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Make peace not war

Well, it’s done. Canada has met the NATO expectation that 2% of our GDP be allocated to “Defence Spending”! Should we all celebrate? Or should we give our heads a shake? To be honest, after hearing the announcement, I have not been able to clear my head. I was not surprised, but must admit to being overwhelmed and discouraged. The word “defense” has a much softer connotation than “military”, but as we all know, any expenditures are for non–peaceful plans, equipment, and activities. I do recognize and appreciate the blessings that I and most Canadians enjoy. However many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world have nothing but hunger, suffering, trauma and hate. An inquiry on the internet identified the global military budget in 2024, as 3.77 trillion Canadian dollars. Imagine if that money was redirected to caring for each other. Of course, I am not alone in raising these concerns. Let’s hope that someday the leaders of our world will take us to a more desired future. Martin MacDonald Gulfshore, Nova Scotia

The politics of eels

It’s a sad day for Canadians as the government turns down regulations to include an export certificate on American and Japanese eels and their offspring, Elevers. This will be detrimental to the rest of Canada’s ocean biology and puts our environmental standards way behind other international allies…as 27 European Union states recognize the gravitas of this issue and embraced export certificates. This is especially concerning given Canada’s access to eels having the world’s largest coastline. Since eel harvesting is little protected, being such a lucrative business, and given the precarious nature of this species, I can only see this being detrimental to eel populations on an international scale. Somehow, Canada fails to understand this, and their inaction will only promote an illegal eel market. I feel sorry for these fish and all other animals in the ocean that will suffer from this species decline. Abby Suddaby

More bike-friendly please

As an avid cyclist, I was pleased to see a recent article on the state of bicycle lanes in Halifax, in particular that narrow one on Bell Road. In fairness, that one is only a problem on the eastbound lane (i.e. heading towards the YMCA); I have whacked my mirror on those bollards once or twice over the years. The one heading west is wide enough for any cyclist. May I offer three potential solutions for that problematic one? (1) Move the bollards 3 or 4 inches to the left. That can make a big difference, especially given the poor state of the pavement on the right-hand side, by the curb, which forces you to ride on the left. There would still be plenty of room for vehicles in the vehicle part of the street. (2) Cut the bollards down to 2 feet in height. That’s tall enough to see them and would allow the left handlebar of most bikes to go over them if need be. That’s the equivalent of widening the lane by a foot or more. (3) Remove the bollards completely and permanently. They’re off now for the winter, and many other lanes in Halifax have painted lines only and are no problem. While on the subject, I am not surprised to see Halifax score so low on the bike-friendly index. The peninsula is bound in all directions and fully built-up. There’s nowhere to go and hard to squeeze in bike lanes on already cramped roads. I know it’s not an easy job, and I applaud the city planners for even giving it a try. Nil d’Entremont Halifax

The bigger picture

Because of signed agreements with the crown , we are obligated to provide housing and potable water to people who live on reserves. This however comes at a very large expense paid for by the tax payers in Canada. As an alternative to taxpayers having to absorb this cost, we have natural resources that when extracted and exported, raise significant revenue to cover this cost. That is why it is important for our Indigenous people to consider this fact when making their decision on pipelines and mining. There will never be a project that has no downside but in the majority of cases, the upside far outweighs the downside. Canadians are currently one of the highest taxed people in the world and unless we release our natural resources and do not want to increase our currently too high debt, we will have to be taxed even further. Ron Young New Glasgow

Stay in the right lane

So many of our beloved fellow Canadians gave their lives to maintain democracy, and yet, Chris d’Entremont is upset that he was booed on Remembrance Day? Somehow he does not understand that Nova Scotians took the time and effort to go to the ballot boxes in their riding to vote for him to serve them as a Conservative representative in the House of Commons, albeit with a 1.10% majority, but nevertheless, he was chosen by the people as a Conservative, not a Liberal. In my riding provincially, something similar occurred. In 2015, a politician named Sandra Janzen ran as a Conservative, won with a 3.09% majority, and then, in 2016, crossed the floor to sit as an NDP MLA. The electorate in the riding were livid, particularly since people were losing their jobs during that period as a result of the NDP’s counter-business/energy initiatives and laws they enacted. Subsequently, in Janzen’s case, she realized voters would not support her in 2019 and did not run again. It will be interesting to see if Chris will heed the democratic will of the electorate in his riding, if they voice a strong opposition to him if he chooses to run in the next federal election. Mary Anne Clarke

Carney asleep at the wheel

A report from just days ago found that about 450 Palestinians aligned with terrorist groups have ties to Canada, showing that when it comes to protecting our country from terrorist Islamists, our government is asleep at the wheel. Meanwhile, as US President Trump says he’ll ban the extremist Muslim Brotherhood, which also has an extensive presence in Canada and which is a fundamentalist Islamist movement opposed to Canadian values, where is the Carney Government? Kathy Olmstead

Politics of Poppies

The description of the decision by the Nova Scotia Supreme and Provincial Courts regarding the wearing of poppies by court staff as “disgusting” by Premier Tim Houston is rich. The decision helps maintain judicial impartiality and so is correct. Justice is served. What are disgusting are the Premier’s decisions to abandon coastal protection, to further restrict media access to government officials, and to create Special Planning Areas to do an end-run around reasoned deliberation of the consequences of huge development in HRM. If the Premier really wants to ponder disgusting decisions, he need look no further than his mirror. Describing court decisions as disgusting is the language of President Trump. Is this really the dark place the Premier wants to take us to? Now that’s truly disgusting. Brian Hoyle

People Power

Letter to Editor from Eric LeBlanc Sept.3/25 – Time for People Power Why does anyone want to stand up for a terrorist organization that have no regard or care for their own people? If one understands the history of the Nazi Holocaust correctly there is no way it can be compared to the Israeli actions in Gaza. If Israel does take over Gaza they will only be taking it back again after giving it up to the Palestinians in 2005 after evicting the Jewish people from there. Look what Hamas did to the land and people. Our particular generation may not be too tired to stand behind a just cause – we just have to find a legitimate one. Kathy Olmstead

More opinion than facts

Rebuttal of Mr. Black’s Opinion piece on Alcohol sales at corner stores, October 18, 2025. Many of the points stated in this article are definitely “Opinions” and not facts. For example, Mr. Black asserts that the NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Commission) will lose money if alcohol is sold at corner stores. Why? The taxes will be the same and surely it will cost to sell wine and beer at a corner store then at a large branch of the NSLC (where I have seen as many as 8 people wandering around the store). As for increased alcohol related incidents, provinces like Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador have had local sales in corner stores for decades. The average consumption per year in litres for QC is around 8.5L per year while in NS, it is around 7.8L per year (see Summer 2019 study by CCSA – Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse & Addiction). So, roughly an extra bottle of wine per year. And there are a great many factors involved in alcohol consumption, socioeconomic being the largest. Another note…the majority of corner stores are owned by small local business owners and NOT large corporations like Sobey’s and Loblaw’s. It seems strange and very wrong that I have to get into my car and drive to the local NSLC to purchase a bottle of wine for dinner, instead of walking to the local corner store. I just don’t. Most other countries allow the sale of alcohol at local corner stores. I would love to see Nova Scotia move into the 20th century (let alone the 21st) and bring the availability and “Convenience” to our life. Anthony Hayward Dartmouth, NS

Transparency is lacking

Mount Uniacke Demands Transparency on Quarry Expansion Residents of Mount Uniacke are calling on Premier Tim Houston and Environment Minister Tim Halman to meet our community before any decision is made on the proposed Uniacke Mines Road Quarry expansion. For ten years, we have warned that this quarry threatens sensitive wetlands, the Sackville River Headwaters, and the Cockscomb Lake watershed – a local water source. Despite documented environmental violations, the corporation in question continues to operate and now seeks expansion. Government oversight has failed. Wetland WL7 was illegally filled and turned into a settling pond; other wetlands have been altered without permits. Community reports suggest that construction debris, pyritic slate, and possibly contaminated soils were used as fill, raising risks of toxic leachate — yet the Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) has required no testing for metals, VOCs, PFAS, or other contaminants. The company’s own 2025 WSP report shows nitrite levels nearly three times higher than safe limits for aquatic life. Meanwhile, the mandatory Community Liaison Committee has been non-functional for years, and recent appointments raise clear conflicts of interest. NSECC still insists the company is “in full compliance.” Premier Houston and Minister Halman received a detailed letter from our community on October 10 seeking clarification and accountability. The community has yet to receive a response. Nova Scotians deserve a fair process. Proponents get years to prepare submissions; the public gets only 40 days to respond to dense technical data and organize. That is not consultation – it’s checkbox democracy. We are simply asking for transparency and fairness: hold a Town Hall in Mount Uniacke with Premier Houston and Minister Halman; suspend the review until complete independent testing is conducted; and enforce the laws already in place. Trust in government depends on holding corporations accountable. It’s time for leadership that listens before it approves. For more info, visit Change.org – search – Environmental Offenses in Mount Uniacke Katherine Schnare ~ On behalf of the Mount Uniacke Community~

May we never forget

Dear Editor: My name is Pieter Valkenburg. I am a Dutch-born Canadian and live on Prince Edward Island. I am also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Over the past eleven years I have been helping the researchers at the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands in their quest to put a face and story to every grave. I am looking for a picture of a WWII soldier who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. His name is Lorne Mart COLFORD, who was born August 18, 1922 in Chezzetcook. He was the son of Howard James and Jeanette (Janet) Sarah Colford (maiden name Misener). He had five brothers: William, Howard, Richard, Melbourne and Lloyd and four sisters: Dorothy (married name Ferguson), Elsie, Emma, and Goldie (married name Thorpe). In the 1931 Census the family was living in Dartmouth. When he was 9 years old, he saved a 6 year old child, Arthur Thouless, from drowning, after he fell into Cunard’s wharf in Dartmouth. Richard and Melbourne also served overseas in WWII. Lorne was killed by sniper fire on April 14, 1945 during the Battle for Groningen in The Netherlands. At the time of his death he was serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. I am trying to find relatives plus a photo of him. Any photos or info can be sent to me at memorialtrail@gmail.com. May we never forget those who died for our continued freedom. Pieter Valkenburg North Tryon, Prince Edward Island

Part of the landscape

John Demont’s Final Column. You know how sometimes a city becomes a character in a movie — so present, so alive, that it deepens our understanding and appreciation of the story? Well, I think the opposite can also be true. Sometimes a writer fits into a city and a province so completely that he becomes part of its very geography. I know it’s cultural, but I think your voice in Nova Scotia, and in Halifax, fits the laneways and porches, the kindnesses and quirks, the red sand and the massive Fundy tides, the autumn hills of Cape Breton, the basketball courts and grocery parking lots, and the everyday oddities and marvels and laughter and gifts we so often miss all around us. You have added, and will continue to add, so much to the fabric of what makes Nova Scotia what it is. I’m not exaggerating that; I simply believe it’s true. You fit here. You are a part of the geography of this place — in a very, very good way. Your words, your writing, your work are a legacy that made us better. Thank you and I will continue to read you in your beautifully titled Where the Light Falls. Don Jones

Canada Post is important

I am one person who values and misses our postal service. I want to send a nice card to my grand-daughter in Ottawa who turns 18 this month. A card in the mail with a cheque inside is much nicer to receive than an ecard. Also at my age, sympathy cards are often needed. And then there are Christmas cards that used to be a lovely part of Christmas decorations and are now again expected to be scant because of the strike. I also get my electric bill and phone bill through the mail. We pay most bills by direct withdrawal at the bank but I refuse to pay the other two online because scams are so common. NS Power had a major scam recently. Having lived abroad twice, we receive some international cards and I will miss them if this strike goes on. Take the postal union leaders into the inter sanctum and show them the books and work out a solution. We need a postal system. PS We also need a postal service to mail health insurance claims. Bonnie Chiasson Halifax

Share our journey

3,200 Nova Scotians live with Parkinson’s.   I’ve reached out to our provincial leaders to ask for one simple thing: – a willingness to share our journey with   Parkinson Society. We have no vested interest as a non-profit  society. This isn’t about frustration—it’s about concern. Navigating Parkinson’s is hard enough. Navigating support shouldn’t be. It’s time for leadership to step up and work together—for the thousands of Nova Scotians impacted by Parkinson’s who deserve a clear, accessible, and united support system.   #ParkinsonsNS #ParkinsonsSupport #NovaScotiaHealth #CommunityMatters Jack Waller Email: parkinsonsocietynovascotia@gmail.com

Uncomfortable ride

Halifax Regional Municipality has recently shown its commitment to ‘go green’ by placing into service a total of sixty electric buses to augment its current fleet of diesel buses, and they are to be congratulated for doing so. The buses are attractive looking, are quiet and exhaust-free, and appear to have superior acceleration. But it seems not much thought was given to their internal appointment. Although the days of spongy seat cushions are long gone, at least the more recent deliveries of buses over the last few years have a decent mixture of blue plastic seats and others covered with blue patterned material or moquette making them reasonably attractive and inviting as well as being comfortable to sit on.   The newly delivered electric buses have what can only be described as spartan seating comprising a grey plastic panel screwed into the blue moulded plastic seat, with no hint of fabric anywhere; they are completely uninspiring and not particularly comfortable or attractive, quite obviously the cheapest option available. It’s probably just as well the farthest one can travel on one of these vehicles is likely to Tantallon on route 330; I would think to go much further would make for a stiff and uncomfortable journey, to say the least. David Careless

Houston out of touch

Premier Tim Houston is again confining Nova Scotians in cities and towns, restricting access to the vast majority of our forested lands, which cover more than 75% of Nova Scotia. The latest urban interment — forcing Nova Scotians to stay in cities and towns under threat of a $25,000 fine — is extreme and follows a previous woods ban in 2023, among others past restrictions. Yes, fire risk is high. But the overwhelming majority of Nova Scotians have long lived with fire risk and managed to use the woods responsibly during dry spells. This is little different. Ask yourself: Are we now going to live every summer banning access to the woods? Or we will get smarter, and better, at using the woods safely in a warming world? Yes this means strict rules around managing fire during dry spells. But detaining Nova Scotians in cities and towns is a step too far. While Houston lets affluent cottagers — like some of his Tory colleagues who enjoy summer vacations at waterfront retreats — he forbids the less affluent from enjoying the same. While he permits some industries like mining and forestry to work on, he forbids outfitters — the most careful about fire among us — from doing business in the woods. Why Houston is so quick to impose internment on Nova Scotians is a mystery. What is not a mystery is that these measures — billed as necessary for the greater good — are an abuse of power. Travel restrictions on Nova Scotians can never be justified outside emergencies like an active fire. Otherwise, we need to manage risk through education and cooperation, and being fire smart. What makes Houston’s penchant for control all the more hard to digest? Few regions in Canada or the world, including much drier areas, turn to these extraordinary controls. But Houston seems to love telling people what to do — even if it means trespassing on basic rights — and hates independent oversight. That much is clear. Nova Scotians need to push back. Houston has gone too far — yet again. Kip Keen

Wrong message being served

I find it unbelievable that Halifax would host a tennis tournament against Israel. The Israeli tennis players have served or are serving in the IDF and are wholly responsible for the genocidal action of their government in the war against Gaza. This makes Canada a contributor, and the Canadian players complicent with genocide. Shame on the lot of you! Frank Martens Summerland, BC

A bridge over troubled waters

Thank you Mr. Mayor for taking a firm stand on this issue! Turning Morris St into a one way to facilitate more bike lanes would have been a traffic disaster!!! Now, if you could begin working on getting all those massive 18 wheelers re-directed away from Lower Water St (from the Port) that would be excellent! Decades ago when the rail lines were torn up, (the main reason the trucks now route along Lr Water St which is the busiest pedestrian St in HRM), the plan was to replace it with a trucking (and possibly busing) route to allow for the free flow of goods from the port and buses to downtown. Obviously this was never done and it would appear that big money interests living in the South end ran interference for that project. This city “needs” that truck route, and desperately needs a bridge across the Northwest Arm! Please consider extending either Coburg Rd (the best option) or (as a second option) Jubilee Rd across the Northwest Arm via bridge! This has also been talked almost 50 yrs. These problems need fixing if the Peninsula is to remain viable. Otherwise, complete gridlock is the future! Harold A Pelham Halifax NS

Canada is not doing enough

Canada on Israel’s Destruction of Gaza and its People: Bold Words – Zero Action Prime Minister Carney has expressed his displeasure with Israel’s ongoing campaign of slaughter, starvation and destruction in Gaza and the West Bank. Unfortunately, he has chosen to mimic his predecessors and avoid taking serious action against the Israeli state and its Canadian enablers. Unlike the Hague Group of 20 nations who announced, “…the denial of arms to Israel, a ban on ships transporting such arms and a review of public contracts for possible links to companies that benefit from the Israeli occupation,” Canada offers only words. I wrote an unanswered letter to Mr. Carney and posed the following questions: Why do you offer nothing but platitudes as Israeli destroys the Palestinian people and seizes their property? Are you afraid of baseless but damaging accusations of antisemitism? Are you under pressure from Canadians profiting from Israeli trade? Perhaps you fear American retaliation? I write now while it remains legal to criticize Canada’s conduct regarding the activities of the Israeli state. Recent American developments justify my concerns about state repression of free speech. Unless Canada opposes Israel’s violent campaign to re-organize the Middle East, the world will eventually consider Canada complicit through indifference and our reputation will be forever tarnished. Morgan Duchesney Baddeck

Stronger deterrent needed

I read with interest that the fine for disobeying a police officer is $250.00 plus tax. That is absurd!!! The fine must be increased to $1000.00 at a minimum. At $250 it is easy to disobey – raise the rate immediately. Oscar S Straus III

Strong or weak position?

The recent discussions about the granting of strong-mayor powers to Halifax mayor Andy Fillmore are very concerning. Mr. Fillmore has said in several interview that he is an honourable man, and that the citizens of the city could trust him with such powers. The disingenuous nature of his characterization of many aspects of the current system and his position in it belies this. Here are a few examples: Mr. Fillmore says that local councillors are elected to take care of issues in their ridings, not those of the whole city. In fact, all councillors were elected to positions in the context of the current structure in which they are being tasked with both upholding the interests of their ridings, and participating actively in issues that affect the whole city. Mr. Fillmore says that he works for the city’s Chief Administrative Officer. This is simply not true. Mr. Fillmore says that he was elected to hold taxes to a 0% increase. That was one commitment of many, not the only one. He cannot blame the city council structure or the councillors for a promise made without adequate research, and without the detail of what cuts would have to be made to hold taxes in the time of rising costs. Our governing structures are built on systems of checks and balances. The current provincial government has blocked and overridden many of the checks and balances. They refuse to pass legislation (e.g. Coastal Protection Act). They do not release information in reports commissioned by them if they do not agree with findings (e.g. Environmental Racism Report and the Tenancy Enforcement report). One could go on. We do not want to see a furthering of this blatant disregard for the fundamentals of our democratic system. Yes, the mayor was elected, but in the context of a specific structure, and along with a full slate of councillors. Yes, Mr. Houston was elected, but over 45% of Nova Scotians did not vote for him, including most of those in the Halifax area. It is not appropriate for the provincial government to be interfering in this way. Catherine Stewart

Dismissal warranted

Dismissal! Those armed forces people who were members of that objectionable web site preaching discrimination, is so objectionable on so many levels, they all should be dismissed. No questions…no explanation! These are the people chosen to keep us safe. How can they do it when they believe they are better than everyone? The Command says they will investigate. No ! Fire them. I don’t want those people saying one thing and believing another! The high command has to have some testicles. What do you think will happen to them? Slap on the wrist, don’t do it again is the typical response from the Command. I hope our response is more aggressive. But it probably won’t. Greg MacDonald

No to uranium mining

I urge Premier Tim Houston to please stop the unwise plans for upcoming uranium mining and production in Nova Scotia. Besides the significant dangers to locals during the mining process, the incomprehensibly long-lasting lethal compounds created during the manufacturing and enrichment processes put many dozens of future generations of Nova Scotians at risk as well. Although I have absolutely no objections to ethical mining in our province, along with many citizens of Nova Scotia, I call very strongly for a return to the previous long-standing moratorium on uranium mining. Denis Lafontaine Halifax

Happy with the Monarchy

Response to Morgan Duchesney, Ottawa and Baddeck, Saturday, May 31, 2025: Canada is not deterring to an unaccountable power by maintaining our ties to the monarchy! Quite the opposite, the monarchy is symbolic of our sovereignty mainly because it’s role is merely ceremonial! In other words, we do not have to worry about the whims and tantrums of a powerful, but ignorant and vengeful would-be dictator! King Charles did as he was told! As for the costs of maintaining the monarchy, it is far less than it would be if we were a republic having a president with Trump’s needs. King Charles, and others in the monarchy, have indeed expressed strong opinions about civilian massacres and other global atrocities, but he himself has no power to act. That is left to the governments in his Dominions – unlike Trump, who is usurping the power of his country’s constitution and making a mess of world affairs. I am not offended by King Charles III, and, indeed, proud and pleased that Canada is still a Parliamentary Monarchy. I believe those who feel like me far outweigh the views of anti monarchists. Barry Kanasewich

Canadians first

The RCMP preface their update on the tragic disappearance of two children with acknowledgements to our First Nation and African-Canadian communities. To do so at such an occasion is poor judgment. Also, while land acknowledgements to the First Nation reflect an ancient tradition of their communities recognizing when they visit neighbouring lands, why in the world do we now emphasize one racial community? Where does this end? Should we be acknowledging the tragic dispossession of Acadian lands in the forced deportation of those first European settlers? What about the Scottish settlers who came as refugees after they were evicted from their homes in Scotland? We need to move away from these efforts to divide us into special categories, efforts which are particularly divisive when emphasized in our schools. We are all Canadians. Joe O’Brien Halifax

Focus on the right people

My heart goes out to the families of victims when they open your pages and see photos of criminals and alleged criminals who took the lives of loved ones smiling at them. It happened when we saw the first photo of the NS mass-shooter in your pages. This weekend we mark the fifth anniversary of that tragedy and you displayed once again a so-called file photo of an alleged criminal. William Gordon

NDP Political Correctness

I have noted that John DeMont’s April 23rd article, ‘Leader’s travels can tell the campaign narrative‘ makes reference to federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s predecessor as Alexa McDonough. Singh’s immediate predecessor was Thomas Mulcair, and the late Jack Layton was in between McDonough and Mulcair. Colin J. Dennis

Setting the record straight

I wish to take issue with a letter to the editor in the Friday, April 4 Chronicle Herald written by Peter Fillmore of Halifax. It is his contention that Ukraine should give up it’s claim to Crimea and forgo NATO membership to facilitate an end to the current war with Russia. Mr. Fillmore is wrong on several points of history, geography, and politics. True, Crimea was seized by Catherine (a Russian ruler) from the Crimean Tatars (who were later deported by Stalin), but it was given to Ukraine in gratitude for their part in the victory of WWII by Nikita Khrushchev. It never was Russian! If one looks at a map,it is not even close to Russia! As far as Donbas, the so called “independence” was declared by the little green men (Russian soldiers in disguise) and not Ukrainian citizens! Ask who was it that shot down the Malaysia Airlines flight 17 and then say who was shelling who? As far as being a federation, don’t mix in somebody else’s politics. Ukrainians will decide how they want to be governed! Demilitarized? Are you joking? Would you ever trust Russia again? I think not! NATO is an iron clad guarantee, and the only one feasible. Please stop spinning Trump/Putin’s line! Barry Kanasewich

To carbon tax or not to carbon tax?

Re: Mark Carney and the Consumer Fuel Charge Congratulations are in order to Mr. Carney—may he do well. But while the general thrust of his fiscal policies and anti-Trump stance are very much on the right track, he is about to make one serious misstep: cancelling Canada’s world-leading revenue-neutral consumer fuel charge, colloquially known as ‘the carbon tax’. As I have argued in my recent book, “The Carbon Tax Question“, Canada’s consumer carbon tax is in fact, a template for the world. It’s based on the internationally-celebrated revenue-neutral carbon tax that ran in BC between 2008 and 2013, delivering both the economic growth that Mr. Carney seeks to promote while at the same time reducing our climate-changing emissions by 19% relative to the rest of Canada. BC’s success was rooted in lowered personal, corporate and small-business taxes, all funded by carbon tax revenue. Why then is the tax so “divisive” in Nova Scotia and indeed, nationally, to use Mr. Carney’s word? It’s because governments federal and provincial failed to communicate regularly to citizens the brilliance of returning every carbon tax dollar received back to them, while, in BC at least, keeping their income taxes lower, thereby encouraging positive behavioural change. Mr. Carney could use his new hammer as PM to drive two nails that he’s keen to pursue: lowered middle-class income tax—funded via a retained consumer fuel charge—and reduced personal emissions, thanks to behavioural shifts. We did it in BC. He could do it in Canada. In my book, that door remains open. Thomas F. Pedersen Saanichton, BC

Trump’s pixie dust

Tariffs brought into play by President Donald Trump are beginning to have an unexpected backlash and United States citizens seem to be unimpressed with his way of conducting business with Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Who knew he could be so dumb as to try to pull this unnecessary tariff war and become successful in the free world? This morning Mr. Trump is already talking lesser tariffs and backpaddling on his rigorous policies he was demanding a few days ago. Eventually he will become aware through his own people that he will have to change his techniques in order to become more fashionable with the American populace. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance are not gaining or influencing many of their countrymen nor any other countries except Mr. Putin’s regime. Today finds that Donald Trump’s key members have concluded to compromise their policies that could happen as early as Wednesday but an announcement on the tariffs will be announced possibly this afternoon. It is unknown what tariff categories will be exempted. Can Donald Trump endure with this pixie dust doctrine? Hardly. Ronald Yaschuk Quispamsis

Houston pretending to be Trump

Premier Houston This is Canada Not the USA This is the Province of Nova Scotia Not the 51st State You are a Premier Not a President Your name is Tim Not Trump So quit pretending….EH? Donna MacKay a member and constituent of the Special Interest Group

Trump being taken too lightly

I would like to know why the media is not putting a more serious spin on the threats of Donald Trump. He has said publicly that perhaps he should annex Canada and make us the 51st state. Canadians have said no way but if that is our only reply to these threats it will not save us. Now that there is an up and coming dictatorship to our south our government and our people should start thinking about standing up to and not bowing down and kissing the ring of a convicted felon. Talking and diplomacy did nothing to stop Hitler. Sherry Lucas Middle Sackville

Houston has vision

Tom Urbaniuk contends that Premier Houston’s full page article on our province’s future should have been paid by the Progressive Conservative Party. He may be right; however, it is refreshing to see evidence of leadership and we are fortunate to have a Premier with vision, unafraid to tackle the special minority interests which usually dominate media attention and hold back Nova Scotia. We need to recognize that our invaluable social programmes can only be sustained if our economy is strong and growing. Joe O’Brien Halifax

Time to revisit Canada Saving Bonds

Perhaps it is time to bring back Canada Savings Bonds (and provincial bonds) or some version of them?! This could be a win-win. Consider why Canada Savings Bonds were created in the first place: Also called Victory Bonds, Canada Savings Bonds were originally launched in 1946 and were used to fund the economic growth of our country in the years following World War II. They were a guaranteed investment as the full value of the bond was guaranteed by the government, as was any interest it earned. This could allow Canadians to invest in Canada at this critical time; bolstering Canada’s resources for growth, infrastructure, jobs, etc., while so many are eager to buy Canadian and the growing sense of patriotism across Canada. This could also allow Canadians to participate in its growth, with guaranteed returns! All the while knowing they are part of the Canadian evolution, our economy, growth and a strong future! The alternative to Canada Savings Bonds are GICs, sold at financial institutions – this benefits the financial institutions. Canada Savings Bonds today, in 2025, could do exactly what they did back in 1946. Wendy Sentner

Two sides to the story

I don’t believe that the trivial amount of illegal drugs and illegal immigrants transiting the Canadian Border can in anyway be justification for the imposition of astronomical US tariffs on Canadian goods. There are two sides to every border….on the Canadian side our CBSA services…on the US side their respective border officers. If the Canadians are letting trivial amounts through why are the Americans failing miserably at stopping them entering their side of the border? A review of the US Southern Border with Mexico might shed some light on there inability to stem the flood. I believe the whole tariff imposition is based on the wish to finance President Trumps intention of imposing extreme taxes on the general populace of the United States and give greater tax concessions to the American super rich. The tariffs on imported Canadian goods will be paid by the everyday American citizen in the form of increased costs…while all the time blaming Canadians for these costs (virtually a hidden tax on the everyday citizen). I believe that Canada should immediately impose punitive export tariffs on all forms of energy. As compensation for these tariffs on the Oil and Energy sectors, lets say 25% tariff should be given directly to the energy corporation, in the form of a direct tax credit for every unit of energy sold at the 25% tariff; thus compensating the energy corporation for the deduction in sales… i.e giving them a 25% increase in the unit price of every unit of energy sold. Additionally this 25% unit of energy should be tax exempt. Thus providing sufficient compensation for any reduction in sales. This would impose a direct punitive charge to the Americans and at the same time providing compensation to the energy company paid by the increased cost to the American purchaser. There is a good reason the oil was only impacted by 10%. It’s time to stand :- “TRUE NORTH STRONG AND FREE“ Prime Minister Trudeau has made a good start but it’s not enough. Stewart Baker Hantsport

Artificial Intelligence and Traffic

May I suggest that one very significant contributor to traffic congestion in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth could be mitigated by the intelligent use of Artificial Intelligence. I am referring to the common situation wherein there may be heavy traffic in the north-south lanes of intersections with traffic lights, while there is little or no traffic in the east-west lanes. When the light turns red for the heavily-used north-south lanes, traffic has to stop, even though there is little or no traffic using the east-west lanes. This contributes to congestion, because fewer vehicles make it through the intersection for every light cycle, than is otherwise possible. Presently most traffic lights use pre-set timers, that ensure the “green times” for north-south and east-west lanes are unchanged all day long, regardless of the traffic volumes. I understand that the length of the green time for the busier thoroughfares might be set longer than for the lightly-used side streets, but in most cases, the lengths of the green intervals do not change during the day. So, there are many places around HRM where busy traffic sits idle at traffic lights, while the side streets remain empty or nearly so. I suggest that we use video cameras to constantly observe the traffic at light-controlled intersections. The video camera feeds would then be used by an AI program in a remote, centrally located computer, to adjust the lengths of the green (and red) light times in real time, making changes to the green time length for every cycle if necessary. If there is no traffic at all on the side streets, the AI program would allow traffic on the main thoroughfares to continue without stopping at all. When there is light traffic coming from side streets, the system would set a short green time to allow it to proceed. With some experience the system could be tuned to optimize traffic flow across HRM. I also suggest, that if this idea is adopted, that it should be implemented at a single intersection first. John Wonnacott

Voting Disparity

BILL BLACK: Losers in sports and politics often want to change the rules of the game. – Chronicle Herald December 14, 2024 The reality is that winners in politics often want to keep the rules that got them elected. “Losers” only want a level playing field, which our present electoral system first past the denies them. Case in point – the Nova Scotia Conservative party got 78% of the seats with 53% of the vote. The Liberals got 4% of the seats with 22% of the vote. Another way of looking at it is the Conservatives only needed 4, 360 votes to win a seat. The Liberals needed 40, 570 votes to win a seat. Is this how democracy is supposed to work? Why would voters go to the polls knowing that 10s of 1000s of their votes are wasted. With proportional representation, over 90% of votes go towards electing someone. Compared to proportional representation, under first past the post, about 50% of votes are wasted. No wonder less than 50% of eligible voters turned out. Mr. Black has all kinds of reasons to not adopt a fair electoral system. A few have a smidgen of truth to them. The rest are just rationalizations, misinformation, perhaps disinformation which parties in power use to maintain their grip on power, all the while talking about governing for the people. Daryl Sturdy

Christmas Tradition

Dear Haligonians: It’s that time of year again when the search for the most perfect Christmas tree for Boston begins. Many Nova Scotians canvas their properties to photograph the trees they want to submit for consideration. This little tree; this token of appreciation, has grown into an international festival of friendship. In three weeks the best tree will be chosen and Lands and Forest will do their magic and prepare the freshly cut tree for transport. Many gather to watch this sacred tradition, and some board buses to be present at the tree lighting ceremony in Boston. As entertaining as all this is, we can’t forget the reason behind this tradition….The Halifax Explosion. Back in 2017, the East Hants Writers’ Group challenged each other to write a story about the Halifax Explosion to commemorate it’s 100th anniversary. We compiled them in an anthology, The Coldest December. The following year, I printed my story as a novelette for family and friends. Seven years later, I came across the few I had left and took them to market. In May 2024, I was selling my children’s books at an event, and off to the side, rather unassumingly were a few copies of my little book, initially called FOREVER GREEN. A friend, and fellow writer read it and suggested I promote the tree for Boston on my covers seeing as it was a pivotal part of my story. I struggled with the idea at first because the tree was my surprise ending. But after considering the changes I made the edits and am very pleased with the results. I have recently relaunched, or perhaps officially published my book, A Tree For Boston, Forever Green, and am proud to announce my little love story to Halifax and Boston will be available on Amazon by November 6, 2024. Every year I look forward to learning who will be the chosen contributor. Best of luck to all who enter and know Nova Scotians everywhere will watch with pride as our tree, our gift will be lit on the Boston Commons. Barb Moxsom

No Journalistic Integrity

To Chronicle Herald Editor: I know you won’t print this. I just want to let you know how disgusted I am with you and to let you know what I’m saying on social media, along with many others. I realize PostMedia, which recently purchased the Chronicle Herald, has a right-facing editorial perspective. There’s nothing wrong with that. A healthy mix of opinions is necessary in a democracy, even when we don’t agree with them. Yet to print a political hit piece for the government of Alberta filled with lies and misrepresentations as if it were a front page news story with the paper’s banner has no journalistic integrity. There is an alternative for local news, the Halifax Examiner. National and International news can be found in other papers across Canada such as The Globe and Mail. I see no reason to buy your paper as it is no longer journalism. David Wimsett

Another explanation?

The story of the Orange shirt. The Orange shirt represents how children were treated at residential schools. Phyllis Webstad related how she was traumatized, as a six year old, on her first day at residential school. The staff cut her hair, took her clothes away and bathed her. They took her new Orange shirt that her grandmother had bought for her. The Orange shirt represents how no-one cared, how feelings were hurt and the feelings of worthlessness. I respect Phyllis Webstad’s trauma as no one told this young child why this was being done to her and the other children. All residential schools did this for health reasons. The children were being deloused for Head Lice. Lisa Fuller

More thought needed

Your front page yesterday described the Longshoremen’s disruption in Halifax. The “Information Picket” as it was called by the President of the ILA was in my opinion foolish and not thought out. The action was to protest use of “foreign workers” because cruise ships tendering passengers into Halifax use their own crew to tie up at the shoreline. Piper was concerned this ultimately could lead to loss of jobs. I have been on over 30 cruises and everywhere I have traveled, the ship’s crew is on the shore to tie up tenders and to assist passengers, but longshoremen are used when a ship ties up at a pier. Tendering is a full day activity and not simply a one and done situation. It would mean paying folks to be in attendance for hours and hours. The cost would become significant. Piper noted that the cruise buses were having problems, but said, “that’s not our concern.” I have rarely heard a more naïve or foolish statement. I was guiding for one of the cruise lines not involved in the ILA situation. It took me over 1 ½ hours to get to work, when it normally takes 20-25 mins. Further, I had led over 100 people to Peggy’s Cove. Each 1 hour trip took 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours. We had to cancel a portion of a trip and issue refunds. My visitors were furious, noting children on the picket line, and at least ten said they would never come to Halifax again. How many jobs would it cost the local longshoremen if ships stopped coming here? The action yesterday was short-sighted with no thought given to long range implications. Will Princess Lines continue to come here if they have to deal with this situation? Will other cruise lines continue to sell tours in Halifax if their passengers complain and they must give refunds? How will cancelled tours affect the Halifax economy? I am not anti-union, but this was an action a union should have thought about before it began. The ILA went a long way toward creating ill-will for itself. George Mencher

Protecting our forests

Re: Perspectives July 25th…Do what you Love to protect old forests. Nina Newington presents valid and credible arguments for the protection of the Goldsmith Lake Wilderness Area, Annapolis County. She reminds us that the government has committed to protecting 15% of the province by March 2026 in their Protected Areas Strategy. It is obvious to the reader that this gem of old forests, pristine lakes and documented Species At Risk is a prime candidate for conservation. The Citizen Scientists of South West Nova Scotia have done their job now it is time for the Houston government to step up and get Goldsmith Lake protected. Geraldine Kenny Parkers Cove, NS

Accountability needed

Dear Editor, The Nova Scotia Liberal Association executive members needs to be held to account. How, on any level, does the Association justify it’s complete obstruction of the Auditor General’s efforts to look into the misuse of public money by it’s former, long-time director? How can the Association and it’s top brass justify using Non-Disclosure Agreements to protect an individual who misused, according to the AG’s report, at least $ 131,795 from the Association, and by extension the taxpayers of Nova Scotia. This is public money. The use of NDA’s in instances like this should be banned right across the board by all political parties, as it is clearly a mechanism that allows misconduct to be hidden from the very people that these associations are supposed to be accountable to-the public, and the Auditor General. What is all the more shocking, is that after the misconduct was discovered, the employee moved on to another publicly funded organization, and the Liberal Party Association gave her a reference without ever mentioning her misappropriation of funds. We can call it many things-misconduct, misappropriation, improper use of funds-but the Liberal Association of Nova Scotia and it’s top members must surely have recognized it as the potential crime of fraud. Taking money that is not yours is theft. Using deception to take money that is not yours is Fraud. I am not a lawyer, but there were certainly members of the Liberal Party Association during the time that this was known to be happening who are lawyers, who ought to have seen this potential criminal offence. Politicians and lawyers often bemoan that they don’t deserve the sometimes-maligned sentiments of being self-serving or dishonest, that there respective professions can be subject to. Instances like this current scandal, and the actions of those involved certainly swing the pendulum of that view in a predictable direction. Jeremy N Pike Williamswood

Halifax history lesson

Gail Lethbridge….enjoy your columns. Well presented…. however, you made a mistake recently We did have a female Mayor… she was Moira Ducharme 1991-1994. Joan Malay

Time for a change

How long is too long before Canada and the Liberals distance themselves from John Chretien era cohorts whose efforts are to weaken the Indigenous rights and declarations before it does them in? The observation of cracks are beginning to emerge by some backbenchers who are disgruntled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s inadequate leadership. John Manley, who was the Liberal foreign minister, says that Canada is no longer “useful in world affairs: and has lost its bearings.” Finally, some tangible insight from a party insider who has the courage to speak out and expose the veiled truth. What prohibited him holding back this information for so long? Even the loyal sheep can only tolerate so much before devotion fades. Liberals are beginning to realize they have been backing the wrong horse and it’s time for a change. The backroom individuals are busy organizing a leadership shakeup soon and you can take that to the bank. JT believed world leaders would adore him for his leadership qualities, but his international tour to score a seat in the UN never happened and he didn’t win any accolades for friends nor did Canada. Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government are irrelevant on the world stage. Other countries are aware of that fact and Canada has not been invited to their gatherings because we are not worthy of their trust. A change in government is required so don’t sit on your laurels – do something about it. There is a viable option to make a change and Pierre Poilievre is that option. The PC leader certainly couldn’t be any worse. Ronald J Yaschuk Quispamsis

Missing the point

In James Deaville’s essay “Charlie Brown, Frosty and other ‘anti-heroes’ of TV specials”, the professor misses the point of the stories he criticizes. Charlie Brown rejects the commercialism of Christmas and is ridiculed for picking a tiny tree. Yet, the other children recognize their own shallowness and embrace the little tree and Charlie to express a theme—those who are rejected can have the most to contribute and community is more important than commerce. Frosty the Snowman doesn’t melt. He’s taken to the North Pole where he survives to return next Christmas. Here, themes of friendship and hope are expressed, along with patience. George Bailey thinks he has to make money at the beginning of It’s a Wonderful Life. When he fails, sabotaged by the evil banker Mr. Potter, he wishes he was never born. After an angel shows him what the world would be like if he were not in it, he comes to realize true riches are in family and friends. The anti-hero is one who twists and perverts society for personal gain, sometimes for selfish reasons and other times for what they justify as necessary. Examples are Harry Flashman in the Flashman series and Walter White in Breaking Bad. Charlie, Frosty and George don’t fit this category. Mr. Deaville also seems to miss the meaning of renewal, giving and caring for others celebrated this time of year by people in many traditions, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Native Americans and others. The days reach their darkest, then renew themselves. Professor Deaville expresses a cynical perspective of defeat and despair. Cynicism breeds defeat and amplifies the negative to obliterate the positive. Vision opens our minds and inner humanity to possibilities. I invite James Deaville to step back, take a deep breath and reexamine what he calls anti-heroes. David A. Wimsett (**Editor’s Note**) David A. Wimsett’s award-winning novels seek solutions for adversities.

Where’s the Justice?

Rapist graduating. ******* ******(Young offender name withheld), was convicted of sexually assaulting a student ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. Hants North Rural High has done nothing to protect students or help the victims, but he was officially convicted in the YCJ court, and he gets to graduate and one victim doesn’t get to. Kay H

Saving Face

Justin Trudeau has been fatally wounded by his watered-down carbon tax as his neurotic caucus scurries around struggling to save face but alas, Canadians have served notice that it is too late and band aids won’t cut it. Grumbling by specific individuals are beginning to surface from Liberal MPs on whether Justin Trudeau should contemplate that it’s time to go as tell-tale signs indicate the love-in is over. Newfoundland Liberal Premier Andrew Furey has spoken out in response to the carbon tax proposed by JT’s federal party and disagrees with it absolutely. Liberal Minister Gudie Hutchings suggests the west should elect more Liberals to influence Carbon Tax policies like Atlantic Canada. Ms. Hutchings is not on the same page as the PM who has recanted his decision and reduced the carbon tax. It’s all about politics and vote pandering which isn’t faring well with informed Canadian citizens and the PM is feeling the wrath of of his unpopular decision. Surely, we all can’t be wrong. Ronald J Yaschuk

USA Mortgage System More Helpful?

I am a dual citizen of Canada and the US, love living in Nova Scotia, and I hate comparing our country to the US…except for this. In the US homeowners can get mortgages fixed for 25 to 30 years. For a lot of obvious reasons, that’s a very helpful thing. In Canada that structure is unheard of. One is lucky to lock in for five years. That may not have been an issue when rates were low, but it is causing unnecessary hardship for homeowners as the Bank of Canada raises rates to tame inflation. I get the need for that, but there should be a moratorium on raising mortgage rates at the same time because mortgage interest is not the problem. Sharon Kozicki, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada pointed out in a speech she gave at the University of Regina on September 19th, that mortgage interest costs have very little impact on inflation, in fact, by a mere one quarter of a percentage point. So, if mortgage interest isn’t the problem, why raise those rates along with other rates? Homeowners will be or already are facing a crisis as their mortgage triples or doubles. I’ve heard of people considering selling their homes or taking on boarders, or draining their RRSP to pay down the mortgage. There is something fundamentally wrong with this scenario. Bill Garvey

Liberal Government Hypocrisy?

Minister Fraser plays Jekyll and Hyde. Former Immigration Minister and newly minted Housing Minister Sean Fraser has been scathing in his critiques of the mismanagement of the International Student Program mulling over the need to cap the number of students permitted to enter Canada to study. His concern arises from complaints that after students are being allowed in the Country they have no place to live. “Unacceptable” says Minister Fraser…how could this have happened? What defies logic is Mr. Fraser’s short term memory. The Liberal Government and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration are responsible. The decision to bring in more students rested solely with the Minister himself. Official data shows Active Visas in Canada reached over 800,000 in 2022, triple the number in 2012 of 275,000. Mr. Fraser seems to forget he was the Minister of Immigration who allowed this increase. As a citizen of his Constituency, living in Antigonish, NS, home to St. F. X. University, I have seen the struggle faced by students and other residents seeking affordable housing in our Town. Mr. Fraser contributed to this failed, ill thought out Liberal Policy. Someone needs to track down the Honourable Minister who ran the program and point out the obvious inconsistency and hypocrisy in his words and deeds. Mr. Fraser’s parting words at the end of the Liberal First Minister’s Meeting in PEI was “A plan of some sort could be coming shortly.” If these words were spoken to bolster confidence in the Liberal Government then Mr. Fraser has missed the mark again. Pay attention to his words, “A Plan of some sort” and “could” indicates they do not have a plan. Alena Wilgenhof President, Central Nova CPC

Elder Abuse

On Elder Abuse. Maybe it’s just me, and I truly hope it is, but recently I have noticed a change in the way people treat me. I’m not talking about all the people opening doors and offering chairs, it’s the attitude that some people assume that they are dealing with weaker beings subject to their demands. I just turned eighty years old and am looking a little worse for the wear, but when I first look in the mirror in the morning I still expect to see the vital young man I once was. I have lived my life abiding to a credo, something John Wayne said in an old movie called “The Shootist” “I am polite and show respect to everyone I meet and I require the same from them”. This has always worked well for me in he past but my current stature does not project that there would be any meaningful consequences for anyone who decides to be rude, disrespectful or bully me. So there is my dilemma. I, like many others like me are, surprisingly, still capable of both verbally and physically defending ourselves from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune but the bullies of the world don’t seem to understand this. Feeling they have cut a weak one out of the herd they press issues best left alone. The problem is that the threats, often physical, from the bullies are most often delivered in environments where there is no opportunity for recourse for the victims. A store, a law office or god forbid a nursing home is not a place, like out behind the gymnasium, to rectify these situations. So I guess my new credo will have to be “Take it and suck it up. It won’t be lasting much longer.” Garry Leeson

Fitting justice

Let’s not forget… On the night of July 26, 2022, somebody snuck into the Public Gardens (a Victorian arboretum that calms the rapid pulse of Halifax, our capital city) and girdled 33 trees, some of which were 200 years old. Amongst us – in this community of 431,000 (and counting) – someone knows the identity of the axe-wielder! Wouldn’t it be grand to put a name to this tree killer and publish his whereabouts? (I’m assuming that only a guy would do such a thing). Then, we could all sit back and let Nature take its course. Heh heh! Imagine! The loss of his job, his discomfort walking down Spring Garden Road (the lovely street that runs along the even lovelier Gardens) as citizens alternately hound and shun him, persona non grata at all the local restaurants and watering holes, and – my favourite – a ton of fresh horse pucky from the nearby Bengal Lancers’ stables dumped upon his front lawn, every anniversary thereafter. Or better yet, piled waist-deep just outside the door of his apartment. It would take – I’m guessing – 200 wheelbarrows to accomplish this task; done at the midnight hour, of course, but all of us being super quiet (having oiled the wheel of our wheelbarrow beforehand) and grinning all the while. Then, when he opened his door the next morning to plunge into his day, cell phone to his ear, a determined frown on his face, he would be stopped short by our collective displeasure. An idle fantasy? Well, must run – I’m off to find that can of 3-in-1 oil I’ve misplaced once again. John Ure

Something missing

There is one important thing missing from Bruce MacKinnon’s cartoon in Saturday’s paper, which showed a car crashing into a wall labelled Carbon Tax . If Premier Houston was shown at the wheel, that would have been a more accurate depiction of how Nova Scotia ended up in this situation. Andrea Arbic

Canada burning while government fiddles?

I’m a senior retired Airforce veteran. I’m bewildered as to Canada having so many forest fires in the last 10 years that we still hire other countries to supply water bombers that WE BUILD in Canada. I think it would be a wise and cost- effective investment for Canada to have two squadrons of 6 aircraft each stationed in eastern and western Canada. It’s imperative that a forest fire is extinguished quickly before it spreads. The water bomber of choice is the Canadair CL415. These aircraft could have a multi role capability such as fire- fighting – coastal patrol – coast guard and search & rescue. I send this message as a seed for getting something done that Canada desperately needs. I would like your thoughts on this idea. I’m sending you this message in hope that you would produce an article that would interest your readers and that they in turn would talk to their MP’s. This in turn could help all Canadians by helping us get us some cost effective forest fighting ability for all provinces by the federal government. For your consideration. Maurice Palahicky

Use your head

Re: Nova Scotia Wildfires It’s important that the people who caused this fire are caught and severely punished. Not only homeowners and their pets, but the needless suffering to wildlife and the forest never needed to happen if humans had obeyed the no-burn rules, which-by the way-are there for a purpose, and just used their heads in this climate and these circumstances. Even on Sunday, firefighters found someone else with a campfire, and in the same general area. Janet Hudgins

RCMP grieves with you

As a retired public servant who worked 9 years with the RCMP and also had a brother who served as a member of the RCMP for 32 years, I think it is safe to say I take criticism of the RCMP rather personally. In the unspeakable tragedy which unfolded in Nova Scotia in April 2020, there were many questions raised regarding the handling of the events and the efforts to stop the shooter. I’m not writing to go over all of this. Much has been said already. There are no words which can describe the loss of 22 lives and the anguish and pain the victims’ families have endured. What I’d like to remind everyone is that one of the RCMP’s own also lost her life. Her family, co-workers and friends are also dealing with anguish and pain. I want to draw your attention to those members who were at the scenes, witnessing first hand the aftermath of those despicable, senseless acts. I want to mention that all of their lives have been touched also by the tragedy and moving forward, they have to live with those images forever. There is no getting away from this. I most especially remind you that two members of the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team ended the rampage by taking down the shooter and absolutely prevented what most certainly would have been more killings. These brave members could very likely have been killed themselves but for their quick actions. These two men are heroes and I believe we the public owe them our gratitude. And because they have to live with the actions they were forced to carry out against a dangerous monster, a memory for them never to be erased, our compassion. Kerry Miller

Asking the Universe

Another small business is closing in Bedford, Nova Scotia. The beautiful spa, Mudwraps to Manicures is forced to close after being in business for 25 years, shocking and saddening all her clients, staff, friends and family. The owner, Lisa Belanger stated that her rent is being raised again, and so she is just running the business to cover expenses and nothing else. Everyone who knows Lisa knows that she is always there when you need help. So now she needs our help to stay open. I have thought about how to help – first I thought a ‘Go Fund Me Page‘, but that is just a short term help. My only idea I have come up with is for a wealthy benefactor to buy the property she is in and gift it to her. If someone has a better idea please feel free to put it out there. This is just my idea that I am putting out there to the universe. Name Withheld by Request

Outlier wants out

Does Nova Scotia prefer intra-provincial regional inclusivity, or neo-colonialism? Kings North MLA John Lohrs, the Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs justifies provincial municipal fiscal assistance based on proximity to HRM and calls Cape Breton Regional Municipality an ‘outlier’. Does John Lohrs, his constituents and Nova Scotia believe in ‘Inclusivity’ for all its regions and people? Well, it’s Easter Monday and it seems the government of Nova Scotia has been busy crucifying CBRM! Given Lohrs biased logic and misfeasance, further argument can be made for Cape Breton Island to partition from Nova Scotia, because Halifax and the rest of mainland Nova Scotia are economic and political “outliers” from Cape Breton Island. Let’s end the neo-colonial governance of Cape Breton Island. Christopher Macneill

Province of Cape Breton Island?

Cape Breton Island: “Nova Scotia’s Colony” If Canadian Harperian Conservative logic holds that Quebec is a distinct socio-economic and cultural nation within a nation, then ideologically it holds that Cape Breton Island (CBI) is a distinct Province within a Province. As an island with a distinct social, cultural, and political history, CBI is a land and people who were unceremoniously annexed not once, but twice by the Colony of Nova Scotia in Canada’s brief pre-confederation colonial history. Thence CBI’s colonial royal charter bestowed by King George III was never rescinded and remains dormant within Nova Scotia’s archives and annals of history. Speaking of reconciliation and the process of remedy for the systemic oppression and colonization of Canada’s indigenous people (including CBI’s Mi’kmaq), the historical and prevalent socio-economic fiscal oppression of CBI at the hands of Nova Scotia and Canada’s administrations is similarly systemic, and overtly colonialist. Self-governance is recognized internationally as a key to self-determination of oppressed people and regions. Autonomy is a synonymous term which speaks to governance freedom to direct their own affairs. It’s also akin to sovereignty, which is of Eurocentric origin fixed on boundaries and political control. However, there are many other definitions of ‘sovereignty’ that focus more on social, cultural and ability to self-determine, versus the Eurocentric Westphalian concept. On the topic of autonomy, sovereignty and implementation there’s a continuum. Across Canada we see pockets of nested federalism, decentralization and devolved governance structures. Examples include the Inuit of Nunavut partitioning from the Northwest Territories, Nunavik a non-ethnic regional government in Northern Quebec, regional supra-municipal governments in British Columbia, and in Newfoundland, a Labradorian Secretariat. Mark Macneill

Golf Course in Natural Habitats?

I was recently at a presentation to the Inverness County Council by the West Mabou Beach Committee regarding the interest expressed in using West Mabou Beach Provincial Park for a golf business. At the end of the presentation Father Bernie MacDonald spoke briefly to say that such a change to the park would be a precedent that would open all parks in the province to business development. Parks like Crystal Crescent Beach, Blomidon and many others would attract attention from business interests which would lead to protracted conflicts within affected communities. This is not a good situation to be in. Government should deal with this to avoid more conflict in the future. Duncan Mustard

Wake up World

Why is the world turning a blind eye to the atrocities being committed in Haiti? People are being lit up and burned alive with tires fill with gas placed around their necks. Violent gangs are running the country. Women and children are being raped and then burned alive. Where is the UN? Why is our ” dear leader ” not being more proactive? I cannot imagine what it’s like to see my own sisters, cousins, parents tortured and killed in my presence. Wake up world. There is a genocide happening right now. Robert Johnson

Customer Care or Careless?

Bell Alliant – Customer Service……A perfect example of an Oxymoron Back in August, while able to receive incoming calls, we discovered we were unable to make outgoing calls. We live in a rural area where we don’t have cellphone coverage. As senior citizens, we found this very stressful as we worried what we were supposed to do in the event of a fire or illness requiring emergency service, I made 2 trips to Port Hawkesbury to the Bell Alliant store so I could contact the company in an attempt to have the problem rectified. On both occasions, I spoke to the rudest people possible. One person I spoke with did tell me he would do a “ticket” to have a serviceman come to rectify the issue. The serviceman came and was unable to correct the problem but stated that he would have a “ticket” issued so that someone who could fix the problem. But sadly, no one came. I contacted Bell Alliant on several occasions via email. I received a call from a girl named Melanie telling me telling me that a serviceman would come the following day……and that did not happen. I continue sending emails. I receive three 3 automated calls from Bell Alliant telling me the serviceman would be there the following day and again, no one came. Each time we were told someone had to be home between 0830hrs and 1730 hrs. That is 36 hrs in total we wasted and will never get bad. Finally, on Labor Day, a serviceman came and fixed the problem. My question is: If Bell Alliant had anything resembling Customer Care, why did this happen? Dawn Wride

Cool Under Pressure

My fishing buddy and I were coming past Truro, headed for NB, where it’s all overpass, divided highway. Anyway, inside lane was closed off with pylons, but the entry ramp was open in between. We were behind a fully loaded logging truck. 2 old ladies barrelled up the ramp RIGHT IN FRONT of the logging truck. Buddy hit the brakes smoking but obviously knew he was going to kill them. He hit a hard right, through the pylons and I thought he was going over the overpass guard rail. Then he hit a hard left and straightened out into the closed lane. Why he didn’t tip over I have no idea. Meantime I figure we were going to get rear ended so I followed the truck to the closed lane. When all clear we carried on, gave the truck driver a big thumbs up. Wish I got the company name off the truck so I could call and recommend the guy for a medal, but missed it. Most phenomenal piece of driving I have ever seen. Guy deserves a medal. Several people could have been killed. All I can say, is when God made him, he took a 30 minute break and said “That was a good one” Steve Appleby Florenceville-Britol, NB

Driving In a Fog in Halifax

I’m visiting relatives in downtown Halifax and wondered why there are so few street signs. That is until last evening… Obviously the city is just training people to be able to drive in the fog…. when one cannot see any signs at all Shane Nestruck

Community Cemetery

I am wondering if there is any funding to help repair community cemeteries? I am part of a committee for the Feltzen South Cemetery, in Lunenburg County that has been searching for help to repair our community cemetery. We have made dozens of phone calls to all levels of government, local agencies and anyone else we could think of to help us. Most responses were, we don’t know who is responsible for helping with repairs. If we don’t get some assistance very soon, we are going to have coffins floating away and I am sure these families will be horrified at this thought. We were told that we missed out on funding after Dorion went through by about a week. Don’t they ever make exceptions? If there is any help available that you are aware of, please contact us . Debbie Smith 2smiths1983@gmail.com

Seniors and Computers

The Nova Scotia Health Department requires (those) who are most to die of Covid-19 to upload their information to the Health Department. Most vulnerable people are in their seventies or eighties and can not use computer to do this. Big Help ? Peter McCurdy Halifax

Heads up at the toll booth

Last weekend, in the wee hours of the morning, I was heading back to Ontario, and passed through the Cobequid Pass Toll booth to pay my $4 toll. I handed the attendant a $20 bill. The attendant then paused and looked at the next driver as if this transaction was complete, I nearly fell for the legerdemain, and was about to leave, but then paused waiting from my change, which was now awkward. The artful dodger then handed me the $16 change with receipt. That would be a nice pay bump for a momentary sleight of hand. Heads up to drivers to make the extra effort to check their change when heading through the Cobequid toll booth. Pieter Leenhouts

Doctors are essential

Our health system does need repair, as many others have indicated. Fixing it will be a long, painful process. My suggestion as a step along the way is this: pay for our Nova Scotia medical students. These folks come out of the gate burdened with enormous debt. If this education costs $500,000 (hopefully this is too high an estimate), and we have twenty , that would be $10,000,000…. money well spent. Surely Premier Houston can take it from the $ 80,000,000 price tag for a new arts center ( don’t get me wrong, I love the arts!) but sometime in the not-too- distant future, I would like a family doctor. Certainly, this is not a panacea for the shortage but it’s a start. Hopefully, Mr. Houston is listening. Dave Fraser

University of Prince Edward Island Political Science Professor Henry Srebrnik’s guest editorial “NATO, RUSSIA in proxy war in Ukraine,” published Friday July 22, 2022, strains his credibility as a tenured academic. While everyone has a right to express their opinion in a public space, one would expect more of someone who trained to separate emotion from fact, to weigh competing analyses, to acknowledge their own bias, and to avoid hyperbole. Professor Srebrnik’s analysis reflects a deep distrust of Western institutions and in adherence to the Great Power paradigm approach in retaining historical spheres of influence, and the Soviet-era “Near Abroad” protective belt of allied countries. He displays a complete lack of empathy for the Ukrainian people and their right to self-determination. Professor Srebrnik avoids the fact that most Ukrainians wish to be free to chart their future without Russian interference, and especially not reintegration within Greater Russia. Most Ukrainians see their future in closer ties to the West. This is evident in most media products, but sadly, not in Professor Srebrnik’s analysis. Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Dr. Ian MacVicar, CD, DSS Research Fellow, Security Affairs Committee Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia

Recently, the N.S. Health minister stated that only 75 family doctors were recruited by the Houston Government in the past year. This number has to be tempered by the fact that there were 68 physician departures from the province during that same time frame The “Need a Family Practice” registry, updated each month, shows that 95,000 Nova Scotians, were unattached to a primary care provider as of June 1, 2022. We have an immediate urgency at the Hubbards Family Practice, which has been operating with 3 family physicians. Dr. Browen Jones, who has a temporary contract to fill in for retired Dr. Jarvis and has a patient load of 700 patients, will be leaving on June 30, 2022. Dr. Akinsiku, who has a patient load of 1,000 patients, will be leaving the province at the end of this summer 2022. That leaves only Dr. Reza Mehrpooya; with his patient load of 2,200 patients; this remaining doctor is unable to take on the 1,700 patients from the two departing physicians. Additionally, with the departure of these two physicians, the office rent and all overhead costs are falling on just one physician; the practise will then be unaffordable to operate. If help is not forthcoming, an extra 1,700 patients and a possible additional 2,200, will have to join the more than 95,000 Nova Scotians without a family doctor. Since the Houston government bragged about its ability to “fix” healthcare in Nova Scotia, I am interested as to what action Premier Houston will take to resolve this medical emergency facing us. Gerard Gagnon East Chester N.S.

Facts please

STATISTICAL AND HISTORICAL ERRATA I believe that Scott Taylor’s article “U.S., Western Europe add fuel to Ukrainian fire,” published Saturday June 4, 2022 could benefit from both statistical revision and historical insight. Mr. Taylor states “According to U.S. military doctrine, combat units losing 10 per cent of their strength are no longer considered effective, so that if the intelligence reports are accurate, the Russians invaders were essentially defeated.” If only Mr. Taylor’s doctrinal definitions were correct, the war in Ukraine, (or the wars in any other corner of the world) would grind to a halt much sooner. The U.S. doctrinal definition of “combat ineffective” is not 10 percent, which Mr. Taylor and many Internet experts assert. Formations and units can suffer much higher losses prior to being deemed combat ineffective. Military history, and in particular Canadian military history, is replete with units “soldiering on” with loses much higher than 10 per cent. According to U.S. Army doctrinal publication FM 101-5-1, Military Decision-Making Process, Appendix C, a unit is considered “combat effective,” i.e. capable of attaining an objective at 85 percent strength, “combat capable with limitations” between 70 and 84 percent, and “combat ineffective” between 50 to 69 percent effective (depending on unit role) – at which point it must be reconstituted before receiving further tasks. Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Dr. Ian MacVicar, CD, DSS

Monarchy is not working

The Queen, The Constitution and a Simple Solution. As the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee my hope is that she is the Last Monarch to serve as Canada’s Head of State. It is high time we address the Sins of our past and Colonialism. A positive first step was taken when PM Justin Trudeau named Mary Simon Governor General. Experts say we will have a Constitutional Crisis if we remove the Head of State. My simple Solution would be to enshrine the Indigenous Peoples of Canada as permanent keeper of our Head of State and its selection. This is not just a slight towards Prince Charles with Camila in tow although I could give you many reasons why he would be an horrendous choice. Let us continue on the road to reparation’s. The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” LET’S GO CANADA!! Sandy Chisholm

Look after Canadians first

“Charity du Jour” While I support any group that donate to charities, the “charity du jour” seems to be the “Ukrainian cause”. There are many Canadian causes that should take preference to the support of foreign charities. Its more appropriate for the European countries to donate to charities supporting a neighbouring country; so should the United States, which is involved up to its neck in the Ukrainian war. Canadians are already paying through their taxes for our government’s donations of funds and military equipment to Ukraine. There are numerous Canadian veterans, through no fault of their own, who are homeless; seniors and families unable to pay for lodging, food and medicine, even though some get a paltry government allowance; children going hungry; ALL OF THEM CANADIANS. If Ukrainian Canadians want to support their cause, that is up to them; but I don’t agree with the recruitment of Canadians to donate to foreign causes. We have more than enough need here in Canada. Gerard Gagnon East Chester N.S.

More distracted driving

On Friday, May 20, a friend and I were enjoying a leisurely photographic visit to the many small wharves around Margaretsville, NS. Google Maps tells me this is 150 kilometres away from Dawn Drive, where the fire was burning at Dartmouth Metals. We both had cell phones with us. Four times between 11:30 am and 2 pm we were shocked to the core by the emergency warning going off. My friend was driving and managed to keep control of the car. Had I been driving on Highway 101 in traffic, it could easily have been the cause of an accident. I will hazard a guess that the emergency warning was more of a hazard than the fire. I’m assuming that our different mobile phone numbers was responsible for the warning reaching our phones at different times. Each alarm on her phone was about 30 minutes later than an alarm on mine. While I do not intend to second guess the use of such an alarm system, I am very willing to question the specific choice of alarm. Even an air-raid warning starts off with a low pitched sound and then grows in intensity, alerting you to danger; it doesn’t start off at a shockingly high noise level and risking a heart attack. There must be a better way to warn us without putting us in danger. Sue Hutchins

Taxing non-residents

The recent legislation taxing non-resident home-owners or purchasers will not solve the problem of compounding inflation in the housing market. Look at British Columbia where price increases have accelerated following comparable legislation. Sadly the impact of the much smaller Nova Scotia economy could prove negative. My wife and I, resident in B.C. for family reasons, bought an heritage house at Annapolis Royal for the beauty of the place and quality of the community. In return we spent nearly $250,000 conserving the Runciman House, apart from consistent support of local businesses. We are now embarked on constructing a net zero, sustainable dwelling at Port Medway. The site is to be prepared by local firms and the structure to be prefabricated at nearby Brooklyn. Again our intention would be to support local food and like suppliers. But the new taxes are causing us to re-consider, not least because no distinction is made for Canadian citizens wishing to enjoy the beauty of another province in the Canadian Confederation (who continue to have family responsibilities in a different province). Rhodri & Suzanne Windsor-Liscombe

Promises need to be kept

The Tufts Cove power station. The stacks are an iconic part of the Halifax and the station itself powers much of the HRM. Together with the Burnside combustion turbine they have a generating capacity of 632MW and power much of the HRM according to NS Power. Despite promises to reduce the environmental impact of the HRM through the electrification of its bus fleet, energy efficient buildings, and other means, there has been remarkably little in the way of plans to replace either of these sites. It is imperative that the provincial and municipal governments act soon to transition the city away from these high carbon energy systems or their continued use will render other efforts to transition to electric and energy efficient infrastructure less effective than they could be. While they are still active the burning of fossil fuels is just being moved to a different, less visible, point in the process. It is important that action be taken as soon as possible. Halifax is a rapidly growing city and the demand for energy is only going to increase, making it more important to invest now to move away from current systems. Small, rapidly growing cities like Halifax have the potential to set and example for the cities of the world by incorporating green technology as they grow. It is important that this opportunity not be wasted. Nova Scotia is still a heavily fossil fuel dependent province and by doing away with fossil fuels in our largest city we can take a big first step in implementing real change in the province. Nicholas Graham

Sorry he got caught

I read with interest the article “Senator sorry for remarks about Ottawans, wife” in Wednesday’s paper. I have always voted Conservative except for the last federal election. I thought Prime Minister Trudeau did a great job keeping the people of our great country informed about the Covid pandemic. Senator Michael MacDonald is only sorry about his remarks because he was caught!! I saw the video about his rant and honestly I think he should resign!! I wonder what his children and grandchildren will think when they hear his cursing words about people who live in Ottawa. He also called his wife a “Karen” because she wanted protestors to leave Ottawa. My name is Karen and I am not entitled nor do I make the money in a year that Senator MacDonald makes. My hope is people from Nova Scotia watch the video and decide is this the person who should be our Senator from Nova Scotia. Karen Richard Lower Sackville NS

Out of touch PM

What is happening in Canada? The government is now using the Emergencies Act to stifle peaceful protests. The act has been enhanced to further control crowd funding. They are now obligating our financial institute to monitor crowd funding organizations. This Act was put in place to address real terrorists, not protestors. The financial institutes already are currently obligated to report any large and suspicious transfers of money. With changes that the PM and his government have just implemented, they now allow these institutes to place your bank account on hold based on you funding the Freedom Convoy. Basically you are considered a terrorist without any evidence confirmed by an unbiased governing body such as a court. Does that sound like Canada? Not at all, but it certainly sounds like Russia, China, Cuba just to list a few countries. Is that what we want? Our rights are being significantly effected by an out of touch PM. He cannot lead but only dictate his will on all Canadian citizens. Who else in government has supported this action? The federal NDP party. This should make you feel very uncomfortable with those in charge of our government. The Conservatives and the Peoples Party have been the only parties that has put up some resistance. Politicians must take this action serious and take strong decisive actions against this tyrant. The story is that the Freedom Convoy truckers were heavily armed. Yes, there were weapons confiscated by our police. The big Canadian media machine have suggested they were taken from truckers in the Freedom Convoy. Is that true? There is a different narrative if you listen to journalists that have spoken. Al Kersch

Don’t turn a blind eye

Prince Andrew has certainly been under the spotlight for the last two years. But the rich and famous don’t corner the market on the grooming and trafficking of young women, girls really, to ogling businessmen. Here in good old Halifax, my friend Bernie relayed a story to me about his experience as a sales rep for Rona. After brokering a deal with Mr. Developer, Bernie was invited to a party as a thank you for the business. “I’ll bring my girlfriend,” Bernie said. “No, don’t bring your girlfriend,” Mr. Developer replied, “there will be other girls there.” Bernie thanked Mr. Developer for the invite, though he knew he wouldn’t be attending the party. Bernie never told his boss about the exchange. Where do these other girls come from? Why can’t Bernie bring his girlfriend? Canadian companies and firms, consider creating company policies and business contracts which discourage backroom parties and practices involving “other girls.” Your sales reps and employees might have more courage to hold those they do business with to account. Don’t just turn a blind eye, men. Your sisters, daughters, wives, girlfriends, cousins, aunts, mothers, female friends and other people’s daughters deserve better. It’s time to stop exploitation of women wherever it happens because they’re not just “other girls.” They are human beings that deserve respect. Heather Jansma Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Social Media

Looking around, and listening to people, there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground anymore. On any given topic, people are divided, either hundred percent believing in one side of an argument, or completely believing the opposite. If you go on any social media platform, like YouTube, or Facebook, their business model is to keep you on their website as long as possible. The longer you stay, the more advertisements they can throw at you, and that way make money. So, if you click a story defending vaccinations are safe, their AI controlled content will come up with hundreds similar articles, strengthening your belief that vaccinations are actually safe and that everyone should get the jab. If, on the other hand you click on a picture of a pretty doctor explaining why nobody should ever get vaccinated, there’s also hundreds of stories supporting that side, that will pop up then instead. Most people like to be supported and agreed with, so, after clicking through a hundred ads, whatever their believe was, now seems “factual” based on statistics and handily crafted stories by people who sell advertisements. There’s people extremely adamant about topics of which they actually only have read one side of the argument. If one would like to divide the populace, one would be hard pressed to find a more effective tool than the artificial intelligence that’s running our social media. An objective observer could read both sides, and conclude something that he/she thinks is the best way forward for the observer without trying to push his/her belief on anybody else. Nicolaas Dekoning Nova Scotia