnus – Aria Boutique
Lesley Magnus – Aria for Him
Letita Frazer – Elora Bread Company
Lindsay Bolger – Soulwork Hair Studio
Maclean Hann – Le Chien Chaud
Maclean Hann – The Evelyn
Maclean Hann – The Fromagerie
Marc Colliyer – The Tartlet
Marty Van Vliet – Elora Distilling Company
Marty Van Vliet – Mermaid
Mary Lou Miszuk – Mrs Greenway Stores
Melissa Achal – Neob Lavender
Neil Hanscomb – Hanscomb Glass
Nick Preisenhammer – Gladiator Pro Wash
Payton Curtis – Gorge Cinema
Peter Hummel – Grand Celtic Pipe Band
Roy Brousseau – The Handsome Devil
Sam Coats – Sweet Distractions
Sarah Barber – Honeychurch Lane
Seth Wyga – Centrix
Shahed Rahman – Taj Mahal
Sharon Scott – Grand Gourmet
Sophia Reay – LemonTree Interiors
Spencer Shewen – Riverfest Elora
Staci Barron – Elora Pottery
Teal Parkinson – The Ayrshire House,
Elora