Letters, June 25

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/06/2022 (818 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Senior warns: your turn is coming

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

Knowing those unfortunate seniors have been abused, or are still being abused, makes me sick to my stomach. Some of them are not able to advocate for themselves because of mental disorders, or are just too weak to help themselves.

So where is the big uproar in our society about this situation? It took four months for this latest abuse to come to the public’s eyes and ears.

These are citizens who have given 40 to 50 years as productive people in our city. They are mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles who have raised and provided for their families.

And how do we treat these people? “You’re too slow.” “You’re too weak to do me any good.” “You’re too old to understand.” “Can’t you hear me, what are you, deaf?”

It makes me very angry to have to write this but, you see, all these things have been said to me at one time or another, especially by strangers.

So just remember, you young folks out there, your turn is coming. I hope society gives you credit for your wisdom and experience. Not like they treat seniors today.

Helen Stockburn

Winnipeg

Oversight of MDs improving

Re: Out of Sight Oversight (June 17); Risks and Rx (June 21)

Reporter Katrina Clarke’s relentless criticism of the College of Physicians of Manitoba (CPSM) fails to note several recent initiatives that will improve accountability and safe health care.

Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, the CPSM council will be composed of six non-physician members who serve on all committees and eight elected physicians. A college social worker is available to help patients navigate the complaints process. Efforts are underway to shorten investigations.

Although the CPSM is limited by the RHPA in disclosing information about ongoing investigations, physicians have been given interim suspensions for serious allegations.

During my former time on CPSM council, decisions were made to disclose proposed physician practice policies and open council meeting agendas on the college website, to invite public feedback.

Can the CPSM do better? Absolutely, but let’s not destroy a system that has served Manitoban’s well for 150 years, financed entirely by dedicated physicians who risk their own lives daily during COVID-19.

Wayne Manishen, MD

Winnipeg

Re: Doctors protecting doctors (Letters, June 20)

Letter writer David Albert Newman has it wrong when he says the College of Physicians and Surgeons consists of medical doctors protecting medical doctors even if there is negligence. Much like the College of Registered Nurses, the physicians’ college is there to protect the public from questionable or harmful practise to patients by their members.

Doctors do not want bad doctors practising, as it puts a shadow over all members. When I was a practising nurse, I saw first-hand when a doctor’s ability to do his job was reported to the college. That questionable doctor was reviewed by the college, investigated with witnesses and appropriate action was taken. This is the same process should a layperson file a complaint.

No competent nurse or doctor who witnesses bad practise would stand back and do nothing. Any incompetent nurse or doctor is a blight on the profession and would not be tolerated.

Marilyn Fisher-Robinson

Beausejour

July 1 shouldn’t be political

Re: Canada Day backers perpetuate colonialism: grand chief (June 23)

Northern Grand Chief Garrison Settee makes unfortunate assumptions, telling us, “Those who wish to criticize the actions of The Forks demonstrate a mindset that perpetuates colonialism. This reflects a superiority complex we are trying to get away from and it is unfortunately not conducive to reconciliation.”

Superiority complex? An especially egregious assumption. One of the central tenets of relationship building is a concept called confirmation. It suggests one should assume the best intentions of someone else’s behaviour.

What a shame the chief does not extend that belief to his fellow Manitobans. Does he not believe most people adhere to reconciliation and, for that matter, improving the lives of all humans?

I am not a tribalist of any nature, but any community gathering is always welcome. And we do live within this geographic boundary called Canada. Attaching The Forks’ event to reconciliation makes it a political event, not a joyful time for the community.

Harvey Zahn

Winnipeg

The discussion by The Forks to rebrand July 1 and cancel the annual fireworks and live entertainment, along with the resultant remarks by northern Grand Chief Garrison Settee, only promote racism and identity politics.

How can Settee justify his belief that fireworks and live music “reflect a superiority complex” but powwow dancers, drumming, storytelling and smaller-scale live music don’t? This is ludicrous.

Settee and many other Indigenous leaders should stop finding every excuse to use the words “reconciliation” and “colonialism” if they actually want to build a better country we could all be proud to celebrate together.

Kim Trethart

Winnipeg

I want to support The Forks’ effort to consult with and respond creatively to Indigenous input for July 1. Take the long view: we have celebrated “Canada” Day for more than 150 years in ways that assume colonialist authority. It’s time to consider other ways to commemorate this day in 1867 that was built on offences perpetrated on First Nations residents of Turtle Island.

Did The Forks’ administration get it right for July 1, 2022? Maybe not. But I very much affirm this effort to lead into a new way of looking at this day.

David Wiebe

Winnipeg

Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock said it best when he stated, “Every avenue we get to fight this cancel culture we should fight it.” The Forks’ decision to cancel Canada Day festivities is polarizing.

Last year at this time we watched as churches were burned and statues were toppled because of the discovery of potential gravesites near former residential schools. As Lloyd Axworthy so aptly put it, The Forks “has become focused on minority grievances, as awful as they are, and has left out the rest.”

Cancelling Canada Day celebrations, so as to not offend anyone, creates more division and harm than it does good.

Christine Cockerill

Winnipeg

Brodbeck too hard on Murray

Re: So, why do you want this job, Mr. Murray (Opinion, June 23)

I don’t often disagree with columnist Tom Brodbeck, but his rant about Glen Murray was different. Tom seemed very personal in his attack on Murray. He called him a vagabond, questioned his motives for his mayoral run in 2022, and called him “self-absorbed,” even comparing him to former premier Brian Pallister.

Firstly, Murray has come back to help his ailing mother. Noble, really.

Secondly, no politician is as egotistical as Pallister, or current Premier Heather Stefanson, for that matter.

Let’s remember Murray was one of the hardest-working politicians in town. He was often first to arrive and last to leave the building. He also brings a wealth of experience from his travels.

I welcome him with open arms and hope with his experience he can take us in the right direction.

Ken Campbell

Winnipeg

We’ve already seen Glen Murray in the mayor’s chair; no need for a rerun. He’s a pie-in-the-sky type of character, not a let’s-get-things-done type.

Let’s get some fresh blood in that seat, someone on the ball, someone who knows how to make things happen for our city.

Howard Wiebe

Winnipeg