Port Mann crashes suggest bridge tolls should return
Let me get this straight. The NDP decided to buy votes in the last provincial election by scrapping bridge tolls, making everybody happy. What we are witnessing now is a whole new generation of incompetent drivers who think they are auditioning for roles in a Fast and Furious movie, creating chaos like the 18-vehicle pileup on Tuesday on the Port Mann Bridge.
The net result will be massive ongoing ICBC claims that will increase premiums for all of us and, I guess, cost drivers more than the tolls, which would have helped pay for the bridges as originally planned.
Another well-thought-out fiasco like the FastCat ferries 20 years ago. Well done, NDP! John Garrard, Chilliwack
Bring back tolls!
There have been too many accidents during the six weeks of toll-free driving on the Port Mann Bridge. Immediate toll reinstatement may solve the problem.
There is no such urgency on the Golden Ears Bridge because demand for that crossing is not nearly as high.
Jerzy Rudowski, Langley
Penny wise, pound-foolish
If what I heard is correct, Canada is interested in purchasing used fighter planes from Australia rather than new ones from the United States.
This has been a controversial issue, even during the Harper regime. I am sure that Canadians will remember the used submarines we bought from the Brits a few years ago. They would not submerge properly and when they did it was difficult to get them back to the surface, two vital operations of a submarine, unless I am mistaken. What a bargain they were.
I cannot remember what the refit bill was on those used subs, but it was substantial. Let’s hope we are not making the same error with used Aussie fighter planes. Penny wise and pound-foolish, as my mother used to say.
George Pearson, Chase
Diversity goes both ways
In response to the suggestion by Simon Fraser University philosophy professor Holly Andersen that the SFU Clansmen — the Clan — team name should be changed due to the idea that one may associate the word Clan with the Ku Klux Klan is just another example of political correctness gone awry.
I am tired of the whining and overall severe sensitivity that political and cultural groups now have, as well as governments. I agree that diversity is our strength, but it should work both ways. As a country, we open our hearts to new points of view, but at the same time expect that special interest groups and new Canadians demonstrate a willingness to belong to Canada, not just live within its borders.
If we cannot have frank discussions about the wants and needs of all individuals, then our cultural rainbow fades to grey.
Lisa Niven, North Vancouver
Mair will be missed
Reporter John Mackie did an excellent job of highlighting Rafe Mair’s impressive career as a politician and broadcaster. Mair was indeed a very colourful personality. His contribution to B.C. and Canada was outstanding.
He never shied away from tough and controversial issues. Actually, he seemed to relish them.
Mair fought for ordinary people. His large audience was reflective of his fearless advocacy for issues dear to his heart. He will be missed.
Balwant Sanghera, Richmond