‘Our choice’
Dear Editor:
I was heartened by a recent letter from Jacques De Winter (‘Cancer to democracy,’ Oct. 31). It reminded us that we are in a poor state to defend our country against an aggressor, because we have allowed our military capability to decay.
I completely agree. Perhaps we have bred generations of people who believe any NATO country is protected through mainly U.S. military support. But does that still apply with Donald Trump at the helm and our world-renowned inadequate spending on our own defense? (1.3/2.0% GDP)
Concerning the above I would like to table portions of a letter on the subject that I sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr. Trudeau,
The UK Director of Government Communications for Ukraine, recently advised that NATO countries were under the threat of attack by the Russian Federation.
“The current expectation is that bullying of a smaller NATO country by the Russian Federation is the main threat. Perhaps Lithuania, in order to link with Kaliningrad? Surely not, NATO would respond! Would it, or would internal protests from special interest groups solicit a ‘peace in our time’ response?
So probably no response other than sanctions, demonstrations and bluster. Goodbye Lithuania.
Now supposing it wasn’t a little European country under attack. Supposing it was an incursion into the Canadian Arctic into our sovereign territory. Large land mass, few citizens, minimal infrastructure, natural resources, minimal military presence.
Would NATO step in to defend Canadian territory? Consider hypothetically that Russian and proxy North Korean troops land on Ellesmere Island. Canada objects but has limited military capability in the area and so cannot respond. The United Nations talks about it and thinks that the islands should be given back to Norway anyway.
Russia and China veto the inevitable UN Security Council resolution. So that kills a response from the UN. NATO countries might react as they probably would for Lithuania above, but surely the U.S. will respond?
Consider the last time a NATO country was attacked and the response from the U.S. – Falklands 1982. Argentina invades the Falklands. Fortunately, UK had a strong leader in Margaret Thatcher, as such a strong Naval Force was dispatched from Britain.
NATO did not respond, but the U.S. got involved as it had a cold war relationship with Argentina.
After much discussion between the U.S. and Argentina the UK was asked to relinquish the Falklands to Argentina. Mrs. Thatcher refused, of course, and eventually Britian prevailed.
Would we get the same response from the US for our postulated invasion of Canada? Let the Russians have Ellesmere Island?
I received no reply.
The above scenario is feasible, considering Ukraine. It seems to me that we should all be pushing/voting our elected leaders to meet their prime mandate: defence of the country. Alternately, we could just sit back and allow a militarily strong aggressor to take whatever they want: minerals, oil, land, slaves. Our choice.
Michael Lee,
Salem
Infrastructure important
Dear Editor:
RE: Centre Wellington council approves new urban boundary; proposal now goes to county, Nov. 7.
The Provincial Policy Statement should include infrastructure as part of planning for expansion.
Yes, there is a need for more residential areas. People need homes to live in and Wellington County is growing very quickly. With all these new residents coming to Centre Wellington, however, there is also a need for more infrastructure, particularly roadways, sewers, bridges, schools, hospitals and grocery stores.
The article states that the Provincial Policy Statement could result in the doubling of Centre Wellington’s population. With the influx of residents to the area, our hospital will overflow, as it is already nearing capacity. Our schools are also at capacity. New residents will increase the number of students resulting in the need for new schools.
Our town is split by the Grand River, which necessitates bridges for moving traffic and people from one part of the town to the other. More residents means more vehicles. More vehicles require more and better road systems, by default including more bridges.
The above does not mention other services such as grocery stores, sewage and water services, policing, emergency services, etc., but they are just as important.
I hope that the increase in residential areas includes an equal increase in infrastructure in order to support a growing population.
Lisa Hoeksema,
Fergus
Popularity of poppies
Dear Editor:
I was working at a trade show one year with some salespeople who were Americans.
Because it was November, we were wearing our poppies to commemorate the upcoming Remembrance Day. When one of the American salespeople came up to me and asked what was with the poppies, I was taken aback. I explained to him that it was for remembering those who have fallen in battle in the World Wars and the to remember all others who had made the ultimate sacrifice in wars that followed after that.
He nodded and said that of course they also celebrated Remembrance Day in the states but do not wear poppies. We surmised that is a Canadian thing. It is actually a British thing.
After looking it up I learned that the idea of wearing a poppy in Canada was in recognition of the poppies that grew in the fields specifically in the Western front, and are only worn by the British and other confederacies like Canada.
Poppies were immortalized in the poem by Canadian doctor John McCrae In Flanders Fields, which he wrote while serving in Ypres in 1915 as he watched the fields being torn up by shells and leaving behind the fallen poppies.
Artificial poppies were first sold in Britain in 1921 to raise money for the Earl Haig Fund in support of ex-servicemen and the families of those who had died in the conflict. They were supplied by Anna Guérin, who had been manufacturing the flowers in France to raise money for war orphans.
Selling poppies proved so popular that in 1922 the British Legion founded a factory – staffed by disabled ex-servicemen – to produce its own. It continues to do so today.
Today poppies are sold in Canada to support the veterans and families as part of the Canadian Legion.
Pat Stornebrink,
Belwood
Wants ‘good future’
Dear Editor:
RE: Trick or treat, Oct. 31.
I agree with Dave Adsett. The thought of voters receiving money from Premier Doug Ford may seem like a treat, but in reality it’s a trick.
People can see many trying to save as inflation continually rises and as people are left with almost nothing to support them. The thought of receiving $200 would bring joy to so many.
However, the economy is suffering. When people receive money from the government, they are excited; but in reality the money is their taxes going back into their pockets. Individuals are left with the same amount of money as what they started with.
Canada as a whole is losing money rather than saving it. The $200 that voters are receiving would be of much better use in the health care system than back into pockets to be used on wants. Canada is filled with homelessness, bad health care and bad schooling.
The taxes that individuals are paying should be put towards these categories; to shape Canada’s economy into a more welcoming and affordable place.
The article brought up plate stickers. Many are happy to save $120, but in reality the treasury lost over $1 billion in revenue. This again points to how Canada is suffering. Canada will continue to lose money and eventually society will have nothing left to support them.
I believe people only think of themselves in the present rather than how something would affect them in the future.
As a 17-year-old, I would like to have a good future. With how things are evolving, there will be nothing to look forward to. No food, no house, no work.
What would society rather have, $200 or a place to live in 20 years? Think about how the actions in the present will shape the economy in the future.
Karen Feenstra,
Belwood
‘How would you feel?’
Dear Editor:
Re: Drinking and driving, Oct. 31.
Impaired driving remains to be the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada. Many families are torn violently apart because of impaired driving. Beyond death and the physical injuries, the victims horribly endure mental trauma, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Do you want to be the cause? Do you want to tear families apart and be the cause of the grief and trauma the victims have to endure?
The Advertiser’s “Drinking and driving” section only states the few that ended okay. No one was hurt, no one was killed, but the drivers were caught, thankfully.
Now don’t think that because no one was hurt, you can do it. You can’t!
I am a 17-year-old driver. I want to live. I want my friends, my family to live. Don’t drink and drive. Think of your family and friends; what would you do if one of them was killed by an impaired driver? How would you feel?
Don’t be the cause, stop the cause.
Lauren Vanleeuwen,
Belwood
‘Must prevail’
Dear Editor:
As a Canadian, I give my thanks to those who voted for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. I give my thanks to those who chose truth over fallacy. Peace over hate. Unity over division.
To those who choose to dwell, rather than celebrate this victory, I hope someday you see that this is a pivotal moment, not for America alone, but the entirety of our globe. All for the better.
This was not a battle over right or wrong, but simply, truth versus falsehood.
As we look ahead to our own election, may we remember what we saw last night: truth overcomes evil every time.
Democracy must prevail.
Susannah Sinclair,
Fergus
‘Positive changes’
Dear Editor:
RE: Council says ‘slow down’: speed limits to be lowered on 28 road segments, Nov. 7.
As someone who has had the pleasure of driving through Centre Wellington for years, I’m pleased to see positive changes that town council has recently made concerning road safety and speed limits.
Councilors voted in favour of lowering speed limits across 28 local road segments. This new speed limit is to be set at 40km/h on urban streets and 60km/h on rural roads – so take the time to enjoy the views around town. This change is welcomed by pedestrians, cyclists and anyone who enjoys a leisurely drive through downtown, as lower speeds risk the level of accidents.
I consider this a positive change as a new school year has started again. These new speed limits have been set in place for the safety of our community. A part of this initiative, a flashing speed sign will also be installed on St. David St. N. between Woodhill and Parkside.
Adam Gilmore, an engineering manager, noted that 85% of drivers in the area were travelling at 47.2km/h. Once signs were installed and people got used to it, speeds dropped to 43.8km/h – a notable improvement that suggests drivers are becoming mindful of their speeds.
Though these changes seem small and possibly inconvenient for those on a tight schedule, it’s key to be mindful of others’ safety. I strongly support these measures that have been put in place. Centre Wellington is known for its pedestrian safety and encouragement to take outings to enjoy the beauty of the historical scenery around. Life has taught everybody to expect the unexpected and this is most prominent when on the roads.
I send my appreciation to the council for taking action for the safety of others and look forward to seeing more positive changes, but are there more ways that we as a community can keep our roads safer?
Emma Vanleeuwen,
Fergus
Refrigerated pad
Dear Editor:
RE: Council gets into weeds of procedural bylaw, eventually upholds Bissell Park decision, Oct. 31.
Councillors got caught up in the “weeds of procedural bylaws” over the motion when the main topic was overlooked. The process of rescinding the Oct. 15 decision was where the spotlight of the article was pointed when the topic should be focused on the actual decision of this new pad.
The council had made the decision to move forward with plans to install the refrigerated pad at the meeting of Oct. 15 and as a community we should be pleased with the decision. If concerns with this pad were present, they should have been voiced at the appropriate time and handled with proper procedure.
In the end, the verdict to expand on recreational activities in the township was upheld so “the motion was defeated” and so this step forward can be taken without hesitation.
A refrigerated multi-use pad will be an advancement in creating fun and family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed. For example, with a temperature-regulated pad, an ice rink can be maintained for people of the community to enjoy in the long winter months, no matter the weather.
That’s a step in the right direction, towards encouraging the citizens of Wellington County to get in nature and enjoy the unique weather we are blessed with.
And so thank you to the councillors that were a part of making this possible and may we all look forward to the possibility of this advancement in outdoor recreation.
Abigail Medemblik,
Centre Wellington
Police can help
Dear Editor:
RE: Storybrook subdivision residents concerned about speeding drivers, Oct. 31.
The author of this article poses a very important issue. Lindsay Duncan stated it’s not just the speeding that poses an issue, but the attitude of drivers when told to slow down. When some drivers are told to slow down they laugh, give the middle finger or speed up.
Those drivers seem to care little about the safety of those around them. Duncan makes an effort to implement some sort of speed regulation.
“I just don’t want someone getting killed to be the reason that the township or the builder start implementing some sort of speed regulation,” she stated.
Don’t drivers get it? All she wants is to protect her community before it is too late.
Since Duncan’s subdivision is only partially assumed, speed reduction efforts cannot be implemented quite yet. Increasing police presence, however, will help the community feel safe around the streets.
Officers can pull over drivers who speed and speak to them about the attitudes they are presenting and the problems it is causing and will cause if continued.
Not only will increased police presence help with speeding, but it will be a temporary solution until the subdivision can be fully assumed.
Once the subdivision is finished, speed regulations can be implemented to keep reduce the speed of drivers.
Melanie Hutten,
Fergus
‘Build each other up’
Dear Editor:
RE: Thieves steal $2,400 worth of baby formula, Oct. 31.
I am saddened and troubled by what I have read in this article. What a sign of the times, that women and mothers are having to steal baby formula in order to support their young. I am by no means supporting this act of robbery, but rather have sympathy that the ladies involved were driven to the point of theft.
This robbery says a lot about our economy today. Life continues to be unaffordable for many. Financial stability has become a long lost dream.
The prices of the basic necessities of life are reaching an all-time high, which is driving many to the point of crime, as seen by the actions of these women.
If formula and other basic human necessities were made more affordable and accessible, perhaps theft would never have been an option these women would consider.
Before judging these women too harshly we should look at the bigger picture. Mothers and parents should never have to resort to stealing in order to provide the necessities for their children.
As a society, we should do our part to ensure that mothers and children can get what they need by donating and supporting the readily available pregnancy and resource centres, food banks and other organizations so that infants and mothers alike can be at peace.
Let us build each other up and work together as a community so that everyone can get the resources they need and so theft never has to be an option for anyone.
Kendra VanSydenborgh,
East Garafraxa
*Editor’s note: It is not known if the suspects responsible for this theft are mothers.
‘Beneficial’ lessons
Dear Editor:
RE: Teacher honoured for incorporating agriculture in lessons, Oct. 10.
This is truly a great award for such an important topic. I have grown up and lived on a farm for my entire life, so I can really understand the importance of agriculture and teaching the next generation about it.
I am 17 years old and I know that my generation and the next one are losing touch with the agricultural industry.
It is not emphasized as much as it used to be and we need to keep teaching kids about it so that we may have a next generation of farmers that are enthusiastic about agriculture.
Teaching this to them early in school is a great way to do this. Taking kids on a hike or to go see a farm is better than sitting them in a classroom all day and they will learn more and enjoy it.
Lastly, teaching kids about agriculture is beneficial because it is good for everyone to know where their food comes from, and it teaches them to be thankful for the work of local farmers.
I thank Pam Woodhouse for her work in the classroom, and believe agriculture should be incorporated into learning more often.
Isaiah Kottelenberg,
Erin
Solutions needed
Dear Editor:
RE: Crime of the Week, Oct. 31.
Butter seems to be worth more than gold these days, as it is easier to steal.
On Oct. 12 and 16, two separate grocery store thefts took place in Guelph. Does it seem reasonable that only butter was taken? The value of the butter stolen on both occasions was valued at more than $935, which may very well justify their acts in their minds.
Crime seems to have escalated in the grocery stores, now that food prices have risen significantly. Thieves are more frequently targeting commonly used food items, instead of only expensive items that may be heavily protected.
Do we need security in the dairy aisles? Or do we need to place an anti-theft device on every brick of butter?
We need new and successful solutions to discourage theft of any kind.
Karina Vanleeuwen,
Guelph/Eramosa
‘Not the answer’
Dear Editor:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to think that paying more for fossil fuels will convince Canadians to switch to cleaner alternatives. He’s wrong.
Canadians are now paying extra for their fuel, in addition to their insanely inflated grocery, rent and utility bills. They have less money now, not more. Why would they spend their money on buying things that are “cleaner”?
These people do not have money to switch to buy a new electric vehicle, to install a “cleaner” heating system in their house, to buy the newest “energy efficient” appliances. If this is his plan to help Canadians, it’s not working.
Trudeau needs to start helping Canadians with real problems, not issues across the globe (like “climate change enhanced storms”) or reducing the intangible “carbon footprint.” He needs to help Canadians with their real problems: unaffordable housing, inflated prices, homelessness, inaccessible health care and more.
Carbon tax is not the answer!
Jasmine Doekes,
Grand Valley
‘Protect the forests’
Dear Editor:
RE: Rare joins 87 Canadian land trusts calling for federal funding for land conservation, Oct. 31.
As a community, we need to prioritize our land conservation efforts for the sake of future generations. Not only are we preserving and protecting our home now, but the home for our children, and our children’s children.
As a high school student, I love the idea of having a surplus of conservation areas that are protected from the rapid population growth and housing craze happening in Canada today.
Because of the development of urban areas in Wellington County and Waterloo Region, it is vital to protect our conservation areas. These areas are necessary for the wellbeing of wildlife, protection of nature and a support for the physical and mental health of people in the surrounding areas.
It is so important, as a community, to sustainably house the growing population while also protecting our precious green land.
The Ontario Land Trust Alliance, partnered with the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, is helping this cause and Canada’s goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.
These groups are encouraging Canadians everywhere to sign their parliamentary petition to extend their funding for the Land Trusts Conservation Fund in order to help preserve natural spaces.
I absolutely love this campaign to save our forests and strongly urge you as a reader to help this cause and protect the forests for the wellbeing and sustainable growth of the future generations in Canada.
Mikaia Jagt,
Centre Wellington