Mail bag: 11/05/26

New council request

Dear Editor:

An open letter to the new Erin council and town staff.

The purpose of this letter is to follow up on the discussion regarding reconsideration of the approval of the commercial fill project in Hillsburgh.

During the Oct. 8 meeting, councillors expressed interest in exploring this option and the legal ramifications for doing so due to new information presented by the public. The discussion was postponed and town staff stated that the earliest the discussion could be scheduled for was the second meeting of the new town council. Based on the town’s website, that appears to be the Dec. 3 regular council meeting.

I respectfully request confirmation that “reconsideration of the hillsburgh commercial fill project” be added to the agenda of the Dec. 3 meeting.

I also request that town staff (legal and otherwise) come prepared with all the information necessary for council to make an informed decision on this matter. 

This includes but is not limited to: a detailed risk assessment of both proceeding with the agreement and reversing the agreement and an understanding of the procedure for reversing an approval made by the previous council.

Angela Lauryssen,
Hillsburgh

‘Really cheesed off’

Dear Editor:

Finally, there’s talk about abolishing the Indian Act! Good riddance! But hold on a tick. Who’s pushing this idea, and what exactly are we replacing it with?

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew are pushing for greater Indigenous independence, but apparently, financial independence from Ottawa isn’t part of the deal.

In a nut shell, here’s what they are conniving: greater autonomy, new funding arrangements, and even a proposed sovereign wealth fund. All while Canadian taxpayers are already contributing billions annually. As a taxpayer, I am really cheesed off!

The Auditor General has already raised serious concerns about federal oversight of billions in First Nations funding. Shouldn’t we clean up that mess before opening up a new can of worms?

And after decades of spending, why are so many reserves still struggling with inadequate housing, infrastructure and basic services? Where’s the accountability? Where are the results?

I believe all Canadians deserve fair treatment, and every government receiving public money should answer for how it’s spent. Apparently, that’s becoming too much to ask.

So, before Carney starts making more vote-buying promises, how about telling taxpayers what this will cost and who’s responsible when things go sideways?

I’m sick and tired of politicians throwing money at problems while the people it’s supposed to help continue to suffer. If leaders are mismanaging public funds, expose them, audit them and hold them accountable!

Want independence? Fine. But independence cannot mean freedom from scrutiny while taxpayers are expected to keep writing cheques.

Doug Vanderveen,
Belwood

‘Had enough’ 

Dear Editor:

Canadians need to contact their MP and Prime Minister Mark Carney and demand Carney reduce immigration levels and provide accurate up-to-date statistics to parliament on immigration numbers.

Recently, information has been revealed by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre that there were 300,000 more immigrants entering Canada than what Liberals reported. 

Now we hear that Mr. Carney has been in discussion with the European Union (EU) since September and has not involved parliament to get feedback from voters’ representatives on the EU association and the terms. The media in Europe knew before Canadians – why?

Carney also has to prove to Canadians that the EU association does not in any way open our borders to massive immigration as it has in Europe and has caused major chaos (ie France, Spain, Germany etc.). The Carney Liberals have created the immigration problem due to massive immigration beyond our ability to provide jobs, housing, food, healthcare and this has put a real strain on Canadians. And then Liberals want credit if they do anything to fix it a bit.  

Serious crimes need deportation attached to the punishment.  When immigrants come to Canada, I was taught that it was a privilege just as it would be a privilege for Canadians to go to their mother country and live. We would have to be subject to their laws and suffer the consequences. 

Clearly, Canada does not need immigration from the EU so we need to send a clear message to Carney and the Liberal government and to the province and municipal levels, we have had enough immigration and will not take on more immigration from the EU.  

We also need to have higher standards of what we expect from newcomers.  Immigrants must integrate into Canadian society by making an effort to learn English/French, know and abide by our laws and customs, show respect for our way of life and not bring their battles to Canada. The Canadian flag comes first.

Canadians are very helpful and kind people, but we also expect to be treated with respect, have laws abided by and expect men and women be treated equally and children protected. We value freedom of speech and we love freedom and will defend our values.

Anyone entering Canada, to purposely dominate in our nation, needs to be deported to the country they came from if we value our freedom and way of life. Canadians have had enough! 

Carolann Krusky,
Fergus