‘Continuous help’
Dear Editor:
When I was 12 years old, my mom ended her battle with inflammatory breast cancer. Even though she is a very tough person, she wouldn’t be a cancer survivor today without the continuous help of all her doctors, nurses, and surgeons.
I am 14 years old now and I am still very grateful for the help she received.
Have you ever thought of how hard our doctors, nurses, paramedics, surgeons and technicians work everyday? They help people over and over again every day. It is easy to complain about what they don’t do, but instead, we should focus on the great things they do for us and our loved ones.
I am so thankful for all the work of the medical professionals, and I hope you are too!
Korren Vanderveen,
Belwood
No MPP pensions
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Afraid to show up,’ Feb. 20.
While I agree with the sentiment expressed by Michael Madden, it should be noted, fellow readers, that Ontario’s MPPs no longer have a pension plan.
In fact, Premier Mike Harris abolished them as part of the so-called “Common Sense Revolution” many years ago! An effort to revive MPP pensions during Kathleen Wynne’s premiership failed.
No one wants to flog that dead horse apparently, even though, in this writer’s humble opinion, a pension plan is likely a good idea and an inducement for some to leave more lucrative jobs to run in an Ontario election.
Bryan Hayter,
Fergus
‘Misinformation’
Dear Editor:
In last week’s edition, numerous readers submitted letters expressing disappointment over a local candidate not planning to attend debates.
I am not advocating for or against their concerns. It’s just that several submissions expressed concerns with quotes like “making a cynical choice to ensure he can retire at age 55 with a pension unavailable to most people” or “is hoping to become the successor to Ted Arnott, and hoping to hold that office for the rest of his career in return for a remarkably generous pension.”
I hope some voters are not using this “misinformation” as part of their decision on who they choose to vote for because in actual fact, Ontario MPPs do not receive a pension.
Federal MPs certainly do but Mike Harris and the PC party got rid of MPP pensions as part of their “Common Sense Revolution” platform leading up to the 1995 election. Apparently, many people are unaware of that.
I hope all voters get out and cast their ballot but make informed choices based on local issues.
Don Seim,
Fergus
‘Common sense’
Dear Editor:
All the Doug Ford critics are right in some respects: not enough homes, shortage of doctors and nurses, education in free fall, too many people chasing too few jobs.
And why are there too many people? Could it be because it was announced to the world that Canada’s doors were wide open? That was Justin Trudeau who made that statement and opened the gates, not Doug Ford!
I have just returned from a trip to the U.K. where things are dire. The economy in on a downward spiral, thanks in part to the huge numbers of illegal immigrants, arriving daily, and being put up in hotels and small villages, all at tax payers expense. Serious crime is rampant not just in the U.K. but across the whole of Europe.
When I emigrated to Canada in 1973 there was a strict point system you had to pass in order to gain acceptance and anyone with a criminal background was automatically refused. Perhaps we need to go back to that system.
For the sake of our children and grandchildren, look for common sense in whoever you vote for, not pie-in-the-sky policies.
Jeanette Clarke,
Fergus
Queen’s Park ‘stench’
Dear Editor:
This is the first time that I’ve not received a voter’s card. A stench is emanating from Queen’s Park on so many levels.
If we, who have time to chase after these yahoos, are still meeting brick walls then how will an ordinary family trying to navigate school and work ever make it to the polls on Thursday – especially since none of us know where our polling station is?!
Sandra Kidd,
Elora
‘Political cynicism’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Premier Doug Ford.
I would like to communicate my feelings to you and your party regarding the calling of an unnecessary election in the middle of a Canadian winter.
Reports have pegged the cost to the taxpayers of this election as well north of $150 million dollars! Your justification Mr. Ford, is that you require a “mandate” to continue to govern effectively. Mr. Ford, please explain to me what a majority government is? Is it not by definition a mandate?
This election is blatant political cynicism at every level. Add to this the way your party is treating the voters of Wellington-Halton Hills. To put forth a candidate with little to no life or job experience is insulting. I do not know Joseph Racinsky and was looking forward to his responses in debates or all-candidate events. Oh ya, he has been ordered not to attend. A thinking person can’t help but wonder why?
Years ago, my grandfather used to say that the Tories could run a mule and the voters would still vote them in. I’m beginning to see he was right. I am not enamored of any of the three political parties, however this whole election, and the local situation, just smells bad to me.
This letter may seem a bit harsh, but at this time, with what’s going on in our country vis à vis the Americans, we do not need bush-league politics from our government.
Premier Ford, please stop the election, apologize to the people of Ontario and apply some of the common sense you so frequently tout!
Steve Shields,
Elora
‘Crass fabrications’
Dear Editor:
Never before, in a lifetime, have Canadians had to confront a dictatorial egotistical bully as Donald Trump, who is proving to be against his country’s former allies.
It is clear to me that the Trump strategy is to progressively dismantle the pillars of American government and therefore, at the end of four years as president, make a clear path to a continuing oligarchy.
Rapprochement between Russia and Trump, in which he and Putin apportion the future of the Ukraine while Trump casts an eye on takeovers of Greenland, Panama and even the whole of Canada, sets a trend in which the dictators of the world, including China, divide the world into zones of control they each agree on.
The free people of the world, and their democratic leadership, need to stand together economically and militarily to prevent such actions. Even more important is that Americans recognize the duplicity of their newly elected president and end his presidency by an act of Congress calling for his impeachment.
The recent exclusion of Associated Press journalists because AP has been opposed to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, is not the first or likely last actions of retribution against those who would speak freely. Clearly this is an infringement of the American Constitution’s first amendment; and counter to the ideals of democratic governments around the world.
And now Trump’s latest lie: that Ukraine started the war with Russia. How many lies, like those related to the Jan. 6 insurrection and claims of a stolen election must he tell to advise all the world of his crass fabrications and deceit?
We need to leave our relations with the American public open to better future relations since they will always be our southern neighbours; but it must be clear with them that we are a sovereign nation with plans as big as America for our future development.
The time is now to increasingly diversify our Canadian economy by trading with friends around the world like Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the European Union.
The time is now to recognize our vulnerability along our borders and intensify the number and capabilities of our neglected military.
Peter Little,
Fergus
‘Appalled’
Dear Editor:
RE: Kat Florence withdrawing financial support for Elora projects; going after online bullies instead, Feb. 20.
I am appalled that members of our community on social media platforms have targeted, bullied, and defamed Don Kogen, Kristy Hills, and Kat Florence Canada. I do not approve of these actions of bullying and abuse.
They have invested in our community. If anything, they should be acknowledged and thanked for their endeavours to repair our historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair, improve the business environment by paying for lighting in the village through the winter, host a Christmas market, construct public washrooms, finance a large marketing campaign, and find and fund solutions to the garbage issues in the downtown core.
They have done only good things for our community. We are so fortunate to have been blessed with this couple choosing our community to beautify and help businesses remain open over the winter.
My sincere apologies for the bad apples. Wishing Don and Kristy good luck as they embark on their legal journey to tackle this problem for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you for everything you have done to date.
Suzette Smeltzer,
Fergus
‘Expose the cowards’
Dear Editor:
RE: Kat Florence withdrawing financial support for Elora projects; going after online bullies instead, Feb. 20.
I have never yet been riled up so far as to write to the editor of any newspaper, but what is happening to the owners of Kat Florence is so outrageous that I have to speak out.
We moved to Elora in 1983 when the “newcomer” label was already being applied to those who wanted to improve Mill Street. I am not a business owner but have been a resident of “tourist towns” most of my life. Sure, parking is always a problem and needs a solution, but we must remind ourselves that our village and its residents are the envy of all those tourists who travel here from across the world just to look at it for a few hours.
What Kristy Hillis and Don Kogen have done to spark and support the renovation of Mill Street and Lower Geddes, including the light project, is sensational. To be able to drive or walk through the lighted streets at night is truly heartwarming in this cold old-fashioned winter.
Kogen, last week, referred to the online bullying as schoolyard bullying. But, at least in the school yard, people can see who the bullies are. When they can hide behind their sacred screens of anonymity, they get much more bold.
Would any of these cowards ever say the same things face-to -face with their victims? Why are society and the leaders of our new high-tech world absolutely refusing to remove the anonymity from social media.
If communication technology and AI are capable of so many astounding feats, why can’t they take away the shields and masks that allow online bullies to thrive?
I wish Hillis and Kogen all the best in their quest to expose the cowards who appear to want to pull Elora back 40 years.
Terry Jackson,
Elora
‘Trashy’ lighting
Dear Editor:
Centre Wellington has always been cool. I don’t know who needs to hear this.
As someone who grew up in Elora, summer days swimming at the quarry, picking from the tiny bins at the Green Owl, coveting the big knit sweaters at magic mountain, eating dreamy sandwiches from Two Capricorns or renting videos from Little Katy’s …
I want to remind you CW, it’s always been cool. No influencer needed. You have a municipal government that funds and manages projects that are appropriate for the community. Yes, it’s not perfect, and we don’t always get what we want, but there is a democratic system in place set up to represent, create and problem solve for the community.
The natural features of the community were stunning before us and will be stunning after we are gone. The excessive lighting of the town in 2025, when the juries are in about light pollution and its effect on wildlife populations is trashy. Don’t try so hard. You don’t need their money.
Alison Morrison,
Cambridge
Flag fan
Dear Editor:
Thanks so much for publishing a full page image of the Canadian flag in the Feb. 13 edition.
It’s in my window as I write this, and I see it across the street at two neighbours.
Great idea, with great results!
Lynn Johnston,
Fergus
‘Deserve better’
Dear Editor:
Guelph/Eramosa council blew it again.
They have advocated terms of reference for the Hidden Quarry Community Liaison Committee without public consultation by way of negotiations with the prospective quarry operator.
To add insult to injury, the public is now being denied a copy of the township’s Terms of Reference for no good reason and despite the Terms of Reference having been prepared at the taxpayers’ expense.
Township council should be ashamed of themselves.
During the hearing concerning the Hidden Quarry, a Community Liaison Committee (“CLC”) was recommended by the planner for the Concerned Resident’s Coalition, and in his decision, the presiding member of the Tribunal agreed, indicating that “for a quarry of this scale and duration, the Tribunal considers a CLC the appropriate conduit for sharing information and maintaining open communications.”
The Tribunal’s reference to open communications is now particularly ironic since the township is denying the public a copy of its Terms of Reference. And in the recent (December 2023) Ontario Auditor General’s damming report concerning the lack of compliance with the site plans of aggregate operators across the province and the lack of enforcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, it should be noted that a Community Liaison Committee with a strong terms of reference would have gone a long way towards holding the operator of the Hidden Quarry and the ministry accountable for compliance.
In these circumstances, for the township to not provide for public consultation and to now deny the public a copy of its terms of reference is undemocratic and repugnant.
The people of Guelph/Eramosa deserve better.
Dan Kennaley,
Rockwood
*Editor’s note: Guelph/Eramosa officials say the Community Liaison Committee is not a municipal committee (it will be run by the quarry proponent) and its terms of reference will be made publicly available by the province once a final order is issued by the Ontario Land tribunal.
‘Modern-day thespian’
Dear Editor:
Many, many moons ago, I played with my model tractor as my mother watched the “soaps.” Two of her favourites were The Edge of Night and As the World Turns. They were endless.
Driving to work yesterday, I reminisced about my mom and those shows. I obviously do not have a T.V. in my car, so I listen to the radio … and all the news and events of the day.
Then it dawned on me – I was actually reliving all those soaps! The show was called The Donnie Trump Show. All day I could tune in and voila, a new episode. Lots of fantasy, never ending, and with cameo appearances by Canadians such as Justin, Doug and Chrystia – well, actually, every Canadian.
Let’s give it up for Donnie. A great modern-day thespian.
Jim McClure,
Crieff
Cape caught in door
Dear Editor:
Doug Ford thought that he was far enough away from the mic. He wasn’t. So he got caught saying that he was 100% behind the guy (Trump) until he was elected.
This means that Doug was 100% behind Trump when he said that he was going to target gender rights and transgender individuals, when he said he would release the Jan 6. felons who had attacked police officers, when he said that he would dismantle equity and inclusion programs, and when he said that he would legislate tax breaks for wealthy citizens.
And yes, even when he said that he would use tariffs to support those tax breaks.
Ford did not see a problem until Trump was going to affect Ontario’s economy, with possible splash back on Ford’s political career. Around the world, Conservatives are using the same “How to Get Elected” playbook. Identify something the population fears, give it a face, and then set yourself up as the only one who can save them. (Tariffs and sovereignty; Trump; Captain Canada).
But this expensive election, Ford has forced us into, has left him in a position where he is a jack of all trades and a master of none. Team Canada just had an important strategy session and the head of the premiers’ team was not there. He was out campaigning.
Yet Ford’s election ads and campaign focus on his role as “Captain Canada” and ignore housing, health care, education, the green belt, developers, alcohol sales, etc.
Ford has placed himself into a position where he is no longer able to fulfill his role as either Ontario’s premier or as the head of Canada’s premiers.
Captain Canada has caught his cape in the door. Hopefully, it is because he was on the way out.
Joanne Mitchell,
Fergus
‘An insult to Canada’
Dear Editor:
We Canadians are known as being polite. Having said that, I believe we just have better language skills; too bad our leaders do not.
When negotiating or not, the one thing you never ever do is insult your opponent. We do not use the word “dumb,” such as Premier Doug Ford and MP Chrystia Freeland have. You say “in my opinion it is a bad idea.”
Your diction is an insult to Canada and its citizens. You both have lost my vote, regardless of outcome.
Werner Raab,
Elora
‘Required retaliation’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong.
I am writing to you today to make my voice heard about this untenable trade war beginning with our American friends. I implore you to support all and any restrictions to the U.S., including stopping the flow of oil, gas and electricity to our southern neighbours.
To my American friends: Canadians are very respectful of other people, especially when another country’s anthem is concerned. For the first time in a very long time, however, Canadians in Ottawa on Saturday night booed the U.S. national anthem. Unheard of disrespect! But, that’s how you know Canadians are angry. Really angry.
Typically known as passive peacemakers, when Canadians face a country’s aggressive actions, it unifies us with a fiery intensity. The Americans will be surprised at what our unified patriotism can lead to.
The 79 million Americans that voted for their president get what they deserve. However, the one billion people on Earth affected by your election decision are now dragged into your inability to understand what your vote for the Republican candidate meant. Thanks a lot!
Welcome to your new reality of more inflation, and all Canadians becoming a painful sword in your side. We are sorry, but your president started this unnecessary trade war. Don’t forget the War of 1812.
Again, we are truly sorry for this required retaliation, please return to being the good neighbors we know you to be. Your good friends, the Canadian citizens.
Michael Balfoort,
Elora
‘Wake up, Canada’
Dear Editor:
Is there anyone left in the Canadian government who has any understanding of the importance of defence for our country?
In September of 2023 General Wayne Eyre told the Commons Defence Committee that the underfunded national defence budget would be cut by about $1 billion dollars. Subsequently, he also stated that Canada’s military was so underfunded and understaffed that the CAF (Canadian Armed Forces) was irrelevant. This was an astounding revelation by General Eyre.
When choices are made to spend money on health, dental and child care, these may be worthwhile choices when a government is properly administered. But defence is one of the main reasons to have an organized government.
Successive Canadian governments, and particularly the current government, have forgotten since well before the end of the Cold War, when Canada started increasingly relying on the U.S. for our defence, and that, in essence, is a huge subsidy that the U.S. hands Canada every year (I hate agreeing with Trump).
There has been an exodus of knowledge and experience from our CAF. We can’t seem to fill 16,000 positions, and most of the “trainers” have left the CAF. Retention is practically non-existent.
Afghanistan vets had to fight for benefits, and as the public became aware of all this, recruitment diminished considerably. As a peacekeeper myself, Canadian peacekeepers were renowned around the world, and it is this reputation I dearly want to see return to Canada.
Pride in service and what it means to volunteer to serve in our nation’s armed forces must return to our nation! Refusal to award a medal for our Cold War veterans, and a volunteer service medal as other Commonwealth countries have done has added to the declining recruitment process.
It seems we have forgotten those that kept our northern airspace patrolled, and those that serviced those jets and the pilots that flew them. Those that served on the Bonaventure in the Caribbean and the Atlantic during the Cuban missile crisis, why are these honourable deeds relegated to the abyss of forgetfulness?
We certainly need change, and fast, as President Trump’s threats are finally beginning to sink in. To summarize: wake up, Canada!
Jacques De Winter,
Rockwood
Joint replacements
Dear Editor:
This letter is to the medical professionals who perform joint replacement assessments and surgeries and family doctors who gaslight our condition.
Although I understand that there is a long wait time for these surgeries, why do you make a person wait so long before they are deemed ready? Why wait until they have one foot in the grave before allowing the surgery to be performed?
If replacement parts are good for 20-plus years, why let them go through years of using pain killers that will ultimately damage their kidneys and/or liver? Or cortisone shots that may not work? What happens when someone who is 80 receives a new hip joint but dies two to three years later? Do you go to the family and ask, ‘’Do you remember that new hip your relative got two years ago? Since they only had it for two years, and it’s still good for 18 years, do you think … um … maybe … we can remove it and use it for someone else?’’
I am in my mid 60s, and about 20 years ago I tripped and landed on my left knee on a bare cement basement floor. It didn’t bother me much afterward, but in the last three years it has been very painful. Cortisone shots do not help. I would prefer not to wait another 10 years before I qualify for a knee replacement.
Both my parents and my oldest brother died before they reached the age of 70. My oldest sister is the first in our family to reach 70 years of age. I may not make it past 70, but maybe I will.
So, why not let me get a new knee and let us have 20 years of good life together instead of only five to 10?
Anna Nieuwenhuis,
Durham