Letters, April 8

Opinion

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This article was published 07/04/2022 (896 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MAID humane option

Re: Story reflected ableist belief (Letters, April 6)

Letter writer Allen Mankewich suggests the story of Betty Sanquin, who suffered from ALS and chose to end her life through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) administered in her church, was dehumanizing for many disabled people and reinforces the ableist belief that it’s better to be dead than disabled.

There is a difference between living and coping with a disability and “dying by inches,” as is the case for many people with ALS and other agonizing and terminal illnesses.

There is so much more to health care than prolonging an imminent and painful end to a person’s life. Isn’t it comforting that we have the choice of such a humane option as MAID, if we want and need it?

Georgia Klass

Winnipeg

As a person living with a disability, I found the article was not harmful nor stigmatizing as Mankewich claims it to be. I believe people need to do their research into MAID and illnesses such as ALS before they criticize those who choose this option.

Rae Patts

Winnipeg

For me, the story about Betty Sanguin underscored her strength, her power and her personal choices. Of course, her death is sad and yet it may also be seen as a happy/sad event. She, with the support of her family, chose her path until the end of her life. Hurrah for all of them.

Let’s always celebrate the meaningful ways we choose to guide our lives.

Jan Bones

Winnipeg

Adapting to climate change

Re: Leadership track takes dinosaur’s stance on climate change (Opinion, April 5)

Columnist Dan Lett may claim governments around the world are looking for strategies to enhance zero-emissions energy production, but all the latest numbers reveal they’re not looking hard enough.

The International Energy Agency has just pointed out that in 2021 global emissions rose six per cent and have reached the highest level on record. Meanwhile, Russia has recently signed contracts to provide China and India with 140 million tonnes of coal, after those two countries announced to the COP-26 meeting that they will reduce their fossil fuel use when it suits them economically, not according to any UN timetable.

For its part, to alleviate rising domestic pump prices, the U.S. has not only released a million barrels per day from its strategic reserves for the next six months; it also increased oil and gas drilling by 60 per cent this year to date. Saudi Arabia has also pitched in by boosting its oil exports to compensate for the loss of Russian supplies.

The four largest of the above nations account for more than half of global emissions, and with those numbers it’s increasingly obvious climate-control commitments are wholly inadequate. Our best bet is to spend money on adaptation, because mitigation is a distinct long shot.

Edward Katz

Winnipeg

Can’t control dog owners

Re: City could curb dog-breed ban (April 6)

Proponents of rescinding the dangerous dog/pit bull ban inside city limits say pit bulls are good dogs and it’s the owners who are to blame for this breed’s awful reputation. How will the city control dog owners who are dangerous? It can’t.

City council must continue this ban and err on the side of public safety.

Robert J. Moskal

Winnipeg

Dike assistance clarified

Re: Homeowners should build own dikes (Letters, April 4)

As the city’s flood engineer from 2004 to 2015, now retired, I want to correct statements in this letter that, for 16 homes at high risk of flooding, sandbags are delivered, and dikes built and removed by city workers, all at the taxpayers expense.

In fact, homeowners are responsible for building their own sandbag dikes, removing the bags afterwards and disposing of the bags. The city only provides sandbags.

Grant Mohr

Winnipeg

PCs need new leader

Re: Do Manitoba voters have a viable third option? (Opinion, April 5)

As I see it, Manitoba voters don’t even have a viable first option right now, just the lesser of three evils. The PCs hope Manitobans will have forgotten about the last two years and that time will heal all wounds as we get closer to the next election. Not likely. I doubt the PCs can get another majority with their incompetent leader, who is a puppet for the far-right members controlling the party.

She has to go, the sooner the better for the PCs and for all Manitobans.

Patrick Clarke

Winnipeg

Seeking seat on Gordon’s sofa

Re: Couching health-care criticisms (April 5)

So Health Minister Audrey Gordon plans to take her sofa to parks and open spaces and invite people to sit down for a chat. Her travelling sofa sessions might finally be a chance for her constituents, including myself, to get answers to emails to her constituency office, as messages never seem to be answered.

Wonder if reservations will be required?

Guy George

Winnipeg

WRHA hires Ontario firm

I received an oversized letter in the mail the other day from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. I had recently spent several days in hospital and believed the message may be about my results. Instead, it was a 49-question survey about my “inpatient visit” that would “help improve the quality of care that patients receive.”

Let me be clear: the care and compassion provided by the staff was exemplary. My question about the survey is why it comes from NRC Health in Markham, Ont. Are there not companies within Manitoba that could provide the service and the jobs locally?

Pat Lewicki

Winnipeg

Hike driving age to 18

Re: Teen sentenced in 100 km/h crash that killed kids playing in driveway (April 4)

The 16-year-old boy who killed two kids in Ontario while speeding in his father’s Mercedes was sentenced to one year in an open-custody youth facility. Ridiculously lenient.

We can’t vote till we turn 18. Why are 16-year-olds allowed to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that can be lethal? The legal driving age should be changed to 17 for a beginner’s licence, and 18 for a full licence. This change will save lives.

Ron Roberts

Winnipeg

City ignores huge pothole

Re: Pickin’ up bad vibrations (April 1)

We live on River Road in St.Vital and have a pothole in front of our residence that measures three feet by two feet by four inches deep. River Road is a relatively busy street with many cars, trucks and buses. Our home actually shakes when vehicles pass over this pothole. Can’t imagine the number of vehicles already damaged.

We have contacted 311 but have not had results. Have also emailed Coun. Brian Mayes with photos and at least expected a call back, but got no results here either.

If they cannot repair it now for whatever reason, at least put up barrier cones or fill it with gravel.

Walter Martinenko

Winnipeg

Pitch in for spring cleaning

Re: Spring melt revealing loads of litter in city (April 5)

I propose everyone who is able cleans up their yard, and the area in front of their house or apartment, including the part of a boulevard in front of them. For those who aren’t able to do this, surely their neighbours could do so for them.

That would go a long way toward beautifying the city and would not be a big investment of time or energy.

I think the city should definitely clean the streets, and Take Pride Winnipeg or politicians could organize volunteer parties to clean up creeks and riverbank areas, as has happened in the past prior to COVID-19.

Marlene Beaty

Winnipeg