’Least qualified’
Dear Editor:
RE: Tired of being a chump? (Jan. 30).
Thanks for your editorial last week. I agree 100% with your position. We should not be subjected to an early election, wasting an estimated $185 million that could have so many better uses.
But then to deny the PC party members in Wellington-Halton Hills the opportunity to choose our own representative to replace Ted Arnott was the height of the Ford government arrogance.
As you mentioned, there were three applicants who had been approved and vetted by the organizing committee and a meeting for party members to hear presentations from the three individuals had been planned. All of this was cancelled because of the early election call and one candidate was chosen.
Although it would appear that he was the least qualified applicant, despite his age and lack of experience he may have been the chosen representative. We’ll never know. Everyone loses to feed Doug Ford’s ego.
The other two applicants obviously lost, and Racinsky also lost because he never had the opportunity to prove he deserved the win. The residents of the Wellington-Halton Hills riding ultimately may be the biggest losers, with unqualified representation at Queen’s Park.
I joined the PC party, specifically to vote at the Feb. 15 nomination meeting. Because I will not have the opportunity to listen to the applicants and cast my vote, I have sent a letter to the local committee and copied Ted Arnott, asking for a refund of my membership. I have no expectation of receiving a refund but, Ted did give me a call, understanding my frustration.
I agree with your editorial; Doug Ford needs a lesson this election. For the first time in my 80 years, I will not be voting PC.
Kirk McElwain,
Ariss
‘Muddy and sad’
Dear Editor:
RE: Tired of being a chump? (Jan. 30).
We would like to thank you for last week’s editorial on the recent news that the local PC riding decided to take advantage of their own rules and cancelled the Wellington-Halton Hills candidates’ meeting scheduled to be held in Rockwood on Feb. 15.
This was done after Premier Doug Ford decided to forewarn the province that he would be calling a snap election.
In the meantime, we were told that there were three candidates running for the vacant seat that was left by Ted Arnott. We read what was published about each of them in the Advertiser.
Then to our shock and astonishment, it was announced on Jan. 29 that Joseph Racinsky had been “chosen” and confirmed to be the candidate for our riding. It would appear that Racinsky is being fast tracked by the PC Party for some reason. What must the other two candidates be thinking about now?
Prior to this announcement,I was in touch with Racinsky on Jan. 23 as he is our Ward 2 Councillor for Halton Hills. I was confused based on his most inappropriate exchanges during the local council meeting on Jan. 20.
He indicated to me that he had not been nominated but that the scheduled meeting in Rockwood was in question because the premier was leaning toward a snap election. Ford was focused solely on Trump’s tariffs according to Racinsky.
So much for representing the constituents, as party politics now rules.
The rules for the PC party indicate that what has happened since then is not illegal but its is immoral and an indicator that democracy as we know it is in a most fragile state.
Thank you for clarifying a very muddy and sad situation that has occurred in our riding.
Mary and Ray Shier,
Limehouse
Not conservative?
Dear Editor:
RE: Tired of being a chump? (Jan. 30).
Dave Adsett nailed it in his editorial; it is a big deal that democracy in the world and in the Progressive Conservative Party is waning.
Appointing Joseph Racinsky as the Wellington-Halton Hills candidate was undemocratic. But we already know that the PC Party should just go by the progressive party because there is nothing conservative about them.
They spend money as if their pail has no bottom. Conservatism is all about balanced budgets and small government that stays out of people’s lives. They have no conservative values as seen in the mess that is the public school system.
The only good thing I can see about Racinsky getting the nomination is that he is not a product of any lefty cesspool university.
Maybe it is time to consider the New Blue Party.
Jane Vandervliet,
Erin
‘Fix health care’ first
Dear Editor:
Premier Ford is calling an early election because he says that he needs a mandate to deal with the threat of possible tariffs by the Trump administration in the U.S.
My questions to the premier (and our MPP Ted Arnott) are these. Did he and his party not receive a mandate to govern the province with the election victory in June 2022? Does governing not include responding to changes in the economic situation as precipitated by external forces of whatever nature? And if Trump does not, in fact, impose tariffs prior to Feb. 28 (the anticipated election date) will Premier Ford cancel the election as he will no longer require a “mandate”?
The questions are, of course, rhetorical. There is absolutely no need for Ford to call for an election now. He is merely trying to extend his majority beyond June 2026 while the polling is good. The June 2022 election cost the Ontario taxpayers $145 million dollars. I would suggest that Ford is quite happy to spend our money to gain that extension. He apparently is very good at spending money we do not have.
One last point. International trade is a federal responsibilty. The last time I checked, Ford was Premier of Ontario, not the Federal Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development or the Prime Minister of Canada.
Maybe Ford should try fixing health care in Ontario before embarking on a trade mission to the U.S.
Mike Vasil,
Fergus
‘Last rebate’?
Dear Editor:
We just received our first 2025 carbon tax rebate of $210. Is it the last? I don’t know, but this much I know to be true.
Billions of people using fossil fuels produces a lot of pollution. That pollution results in polluted air, smog, enhanced firestorms and flooding to name a few impacts. The costs for us all are already horrendous, and it will only get worse unless we reduce that pollution.
Alternatives to fossil fuels exist and are expanding rapidly.
Canada and other countries have chosen to help that shift with a carbon pollution tax. It fits with our history of making polluters pay.
And in Canada the carbon tax comes with a rebate so that those who pollute more pay more. Lower users come out better financially.
The fossil fuel industry are doing their best to keep things the way they are. It’s their greed over Canada’s need.
Some politicians support greed of the few over the needs of the many. In the U.S. that’s Trump. In Canada its Poilievre and Ford.
Unfortunately, this may be the last carbon tax rebate we receive. But at least I understand how we got here.
Stan Kozak,
Guelph
‘Petty little man’
Dear Editor:
Last week we witnessed a poignant moment in history. Reverend Mariann Budde, an Episcopalian bishop in Washington DC, called on the man who is allegedly the most powerful individual in the world, to show compassion toward marginalized and vulnerable people.
She did so in a gracious and respectful manner.
The person she spoke to has never been shy about boasting to the world that he is a great man. He has compared himself to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. He has repeatedly referred to himself as a genius.
The response to Rev. Budde from this embodiment of power was a tirade of insults, threats and vitriol; not at all what we might expect from a person who actually has the stuff of greatness. He and his minions like to falsely claim that he has been the victim of “fake news” and smear campaigns.
However, when instead of responding to Rev. Budde graciously and diplomatically, he behaved like a spoiled brat, he demonstrated through his own words and actions that he is a petty little man with a fragile ego, using his powerful office as a bully pulpit.
Ed Butts,
Guelph
‘Grateful’
Dear Editor:
For the first time in 10 provincial campaigns, Ted Arnott’s name is not on the ballot in this election, incredible!
Throughout his years as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Wellington, then Wellington-Halton Hills, Ted always put his constituents and the best interests of this riding first.
As our representative at Queen’s Park, his commitment to advocate remained unchanged, whether serving in government, in opposition, or most recently as the 42nd Speaker of the Ontario Legislature.
If you had a question and Ted didn’t have the answer, assisted by his dedicated staff he found someone who could get the answer, and whenever possible arranged a meeting or introduction.
Unlike most politicians he never evaded answering a question. Ted always made himself available to help and consistently put his most earnest effort forward on our behalf.
To his wife Lisa, and their three sons, thank you for sharing Ted with all of us for the past 35 years. Ted, as our retiring MPP, your community is grateful for all you have done to represent us so well. All the best!
Ross McKenzie,
Inverhaugh
‘Irritating’
Dear Editor:
RE: Automated speed cameras go live in Wellington County, Jan. 23.
After reading the article in the Jan. 23 Advertiser on automated speed cameras, I was expecting this subject to be discussed in Letters to the Editor in the next issue of the paper – it was not.
It seems people are too busy or are used to BS coming from our elected officials.
Statements like “We hope it doesn’t generate anything” from Gregg Davidson and then reading that the county expects $1 million and has already put it in the budget, gets my BS meter moving to the right.
Also Global Traffic Group is such a generous company that they will supply the system free to the municipality in exchange for a percentage split of the money collected – however, the split percentages are confidential.
Michel Dehn, like Gregg Davidson, also said it is not meant to be a revenue generator; it’s about safety not money.
The threshold above the speed limit is also confidential as the goal is to keep people driving below the speed limit.
The thing that is most irritating to me is that a contract between our elected officials and a public company has too many confidential parts that can not be disclosed especially when it involves money.
In the first two weeks, with not all cameras deployed, 7,000 tickets have been issued.
Maybe next year our taxes will be reduced or, as usual, elected officials will find a new way to spend our money
John Bossie,
Puslinch
Shouldn’t they listen?
Dear Editor:
Re: Another housing proposal on St. David Street is approved, Jan. 30.
I have to say that I am disappointed in council’s recent decision to approve this project. Why have public meetings if you are going to ignore the valid concerns of the taxpayers that will be most affected by that development? Were there any changes made to the initial presentation that would address those concerns?
At a public meeting in September local residents provided a petition of over 100 signatures outlining concerns with driveway placement and the safety of children walking along Parkside, as well as insufficient infrastructure and traffic issues.
Parking seems questionable with only 18 spots for the proposed 12 townhouses. Check local driveways, there are few single car households. Where would extra cars go? Currently street parking is at a premium and not allowed from November to April.
New retail and over 200 new residential units have already been approved in this area.
“Intensification” is the word that is on repeat to justify all of the new housing opportunities in this north end of Fergus. We do need housing. With that supplied we need to take into account what comes with it, significant increase in traffic.
Township staff plan to keep an eye on future traffic patterns and introduce management if needed. What does that mean? Count the number of accidents and injuries? What counts, only severe injury? Making decisions after the fact can be very impactful and expensive.
“Underutilized” – another word used to justify this approval. Does this mean that houses on large lots will become a target for future developers? Will rezoning to multi-use become more frequent? Will council make decisions for people who might move here and ignore the concerns of taxpayers who do live here?
Call me naïve, but shouldn’t elected officials listen to their constituents? Thanks, councillor Lisa MacDonald for trying.
Bernice Robinet,
Fergus
‘What dictators do’
Dear Editor:
First, let me say I don’t believe in any of the political leadership available. The Conservatives, in particular, are on a mission. It is their modus operandi.
Mike Harris sold the 407 to buddies in the business world, depriving us of hundreds of millions that could have gone into maintenance infrastructure. That’s why countries I’ve driven in, like France, Portugal and the U.S. have tolls. Not to make someone rich.
Doug Ford is behind privatization. In the medical world, Ontarians (you and me) have paid out to private medical firms $1.5 billion dollars for high rollers speeding past huge wait times in the public sphere to get the attention they need. But why do we fund it?
The LCBO, a wonderful money maker for us all, is losing who knows how much of our revenue with Ford’s current initiative. Ford is funding a $600 million facilitation for liquor sale outlets. The skinny on alcohol is out. It causes everything from cancer to brain rot. Having tons of liquor outlets is going to create more crime, more domestic abuse, more generalized uncertainty.
Then there’s the Greenbelt sold to friends at a fraction of its real estate value, not to mention our ecological demise. He is not out to protect you.
When Doug Ford says he’ll make cuts, he’s not kidding. He’s cutting public money to needy areas. There are 80,000 people in Ontario living on the streets – men, women and children. Many with mental health issues. There are 2,000 people on stretchers in hallways in Toronto hospitals.
Ontario has 2.5 million people without a family doctor. I’m old. But if I was a new parent with a baby, I’d be very daunted by going to clinics or emerge all the time.
At any rate there’s no one on the horizon worth a vote.
When Pierre Trudeau was prime minister talking about the U.S. and Canada trade negotiations, he said living next door to the U.S. is like being in bed with an elephant. If the elephant rolls over in its sleep it can crush you. Well, looks like it’s rolling over.
We are 44 million strong; America is almost 10 times that. For a small population base like Canada, to have so much border is beyond unusual, it is unique. Our schools and hospital systems are crumbling. Half of Canadians are 200 dollars away from ending up on the street. We need to wake up.
Anything Ford wants to do he does. Doug Ford is triggering an election at the cost of $189 million, at a time when we should be saving every collective penny.
Why call an election? Because he can. It’s what dictators do.
David Courtney,
Belwood
‘Question of loyalty’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Joseph Racinsky, PC candidate for Wellington-Halton Hills and current Ward 2 councillor in Halton Hills.
For some time now I have been following Halton Hills council meetings online and wish to convey to you my profound annoyance with your clearly partisan comments and “declaration of a conflict of interest” at the Jan. 20, Halton Hills council meeting.
I left viewing that meeting with the thought “does he know who he works for and who pays his salary”? On Jan. 20 you had not been nominated by the Progressive Conservatives as their candidate in the upcoming election.
Declaring a conflict of interest about a Halton Hills resolution that requested funding from the province, to alleviate unsustainable infrastructure costs, was simply a conflict in your mind.
Could it be that as you were vying for the PC nomination in Wellington-Halton Hills and you did not want to be seen by your PC handlers as voting in favour of a request for funding from the province? And you did not want the people you really work for, Ward 2 Halton Hills taxpayers, to see you didn’t support them? It is a question of loyalty.
Then, to my increasing annoyance, you proceeded to make a campaign speech expressing dissatisfaction about the Halton Hills budget increases, due in part to ongoing “downloads” from the province … obviously, the place you would rather be.
I have been a 54 year-long resident of Ward 2. We live in one of the top small towns in Canada. You seem happy to starve the Ward 2 residents and by extension the entire town that you took an oath to support.
It is clear that the only conflict is your desire to be a part of the provincial government. So therein lies my question again. Do you know who you work for and who pays your salary? The Town of Halton Hills! It is a simple question of loyalty.
Pam Sheldon,
Halton Hills
‘Scary’
Dear Editor:
Guess what? Apparently America will not be having anymore gay people; no gay marriages; and when they are finished they will not have any illegal immigrants because they have been tying them all up with chains around their hands and feet and sending them out of America to only God knows where. But they have been kind enough to let all the criminals that stormed their Capital Buildings out of jail!
But maybe America isn’t so bad because although they are calling “The Gulf of Mexico” “The “Gulf of America,” they are nice enough to let Canada and Mexico leave it as “The Gulf of Mexico.” How sweet.
Maybe we should join them and call ourselves: “Americanada” or better still: “Canadamerica” or best of all: America “can not ada.” Because what would happen to our one million LGBTQ people in Canada? What about anybody else their president doesn’t like? Scary! Watch who you vote for, Canada.
Christy Doraty,
Fergus
‘Trump-like control’
Dear Editor:
In places where gender would be used in U.S. federal policy, Trump has now replaced gender with sex. His definitions say that there are two sexes and are written so that individuals must identify as the sex they were assigned at birth.
Trump’s order effectively erases the existence of transgender and non-binary individuals. When asked about Trump’s order, Poilievre said that he was only aware of two genders. Poilievre then asked the CTV interviewer if he was aware of any others. When the interviewer mentioned that some people identify as gender neutral, Poilievre made a dismissive gesture and then shifted the conversation.
Part of Trump’s Restoring Sanity order, would force female transgender individuals to use male single-sex spaces and male transgender individuals to use female single-sex spaces. In Canada, 87% of the delegates at the Conservative Convention voted to support a plan to demand single-sex spaces that are only open to women, with a definition of women as a “female person.” When asked about the CPC’s policy, Poilievre said, “Female spaces should be exclusively for females, not for biological males.”
Trump’s order suggests the only reason why a male would identify as a female is to gain access to intimate female spaces and activities. Some of the delegates at the Canadian Conservative convention spoke about protecting girls and grandmas. This reasoning is insulting to anyone who identifies as female. And it leaves me wondering why they think that boys and grandpas can handle seeing a transgender female in their spaces, if we little women can’t handle it in our spaces.
The alignment between the policies of the Republican (aka Conservative) Party of the U.S. and of the Canadian Conservative Party are not surprising, as both are members of the International Democracy Union. This entity supports the election of Conservative parties around the world. It’s chair Stephen Harper was supportive of Trump’s election and now Elon Musk is supportive of Poilievre’s bid for PM.
In the CTV interview, Poilievre also said “we should have a government that just minds its own damn business and leaves people alone to make their own personal decisions.”
But we have seen Poilievre garner support too many times by playing to a right-wing base. We just can’t trust him to mind his own damn business if he thinks it will get him what he wants: Trump-like control of Canada.
Joanne Mitchell,
Fergus