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Help for Fort Mac
As a tradesperson working at one of the major oil sites north of Fort McMurray, I've seen many articles detailing the outpouring of help and compassion by the public – which is by any standard incredible – but little mention of the amazing help and support the oil companies have been providing.
For example, Suncor has open-ed its gates to anyone able to make it to their camps, offering shelter, food and flights free of charge. This is but one instance among many of oil company-owned camps and air strips being opened to Fort McMurray's evacuees. This generous reaction is especially worth noting when prices for some commercial flights have tripled as people try to leave the area.
Despite the often negative attitudes toward the oil sands, it would be nice if these actions were given the recognition they deserve, considering what an important role the companies play in the lives of tens of thousands of people who have lost absolutely everything.
Sam Vanderkop, Sherwood Park, Alta.
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The federal government will spend more than $1-billion to bring in and help Syrian refugees, but the best it can do for the 88,000 displaced and homeless residents of Fort Mac is to match the public contributions to the Red Cross and bring in some equipment? I thought charity began at home.
Walter Sopinka, Georgetown, Ont.
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Canadians have been generous to refugees in faraway countries, we must now do the same and more for our own. Hotels, motels and resorts should be made available, at government expense, for our own refugees. The people of Fort McMurray need to know and feel that Canada is doing all it can to help and that Canadians care for them and support them.
Sylvia Makk-Lainevool, Richmond Hill, Ont.
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A dual imperative
Re Feeling Fort Mac's Pain (May 5): It is not "grossly inappropriate, reap-what-you-sow online retribution" to point out that, as the government of Canada's own website states, "Climate change during the 21st century is expected to result in more frequent fires in many boreal forests, with severe environmental and economic consequences." The fact that this "expected" disaster hit the centre of oil production in Canada is ironic coincidence.
We need to give generously to those from Fort McMurray who have lost everything. And we need to ween ourselves off fossil fuels.
Gareth Lind, Guelph, Ont.
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The final final-word
Re Why Judges Should Have The Final Word (May 4): My friend Hanne Schafer achieved her goal of a peaceful, assisted death on Feb. 29 in Vancouver, thanks to a court-ordered exemption, perhaps the first Canadian to receive such an exemption. Her husband and I are grateful she could fulfill her wish to die on her terms, and not suffer the final ravages of ALS.
However, I can assure Margaret Somerville and others who may share her perspective that going to court was emotionally, physically and financially very costly.
Our forthcoming legislation should respect life, death and an individual's right to choose.
Keep the process for persons seeking assisted dying with safeguards, but simple so that no one else has to go to court.
Mary Valentich, Calgary
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Margaret Somerville is out of touch with the people of Canada, most of whom want the final say in the quality and timing of their death. To suggest that a Superior Court judge must review and approve each request is a waste of time and resources; it only adds roadblocks and red tape to an already stressful process.
It is also very condescending to presume that Ms. Somerville's or a judge's opinions should override a competent adult's feelings and decisions about an ultimately deeply personal choice.
Jennifer D. Kravis, Oakville, Ont.
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Charmed, I'm sure
Re Saudis Seek To Win Hearts And Minds (May 5): The news that Saudi Arabia will give an exhibition of Saudi culture, including Saudi folk dancing, on Parliament Hill should certainly take our minds off the lashings, stonings and beheadings!
Bill Boyd, Lakefield, Ont.
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Hear, hear
What a treat to read Beverly Biderman's article, What It's like To Hear With A Bionic Ear (Life & Arts, May 5). She gives a superb description of the world of deafness and the subsequent challenges and rewards of transition to a hearing world, due to refined technology. As a fellow traveller, it brought tears to my eyes. The most commonplace of sounds – an infant's gurgling chatter, rain drops bouncing on an umbrella, a cat's contented purr, subtle notes of a piece of music, and on and on – what gems these are! I remain grateful for sound and grateful for voices like hers which champion the voyage into its world.
Catherine Kelly, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
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Donald Trump, Version 2
Barring a celestial intervention, the next spectacle of the American election will be the pompous entry of Donald Trump as Republican nominee in the presidential race (Kasich Exit Leaves Trump As Last Man Standing – May 5).
In his march toward clinching the party's nomination, Mr. Trump has revealed a landscape still extensively dotted with xenophobic swamps. He does not belong to the Republican Party, rather the party belongs to him. In its new avatar, it has reduced itself to a mere shell embodying Mr. Trump's myopic spirit.
Keeping in mind the multiracial demographic reality of America, the next election strategy might be a bitter pill for Mr. Trump to swallow: It requires moving from the extreme right to the middle of the political spectrum. But being a politician and businessman to the core, Mr. Trump wouldn't hesitate to put on a new outfit, temporarily. Shortsighted, bigoted and vile statements would have to remain struck in his throat – until the election is over.
Promod Puri, Vancouver
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Nightcap, perhaps?
The concept of expanding the artists-in-residence program at Canadian hotels to include retired politicians is quite compelling (Senator-In-Residence – letters, May 5). While I'm not sure everyone would be prepared for one of those old codgers at breakfast, many would undoubtedly enjoy a conversation with "Brian Mulroney … a bit later in the day."
On that note, perhaps the perfect companion for a nightcap would be Mike Duffy?
Not only is he a colourful personality, knowledgeable about a wide range of world and current affairs, he apparently also has a good sense of humour.
An evening with him comes with at least one caveat, however: Don't expect him to pick up the check.
Jeffrey Peckitt, Oakville, Ont.