LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TAKING IT TOO FAR

The government’s recent change to pool safety rules goes too far in its “employer friendly” crusade.

The Saskatchewan Party proudly trumpets its probusiness attitude. However, allowing operators of pools to decide how many lifeguards they need and what they think is adequate training for lifeguards goes too far.

The Lifesaving Society and province previously collaborated in establishing a safe ratio of swimmers to lifeguards. The society trains lifeguards provincially and nationally, and is an expert in this area.

Unfortunately, this is not a matter of refusing to index minimum wage to inflation or force illegal “essential services” legislation to appease business.

Shame on the government for making its pro-employer agenda more important than the concerns of the Lifesaving Society for our children.

Next thing you know doctors will be appointed rather than trained, bars will be able to set their maximum capacity and landlords will be allowed to decide when to check smoke detectors. When does it end? Nick Henselmeier Saskatoon

NEGLIGENT WORDS

John Gormley’s commentary, Why Canada is indiffer- ent to Quebec (SP, July 6) was simplistic, shallow, cavalier and even primal, as in primitive. But extreme thought and opinion always is.

Citing the opinion of callers to his radio talk show as evidence of an important and historic change added an element of the absurd.

Gormley’s commentary leaves one wondering who is a bigger threat to Canadian unity or our country — individuals like him, or those in Quebec who want to separate. I do know that neither one should be depended upon to ensure Canada’s continued existence.

His commentary gives the distinct impression that Gormley considers the Quebec situation as a personal irritant or inconvenience, while not near fully realizing or appreciating the dire ramifications if Quebec separates — an important one being the end of Canada.

I can assure Gormley that things would then become a bit more than “inconvenient” for all of us.

We all know that Canada is the best country. What the Gormleys don’t realize or appreciate is the fact that it wouldn’t be so without Quebec, and would soon cease to exist.

Yes the threat of separation from some in Quebec is a serious problem, but one that pales in comparison to what those like Gormley might help in bringing about.

Canada is a delicate, diverse and complicated country, and thus requires understanding, wisdom, moderation and, above all, commitment to survive. It doesn’t need extreme, simplistic, knee jerk thoughts and actions from the likes of Gormley and Quebec separatists. Morice Miller Unity

NOTHING PUZZLING

In NDP job complaints off base (SP, July 10), columnist Murray Mandryk seemed puzzled by my observation that Saskatchewan’s construction industry faltered last month.

Statistics Canada reported that Saskatchewan lost 1,900 construction jobs in June — the largest monthly change registered for any industry. Servicesector expansion edged up total employment by 500, which failed to keep pace with Saskatchewan’s growing population and labour force.

As a result, provincial unemployment jumped by 2,000 in June compared to May. Mandryk argues that, if we push the base of comparison back to June 2011, the above measures look better. He has a point that one month does not make a trend.

However, construction is an inherently cyclic industry, and tighter mortgage rules could slow home building. Reduced access to mortgages and rising rents will continue to increase the need for affordable housing in Saskatchewan. More significant provincial investment in social housing would address this need while supporting construction jobs.

We should also consider unemployment in a broader context.

Statistics Canada’s last report on job vacancies revealed that Saskatchewan had three unemployed workers for every available job during the first three months of 2012, even before the recent jump in unemployment. By comparison, Alberta had only two jobless workers per vacancy. Erin Weir Regina