Letters, Oct. 27

Evolution of the game

As the old saying goes, you can evolve over time or become extinct. Extinction is something the CFL has been on the verge of for decades. It’s time for CFL fans to get off the ledge and relax.

All sports leagues evolve, and it doesn’t signal a threat to national sovereignty. Let’s look at some examples. Hockey eliminated the centre ice two-line pass, put a trapezoid behind the net so goalies couldn’t play the puck wherever they want, and completely changed the icing rules to reduce injury.

Baseball introduced a pitch clock and eliminated the requirement to throw four lollipop balls to intentionally walk a batter. Basketball introduced a three-point line, completely changing the game. The NFL moved its goal posts back 40 years ago, changed their kickoff rule for safety reasons, and this year introduced electronic measurements for first downs.

Get over it people, times change. The CFL must be the only league where its current end zones are not universally the same length. The single for a missed field goal? Well, that’s the equivalent to a participation trophy. The ones my son would throw in the garbage out of disgust. Times change and CFL is no different. Evolve or become extinct!

Patrick Hoger

Winnipeg

Rankling Trump

Re: Trump terminates trade talks with Canada because of tariff ads (Oct. 23)

Had to look up what former U.S. president Ronald Reagan really said, if Ontario Premier Doug Ford misrepresented it at all. I think Ford’s excerpts are true to Reagan’s views on tariffs. At least Trump’s rants may get more exposure for Doug’s ad with thinking Americans!

I’m also hoping Trump’s actions open the door for Carney to get his elbows up again, and play Canada’s cards with others who do want to play with us!

How about an export tax on our strategic resources, like energy exports, with funds to be used to compensate workers and companies harmed by illegal tariffs?

Fred Petrie

Winnipeg

Thanks to Tom, from Tom

Re: Developments get thumbs-up from city’s appeal committee (Oct. 23)

It is good to see another Tom Scott standing up for his neighbourhood against developers that are putting profit before safety.

With having a common name like Tom Scott, I always worry that I will be mistaken for a Tom Scott that is arrested for some bad deed. My heart goes out to all the people out there that have a common name and are not as lucky as I have been.

Fortunately, today, Tom Scott in St. Boniface continues to keep our name in the news for the right reason. Well done, Tom.

Tom P. Scott

Winnipeg

Thanks to hospital staff

We have heard and read about the troubled state of our health-care system. There is no doubt that there are issues that are difficult to resolve, and some people have legitimate complaints.

But I would like to tell you about my recent experience at St. Boniface Hospital. On Oct. 16, I had laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia surgery at St. Boniface Hospital. From the moment I walked through the front entrance to the moment I walked out, everyone and everything was top shelf. Dr. Colin Botkin’s surgical team and the staff on 2B were efficient, kind, and thoughtful. Everyone involved in my case introduced themselves and explained exactly what they would be doing. Several times, they double-checked my name and birthday. In conversation, they reduced any anxiety I had leading up to the surgery. And they left the impression that they were totally committed to my well-being.

Following the surgery, I was wheeled into a room that I shared with three other people. The nursing staff on 2B ensured me that my stay would be as comfortable as possible. I had to stay overnight because I have sleep apnea. Shortly, they served dinner. I am not a fussy eater, but the meatballs with pasta in marinara sauce was tasty, the date square was delicious, and the cup of tea was delightful.

I hope that the Free Press will print this story so that the staff will know how thankful I am for the care they provided. You know who you are.

You’re simply the best.

Wally Jackson

Winnipeg

Retention, capacity still challenges in health

Re: ‘Morally sound medicine’: U.S. doctor finds freedom, acceptance in Winnipeg (Oct. 23)

I was surprised to read in the Free Press about Dr. Jesse Krikorian’s decision to move to Winnipeg, portrayed as an example of Manitoba’s success in attracting U.S. physicians. While I admire Krikorian’s courage and commitment to caring for marginalized communities, I am not convinced this story signals a broader solution to Manitoba’s doctor shortage.

The Manitoba government seems to believe that streamlining licensing rules and marketing the province to American doctors will fix our health-care crisis. But it’s not that simple. Physicians uprooting their lives from the U.S. for political or moral reasons represent a very small and specific group — not a sustainable pipeline for filling the widespread staffing gaps in our hospitals, clinics, and rural areas.

Welcoming one or two doctors is commendable, but the real challenge lies in retention and system capacity. Manitoba continues to face heavy workloads, burnout, limited resources, and long wait times that drive many local health professionals to leave. Unless those underlying issues are addressed — working conditions, infrastructure, and fair compensation — attracting new doctors from abroad won’t be enough to fix a system that’s already stretched thin.

Krikorian’s story is inspiring, but it should not be mistaken for evidence of a working strategy.

Manitoba needs a long-term, comprehensive approach to health-care staffing, not a short-term public relations victory.

Yog Rahi Gupta

Winnipeg

Real sacrifice

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about their upcoming budget said Canadians will have to endure some sacrifices. Really? Presumptuous of him, eh?

Canadians who wish to feed their families sacrifice when they pay for food, pay for their heating, gas, electrical, dentists and medical expenses, and so much more. Sacrifice? When will it stop?

Will Carney’s legislative crowd sacrifice anything, take a pay cut, refuse their many legislative perks, or stop travelling on the public’s dime? Will Carney work for a $1 a day for the next year? He’s rich right?

You know who sacrifices? Our Armed Forces, who should be celebrated this coming November. Our health-care sector, whose workers are paid so much less then their American counterparts. Firefighters, who often volunteer and are not paid. All those who volunteer to assist others. They sacrifice much. Parents who put the needs of their kids before their needs and wants.

Damn those who take advantage of the public — of the needy, the elderly and infirm. Sacrifices are never seen in Ottawa or any provincial capital where legislatures exist seemingly to be pilfered and selfishly abused by our so-called representatives.

If there were a time and place where our bubble-wrapped politicians can show their respect for the public, it is now and in every capital in this Confederation.

Steven Kaszab

Bradford, Ont.