LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alternative beats Green Line project

The Green Line project, as currently envisioned, would be a tremendously irresponsible use of city funds.

Given the unprecedented economic challenges faced by our city, I am alarmed that full development of the Green Line continues to be considered.

An alternative plan named “the Sensible Alternative” has been forwarded by a capable, smart and respected group of Calgarians, the Ad Hoc committee of Calgary Citizens.

Their submission will not overextend the city’s finances at a time that calls for fiscal restraint and the concomitant intelligent deployment of development capital.

I understand the need to maintain and expand the city’s infrastructure.

I support the continued development of our city.

However, difficult times require leadership that sometimes must make difficult decisions. I implore our city council to show that leadership.

Now is not the time for overreach.

W. Scott Mcgregor, Calgary

A circuitous route to the Maritimes

Re: Alberta Oil Headed East, May 5

Kudos to Irving Oil for pursuing and getting approval for tanker movement of western Canadian crude to the Saint John refinery in New Brunswick via the Panama Canal.

Isn’t it silly that we have to ship oil by tanker from one side of Canada to the other when a pipeline (i.e. Energy East) could have accomplished the same thing safely and at a lower economic cost and environmental footprint?

However, our federal and Quebec governments were more interested in creating roadblocks and appeasing the environmental lobby than improving energy security, creating jobs and improving market prospects for an industry vital to Canada’s economy.

Robert Dixon, Calgary

Medical officer is protecting us

Re: “Dr. Hinshaw is not in charge of Alberta,” May 5 This letter suggests that “we do not need to do what Hinshaw tells us to do” because she is not elected. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, as chief medical officer of health, is appointed as per the Public Health Act.

In addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinshaw is carrying out the CMOH’S responsibilities as directed by that Act.

Hinshaw is clearly not overstepping her authority as insinuated, but she and her staff, working at the direction of the province’s elected officials, are using all of the tools at their disposal to protect the health of Albertans.

I applaud her for the tireless work she and her staff are doing in these trying times.