Canadian kindness

I recently arrived back in Canada after being away for a couple of days. I was traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor and was glad to see that Canadians are still so friendly. While purchasing a water bottle, a woman overheard me asking how much it cost and whether the store accepted my airline voucher. When she realized they didn’t, she kindly offered to buy the water for me since I was on my own. This reminded me that, at our core, we Canadians still look out for one another.

Later, when my flight was delayed, I got into a conversation with two retired Canadians. They were also very kind, and we talked about our travels. Before long, more people joined in on our conversation.

These experiences reaffirm the true Canadian principles of kindness and empathy.

On the road

Re: It’s time for a Ness Avenue redesign (Think Tank, Jan. 16)

Tyler Crichton makes a good argument for the causes of numerous accidents on Ness Avenue, including Ferry Street at Ness.

As stated, Ness is a long, straight street, and speed is a definite factor, so obviously this should be a first, and likely easiest step in reducing accidents. Ness is long enough to support a few varying speed corridors, similar to Grant Anenue, but taking into consideration that there is no structural divide in some sections.

Fear and cruelty

Re: When hate hits on the home front (Think Tank, Jan. 9)

Thank you to Joanne Seiff for her valuable and practical suggestions relative to dealing with hatred against “ethno-religious minorities” in one’s community. The actions she presents certainly provide support not only for those affected, but also as ways of dealing with hatred at a systemic level.

In addition to things people can do, I would add that it’s important to remember that the roots of hatred lie deep within, and not only for those who act on their prejudicial hatred. Humans seem to have a propensity to form groupings based on certain perceived commonalities. For example, a 2022 study reported in Cognitive Development showed that children at all ages used clothing style as an indicator of friendship preferences.

Dealing with poor roads

I’m writing to raise concerns about ice control near schools and the risks created when known hazards are not addressed promptly.

Recently, I spent about 10 minutes on a 311 call reporting a school-zone intersection that was completely glazed with ice. This was not a minor slick area — it was sheer ice across the entire intersection. I emphasized during the call that children were actively using the crossing and were at risk.

Despite the posted 30 km/h speed limit, vehicles were sliding and struggling to stop. Drivers were clearly trying to be cautious, but ice eliminates safe stopping distances. Children don’t always look carefully or understand these risks.

Admirable virtues

Re: Burst pipes, sewage spills greet delegation (Jan. 8)

The sentiment from Pimicikamak Chief David Monias that the community’s resilience shouldn’t be mistaken for “acceptance of chronic neglect,” needs to be seriously contemplated. The resilience we see in Indigenous communities is a virtue to be admired; this same resilience is also a condemnation of settler society that benefits from the neglect and (to be less diplomatic than Monias) abuse continually facing Indigenous communities.

The resilience is condemnation because these are conditions created by a genocidal policy of relocation that forced communities to live in remote locations. This was done in the service of opening up cheap land for settler agriculture and urban development. It is the apartheid attitudes of the Indian Act that stripped communities of the same right to self-governance other municipalities enjoy. It is the modern bureaucracy that drown small, underfunded band governments in paper and administrative work.

Building capacity

Re: Military sought to help First Nation (Jan. 7)

The military is being asked to help a First Nation in distress. Yes, I agree that damage has been done and people have been affected. The damage must be repaired as quickly as possible to minimize potential future impacts. The military may have the capability, but really it should not be their primary role. How much in-house skilled-trades capacity exists on reserves?

The chief mentioned 12 plumbers, which seems like a small number for the size of their community. Indigenous communities have had electricity and water systems for years. Do they have the capacity, operators and skilled tradespersons to operate and maintain these systems with minimal external support? How much in-house capacity has been developed? Is it a focus for the band? What can be done to expand this capability with programs in their schools?

Elbows up

I was in the Liquor Mart on Friday morning looking for some coffee liqueur. There was the famous brand from Mexico there, and there was also the surprise American knock-off on the shelf.

I took the latter up to the counter and asked if purchasing American still went to charities. The clerk said that ended on Dec 24. I took the American one back, and got the Mexican brand instead. Elbows up.

I think the Liquor Mart is really doing a disservice to the charities by not making all American sales benefit charity until the shelves are finally empty of wares from the U.S.

Keep the pressure on

Re: Developers say protection is ‘for the birds,’ (Dec. 18)

I would first like to thank Ms. Buffie for a cogent, articulate piece.

Winnipeg is smack dab in the middle of the Mississippi Flyway for migratory birds. As such, it was a cause for celebration when Winnipeg City Council included a requirement for bird-friendly construction in November, 2024.

Opportunity to reflect

Re: Pierre Poilievre may be his own problem (Editorial, Dec. 19)

My grandfather passed on words of wisdom that I’d like to share with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, although likely, too little, too late: “Look in the mirror kid, and you’ll see your enemy.”

I have a feeling Poilievre’s mirrors don’t work very well.

Resisting racism together

Re: The growing horror of antisemitic violence (Editorial, Dec. 17)

I very much appreciate the Free Press’s editorial. I was born shortly after the end of the Second World War into a Jewish family whose members had been murdered in the Holocaust. I have experienced antisemitic comments on different occasions throughout my life. So, I’m well aware that antisemitism is a light sleeper; that it emerges out of its slumber when the circumstances are ripe; that the current rise of fascism in North America and abroad provides fertile soil.

The deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting is a particularly tragic expression of this.

Ongoing fiasco

The fiasco of the transit route restructuring is becoming a never-ending and increasing cost to city taxpayers.

Recently, transit officials reported to city council about the drop in ridership due to the changes. This loss of ridership, along with the corresponding loss of revenue, is a direct cost to the citizens of Winnipeg. In addition, it was mentioned that transit officials anticipated a loss in ridership due to the change, without indicating how much of a loss they expected, in the hope of attracting new riders.

Every business person knows it is easier to retain current customers rather than attract new ones.

Serious challenge

Re: “Cultivating a better political culture” (Letters, Dec. 17)

It was most heartening to read the letter by former MLA and cabinet minister Leonard Harapiak. His advocacy for citizen engagement is sorely needed in these turbulent times.

Harapiak’s challenge either to “stand back or become engaged” ought to be taken seriously. I am reminded of the term “bread and circuses,” which can be traced back to first- and second-century Rome. It refers to appeasement; citizens are kept well fed, docile and happy so that dissent fails to materialize. Some might call it infantilizing the masses.

A health-care proposal

Re: Virtual medical ward may be just what the doctor ordered (Dec. 9)

In his column, Tom Brodbeck takes a realistic look at the government’s latest idea to reduce the dangerous overcrowding of our ER departments.

The idea is promising for patients well enough to recover at home, with help from paramedics, opening up patient beds for those seriously requiring hospital care. Sadly, many hospital beds are used by elderly patients waiting for an opening in nursing homes. It does not help those whose health would qualify them, but who are unable to communicate with medical staff through Wi-Fi. However, even if it frees up some hospital beds, it’s worth consideration.

Must condemn attack

The recent attack on a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is an act of unspeakable evil that has shocked Australia and the world. The deliberate targeting of innocent men, women and children who gathered to celebrate the sacred festival of Hanukkah is not only a crime against the Jewish community, but an assault on humanity itself.

This was not random violence. It was a calculated act of terror driven by hatred and antisemitism. That such brutality could unfold in a place associated with joy, faith and togetherness makes the tragedy all the more devastating. A celebration meant to honour light, resilience and hope was instead marked by bloodshed and fear.

Just last year at this time, we were in Sydney with a group of friends. We experienced the city as welcoming, vibrant and deeply peaceful. Reflecting on that memory now, in light of what has occurred at Bondi Beach, is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. It is difficult to comprehend how such a serene and beloved place could become the scene of such hatred and violence.

Transit eroding

Re: Riding the bus ‘unbearable and stressful’ (Dec. 11)

In the article, Coun. Lukes says she expects good results in the long term but, as J.M. Keynes said, “in the long run we are all dead.”

Especially true of seniors, this quotation emphasizes the need for governments to fix crises now, rather than in slow, weak tweaks.