Letters, June 24

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/06/2022 (870 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Statue’s fate distressing

Re: Damaged Queen Victoria statue is beyond repair, Manitoba government says (June 24)

When I saw the statue of Queen Victoria torn down, I was shocked. My discomfort was increased when the legal authorities declared that the matter would not be pursued, or the perpetrators charged. “High emotions” apparently excused this vandalism.

Now, as I read the statue won’t be returned because the estimated cost of repairing it would be $500,000, my indignation increased exponentially. So now it is permissible for those who disagree with history to destroy what they perceive as unacceptable?

I shudder to realize that destruction of property and vandalism is now officially sanctioned and endorsed by our legal system and elected government. This borders on anarchy.

Michael Kirkpatrick

Ste. Anne

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I challenge Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen to produce photos of the damage to the statue of Queen Victoria so we can see it for ourselves and know he’s not just dumping a political hot potato.

Claims that Canada Day celebrations at The Forks are being altered to be more inclusive are utter hogwash. Nobody was excluded from the fireworks displays or live music. Everyone was welcome, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and youth. Everyone celebrated Canada’s birthday with one voice. We couldn’t be more inclusive.

This is a very short path of dots to connect that point to the government being afraid of more revolts like the toppling of statues that occurred last year.

Well, I didn’t elect this government to see it cower in fear, and I don’t expect it to acquiesce to every whim and whimper from every group. I won’t hang my head in shame for being a Canadian.

Randy Clinch

Winnipeg

Whistleblowers appreciated

Re: Police probe care home abuse allegations (June 21)

I was horrified to learn that Oakview Place health-care aides are alleged to have abused 15 elderly and vulnerable residents. My horror was compounded by the fact that, last July, another aide from the same facility was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a resident. Moreover, I was disgusted to learn that these allegations first surfaced in February and, to put it charitably, nothing was done.

The only redeeming aspect of this sordid story is that two whistleblowers came forward to report the alleged wrongdoing. A sincere thank-you to both of these brave individuals.

Sean Petty

Winnipeg

Gina Trinidad, COO of Community Health Services and Long Term Care with the WRHA, says she is “deeply disturbed and disappointed” about the recent allegations of abuse of about 15 residents at a local care facility. That’s it? Disturbed and disappointed?

She should be screaming with rage at how seniors at this home were treated.

There are no checks and balances on these “for profit” care homes, and because of this, folks who have given their fair share to society are now treated like cattle, all in the name of corporate greed.

David Tate

Winnipeg

Premier offered thoughts, prayers

Re: Manitoba premier working remotely after testing positive for COVID-19 (June 22)

On the upside, Premier Heather Stefanson will finally have an actual reason for staying out of the public eye and avoiding voters. But to quote her health minister, Audrey Gordon, “thoughts and prayers, Heather.”

Thoughts and prayers are apparently all you need to fight the illness. No medications. No medical interventions. No science. No modelling to figure out what strain you most likely have or what treatment option might be the most effective. Just thoughts and prayers. Good luck with that.

Brian Spencler

Winnipeg

Change transgender attitudes

Re: ‘In shock’ about inaction on transgender slurs (June 23)

I wish the Free Press had identified the location of the gas bar where co-workers hurled slurs at transgender teen Trinity Wolf. If I knew which one was doing this, I would know which one to avoid.

These attitudes have got to change if we want to make a better world.

Don Schau

Winnipeg

MPs care only for themselves

Re: MPs get panic buttons to boost security (June 20)

If only MPs cared as much and acted as quickly about the Missing and Murdered Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People as they do about themselves, imagine how many lives would have been saved.

Caroline Chartrand

Winnipeg

Where to hear local music

Re: Give local bands radio play (Letters, June 23)

Letter writer Chris Harvey feels it’s a shame local radio stations don’t play more music by local bands trying to get noticed. Like Harvey, I remember the excitement of hearing new, local bands on the radio in a previous century in Winnipeg.

Although a dinosaur myself, the music I play on CKUW FM, 95.9, and CJNU FM, 101.5, offers what Harvey is looking and listening for. Did I mention we have no ads? Ear here and you’ll find what you’ve been missing.

Ron Robinson

Winnipeg

Changes at Forks cheered

Re: Axworthy upset with Canada Day changes (June 21)

I applaud The Forks for taking the time to ask, listen, and act. For those who are opposed, it is yet another example of how equality feels like oppression when you’re used to privilege.

Many letter writers are up in arms about the change to Canada Day because a tiny bit of their privilege is being challenged. If you’re more upset about one fireworks display being cancelled or a statue being toppled than you are about hundreds of years of systemic abuse of Indigenous people, you are telling us clearly who you are.

People talk about reconciliation, but when the The Forks actually listens to Indigenous groups and puts that into action, letter writers think they should get to decide what should and shouldn’t happen, just like they always have.

That’s not reconciliation, that’s Colonialism 2.0.

Robbie Scott

Winnipeg

As a settler Canadian with young children, I applaud The Forks for making thoughtful changes to their Canada Day programming. One can be proud and grateful to be Canadian while recognizing that experience is not universal.

Reflecting upon and acknowledging our mistakes and harms is not a comfortable process, and it’s shameful to categorize the wishes and perspectives of Indigenous communities as demands from “special interest groups” or “minority grievances.” Reconciliation is not a party. It is hard work, and that’s the point.

For those of us who are lucky enough to have experienced the best parts of life in Canada, every day is Canada Day.

Emma Durand-Wood

Winnipeg

My love of The Forks goes back to participation in archaeological digs in the late 1980s. Later, I became a Forks ambassador and was proud to wear a Forks jacket with “I Can Help” on the back. I was always happy to help and grieved the end of the ambassador program.

Now, I grieve The Forks’ decision to replace Canada Day with It’s a New Day. This travesty is not worthy of a national historic site.

Some years ago I was walking my dog early on Canada Day and heard a beautiful sound: an African-Canadian boy of about 10 had placed a chair in his driveway and was playing O Canada on a cornet, celebrating this beautiful country. This memory still brings tears to my eyes.

Mary Steinhoff

Winnipeg

If folks want to see fireworks on July 1 to acknowledge Canada Day, come to Portage la Prairie. Our city is putting on the display that we have missed for the past two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

No statues to topple. Starts at 10:30 p.m. Bring mosquito spray.

Bill Knott

Portage la Prairie