Rae, Kinew and axing taxes
To achieve peace, all sides of a war must really want it
How Canada’s most fiery envoy found himself in the line of fire: Cohn, March 8
Canadian UN ambassador Bob Rae is correct when he says “the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of war lies with the parties who are fighting.” Equally, if not more important, is for all the demonstrators around the world to recognize that to have peace, both parties must want it. Demonstrators can demand peace until the end of time but there will be no peace until all sides want peace. They need to understand that they cannot force or wish people to get along.
Charles Campisi, Oakville
Kudos to columnist Martin Regg Cohn for shining a light on Canada’s position and votes at the UN. Thanks to Bob Rae for holding the UN position with dignity and clearly stating that Canada supports a two state solution. The terrible situation in Gaza right now is the ultimate responsibility of both fighting sides, and the hatred and anger of demonstrators on both sides here in Canada is often without knowing what the conflict is even about. Rae helps us see what it is to be committed to peace and the immense difficulties faced in working for it. Susan Turner, Guelph
Manitoba just the latest example that NDP ideas work
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has a winning formula. Progressive leaders should listen: Phillips, March 12
Tuesday was NDP Appreciation Day on the Opinion page of The
Star. The third column, titled “Studies show that rent controls work” only sealed the deal: The NDP make excellent provincial governments, being socially progressive and rarely if ever mired in scandal.
The contrast between governments run by populists like Alberta’s Danielle’s Smith, Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe and Ontario’s Doug Ford couldn’t be greater. Yet, if Bonnie Crombie’s leadership takes off, Ontarians may once again see the popular vote split between the NDP and the Liberals, allowing Ford to achieve yet another majority government.
And lest you object by pointing to Bob Rae’s NDP government, just remember that Rae increased social spending during tough economic times, and made some government workers go on periods of unpaid leave, colloquially known as “Rae Days.” That move seems far from Draconian when one considers the actions of subsequent provincial governments.
I’ve always been a Liberal Democrat. If New Democrats and Liberals don’t want to see progressive issues woefully underserved, they should amalgamate.
Ron Charach, Toronto
PM should axe tax to force an honest debate on climate
Trudeau ally joins Poilievre to demand a halt to the April 1 carbon levy increase, March 12
The Conservative Party of Canada and its Leader Pierre Poilievre have relentlessly attacked the carbon tax, and held Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responsible. Other provincial governments have joined the anti-carbon tax train, along with millions of voters. A conservative government will kill the tax, so why not suspend it now, develop a new climate plan to present to Canadians at the next election? It would ease some cost-of-living pain, and force a more productive policy debate on the type of climate plan that’s best for Canada. The current situation is far too divisive and truly unhelpful, except to the CPC and their leader. Why not puncture their balloon and force their hand to develop a plan. Desmond Pouyat, Toronto
‘‘ Thanks to Bob Rae for holding the UN position with dignity and clearly stating that Canada supports a two-state solution. The terrible situation in Gaza right now is the ultimate responsibility of both fighting sides.
Officials behind planning meeting need map of city
This week in the Star, the City of Toronto published a notice of public meeting pertaining to property at Islington and Bloor in Etobicoke.
The meeting is in Scarborough.I
emailed the city registrar and the clerk to ask for a change of venue. Only those who make an oral presentation have a right to appeal and Scarborough is a long way from Etobicoke. Although I received an apology, it is clear Toronto needs to give their employees a map.
Gail Rutherford, Etobicoke
SUSAN TURNER GUELPH
Picasso used his art to truly capture the injustice and horror
Why I think Picasso’s masterpiece ‘Guernica’ is ultimately a failure: Mallick, March 11
I was deeply moved by Heather Mallick’s column, but I do not think Picasso failed. He didn’t have a cellphone and used his art to brilliantly capture the injustice and horror. Today, with technology, we witness the horror inflicted on Gaza daily, but it is the powerful governments that support the genocide that are failing. I note that Gaza and Guernica share the first and last letters. Elizabeth Hill, Toronto