To the Editor,
If ever there was a time for caution, sound judgment and leadership in Canada, it is now.
Just as Tom Mulcair is trying to convince Canadians that he is a moderate choice in the federal election, activist Naomi Klein and a number of prominent NDP supporters release the Leap Manifesto which calls for getting rid of fossil fuels and an overhaul of the country’s capitalist economy. It should serve as a warning to Canadians about the extreme views of a wing of the NDP.
Then we have Justin Trudeau who would increase taxes and run deficits. He would would take Canada on a reckless spending spree in a time of unprecedented economic instability worldwide. While he speaks of “modest” deficits it is left to our imagination as to what he would do if a real future economic or other catastrophe hit.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has given this country imperfect but stable government for 10 years. He comes into this election having achieved significant international trade agreements, a balanced budget, a surplus and a proven record. I believe the majority of Canadians still see him as the prudent and best choice to continue to lead the country.
Gerald HallNanoose Bay
To the Editor,
Re: Conservatives float funding for foot ferry, Sept. 15.
There are names for this sort of announcement: empty promises and grandstanding.
Ursula C. KnightNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Conservatives float funding for foot ferry, Sept. 15.
Interesting news out of Victoria – an Australian company says it is poised to start running two 300-passenger catamaran ferries this spring between downtown Victoria and downtown Vancouver. I have not heard any mention of government money or subsidies being sought or secured.
It seems strange then why Island Ferries is after $14 million from the federal government and has gotten much help from the City of Nanaimo and is still struggling to set up a similar service between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
I am always concerned that whatever government hands out our tax money, a venture won’t last, therefore our money may just disappear into the Strait of Georgia. Since the 1970s, three companies have tried to sustain a passenger-only service between Nanaimo and Vancouver. All three times, they failed – one lasting for less than a year.
I do hope such a service happens for Nanaimo, and sticks, but not to have taxpayer dollars pay for it.
K.T. ShawNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Conservatives float funding for foot ferry, Sept. 15.
You failed to mention that the other candidates also support a foot ferry. Why? Are you a staunch Conservative who’s scrambling to bolster support by not properly reporting the facts? I expect a higher degree of objective professionalism. Present readers with the facts and let us make up our minds. Don’t be a shill, or, if you are, don’t be so obvious.
Matt T. SaundersNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Country can right its course, Letters, Sept. 17.
A big thank you to the letter writer for consistently demonstrating the effects of Harper Derangement Syndrome. He boldly asserts that Canada has lost “international prestige,” despite again being recognized as No. 1 by the Reputation Institute. I must have been too busy watching Dancing With The Stars to have noticed that my country has become a “ruthless” and “corporate-dominated enterprise.” Now I feel oppressed. As for Conservatives being “neo,” remaining true to your foundational principles is hardly new. The NDP has been claiming itself “new” since 1961.
Randy O’DonnellNanaimo