Smyth showed us another very human side of Horgan
Re: Horgan happy to be premier despite Site C, family hardship, Michael Smyth column, Dec. 17
I would like to commend columnist Michael Smyth for his very insightful and balanced article about Premier John Horgan.
There is no doubt that the Site C decision was one of the most difficult decisions that the premier and his cabinet had to make so far.
Sometimes, we tend to forget that our politicians are human beings too. John Horgan’s brother Pat’s fight with his terminal illness must be stressful for him. At the same time, the premier was facing one of the toughest political decisions in his life. Despite all of that, he has been doing a marvellous job in serving the people of British Columbia.
I am very impressed with Horgan’s upbeat and positive attitude as reported by Smyth: “I get up every morning like the Energizer bunny. I am whistling and humming and I’m just engaged.”
Way to go John, and thanks Michael for showing a very different side of our premier. Balwant Sanghera, Richmond
Psychiatric nurses speak up
Re: Speak up about abuse on psychiatric wards, Opinion, Dec. 17
Dr. Diane McIntosh makes some very serious allegations in her opinion editorial describing the state of psychiatric care in B.C. hospitals. As president of a union that represents hundreds of registered psychiatric nurses working in the province, I take issue with her characterization of their record in providing mental health care.
Registered psychiatric nurses are an integral part of the mental health care team, and have specialized training to support some of the most vulnerable patients in our health system. HSA and other unions are constantly working to address chronic underfunding and resistance to making physical improvements to psychiatric care areas to better care for and protect patients and their caregivers.
Dr. McIntosh suggests the solution to witnessing poor care is to write a letter to the hospital.
As an instructor, I hope that is not the advice she is giving to future psychiatrists. She should know that under the Health Professions Act all regulated health professionals have a legal, professional, and ethical responsibility to report practitioners, including psychiatrists and registered psychiatric nurses, to their respective colleges, and, in the case of allegations of sexual assault, to the police. Val Avery, president, Health Sciences Association of B.C.
Zone fares for cabs needed
It seems to me there is a simple solution to cab drivers who refuse to leave the Vancouver core — implement a zone fare that would at least cover their downtime. For example, if a cab ride from Vancouver to Coquitlam costs $40, then add an additional $15 to cover the 45 minutes to return to Vancouver.
Or go to a flat-rate system for any city outside of the taxi’s usual area.
That would also apply to companies like Belair in Coquitlam who travel to Vancouver or the airport. Rick McGill, Port Coquitlam
Pellet gun case an outrage
Re: Judge acquits man charged in string of Abbotsford pellet gun shootings, Dec. 17
Judge Edna Ritchie has once again reinforced my belief that there is no justice for the victims of a crime here in Canada. It is absolutely absurd that persons driving around shooting people with a pellet gun have been acquitted of these charges.
When Harpreed Singh Vaid commits this crime again using a real gun and kills somebody, then Judge Ritchie should be charged as an accessory to murder.
Brian Barnes, Steveston