LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pull the plug on March break

Re: “The travel conundrum” (Allison Hanes, Jan. 21)

Premier François Legault has asked Prime Minister Trudeau to ban international travel or oblige returning travellers to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days. While a total ban might not be possible, the requirement to self-isolate in a hotel at their own cost should serve as a deterrent to many.

But it seems to me the best way to discourage Quebecers from travelling is to cancel the March break altogether. With all the school days lost this year, it would be the most sensible thing to do. Micheline Mancini, St-laurent

Solution is simple: Just stay home

My daughter came in from Mexico in May. At Trudeau airport she had to give her address as to where she was quarantining. She rented an Airbnb at her own expense and stayed there for 14 days before she came here to visit us. She — and we — understood that this was a necessary step in helping to contain this virus and not pass it on to us, her elderly parents.

My grandmother and aunt died in 1918 during the Spanish flu pandemic. We're not ready to go that route.

Why would you go to a busy airport terminal, get on a crowded plane and go to a resort that is filled with people from anywhere and everywhere? Certainly no one should expect my tax dollars to cover their two weeks in quarantine when they return.

Better yet, stay home. If you do go out, wear a mask and keep your distance. Wash your hands often. And listen to the government we elected to lead us.

Donna Held, Snowdon

Governor General not needed at all

Re: “Who could be the next GG?” (NP Montreal, Jan. 22)

Rather than ponder who might get the cushy appointment as the next Governor General, perhaps there needs to be some soul searching about whether 21st century Canada really needs this pompous office.

Surely, the $23,862,510 operating budget (in 2017-18, according to the Monarchist League of Canada) could be put to more meaningful Canadian programs.

John De Luca, Pointe-claire

Still much to learn about tolerance

Re: “Godspeed to CBC'S new host Massa” (Martine St-victor, Jan. 21)

I am an octogenarian whose voice is rarely heard, or has any clout in society, but I am moved by Martine St-victor's

column and happy to see Ginella Massa on national television.

I was brought up in an era of “every Sunday church-going.”

In those times, it seemed the religious buildings were either Christian or synagogues depending in what area you lived.

Religion never seemed to surface as a subject for discussion or debate.

I do remember a saying: “Attending a pointy-roof house doesn't make you a Christian.”

I am surprised in today's times, when more people are educated, that many can't embrace or accept a person based on their actions.

There's another saying: “We've come a long way.”

Have we?

Eleanor Brown, Pointe-claire

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