Letters,

A return of serve

Re: Sala fails budget test (Think Tank, June 13)

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is right to be concerned about the growing provincial debt (and attendant debt payments) and some levels of taxation, but their unrelenting tunnel vision is borderline dysfunctional in terms of contributing to a useful discussion. If they want to be taken seriously, then I think they need to also respond to a number of other important issues including the following:

What about the out-of-control growth of income inequality here and around the world? What about the fact that systems of progressive taxation (primarily established after the Second World War to ensure taxation equity) are being steadily eroded? What about the huge amounts of money being put into tax shelters and offshore tax havens by wealthy people to avoid paying taxes?

What about the fact that over the last decade or so there have been significant tax reductions here (which have disproportionately benefited the better-off among us) and that the deficit is to a significant extent due to those tax cuts?

What if the increases in equalization payments over the last few years (nearly $1.8 billion since 2022) had been used to lower the deficit or fund critical front-line social services instead of largely funding tax cuts (about $1.6 billion)?

The ball is in your court, taxpayers federation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Gerald Farthing

Winnipeg

Trump champions UFC over Ukraine

Re: Putin, Zelenskyy speak with Trump by phone (June 15)

To quote from the article, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that recent strikes on civilian targets in Russia complicate a settlement regarding the war waged against Ukraine by Russia.

Let’s get one thing clear and straight. There have been no civilian targets intentionally hit by Ukraine, as stated by Trump after his talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Trump’s birthday. It is infuriating to have the president of the United States mouth Russian propaganda and show absolutely no interest in knowing the truth, which is as clear as day to any well-informed and educated reader of global affairs.

Everyone in the world sees and understands that the aggressor is Russia, which hits civilian targets purposely and, even more so, centres of cultural and historical significance in Ukraine.

For example, someone could point out to President Trump the attack on Kyiv’s holiest of sites, the Pechersk Lavra monastic complex, which occurred right after his conversation with Putin. Maybe someone can sit President Trump down long enough to point out the importance of Eastern Christianity and its spiritual roots established in Kyiv over a thousand years ago, providing teachings, strength and resilience throughout the centuries in helping Ukraine rebuff its barbaric neighbours.

But, alas, realistically speaking, Trump is too busy showcasing his own personal interests and desires by staging UFC fights on the lawn of the White House.

We live in a world where bloodlust triumphs over centuries-old traditions of morality and human decency as taught by Christianity.

Watching the world slip into an abyss of empirical decline is hard to stomach but it is still harder to reconcile when the values of love, compassion and respect lose their meaning and guidance in the world we live in today.

Christine Krucko

Winnipeg

Flooding and response

Flooding has been a recurring natural disaster in Manitoba, particularly along the Red River and Assiniboine River systems. Due to its flat landscape and large river basins, Manitoba is highly vulnerable to spring flooding caused by snowmelt, heavy rainfall and ice jams. Major floods, such as the 1950 Red River flood and the 1997 “Flood of the Century,” caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, agriculture and local economies.

The Manitoba government has implemented several flood mitigation measures over the years. These include the construction of the Red River Floodway, emergency response programs, flood forecasting systems, evacuation plans and financial assistance for affected residents. The Red River Floodway, often referred to as “Duff’s Ditch,” is widely regarded as one of the most significant flood protection projects in Canada and has helped reduce flood damage in Winnipeg.

However, a critical examination reveals that government responses have not always been fully effective. While major infrastructure projects have reduced the risk of catastrophic flooding in urban areas, some rural and Indigenous communities continue to experience significant vulnerability. Critics argue that government investments often prioritize protecting economic centres such as Winnipeg while smaller communities receive less attention and fewer resources for long-term adaptation.

Furthermore, climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, creating new challenges for flood management. Existing infrastructure was designed based on historical flood patterns, which may no longer accurately reflect current and future risks. This raises concerns about whether government policies are sufficiently proactive or whether they remain largely reactive, responding to disasters after they occur rather than investing in stronger prevention strategies.

Another issue is the social and economic impact of repeated flooding. Although governments provide disaster assistance programs, compensation may not fully cover losses experienced by homeowners, farmers and businesses. Delays in funding and recovery efforts can also place additional burdens on affected communities. Some researchers and community leaders have called for greater investment in climate adaptation, wetland restoration and community-based resilience planning.

A more comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, environmental sustainability and equitable support for all communities would strengthen Manitoba’s resilience to future flooding.

Yog Rahi Gupta

Winnipeg

Winnipeg, epidemics and the NML

Re: Manitoba’s role in distant Ebola outbreak (Think Tank, June 15)

Kudos to Daniel Ajiroba on his thoughtful column on the risks of epidemic and pandemic disease spread, and on all citizens’ roles in understanding these risks.

We can be proud that Winnipeg has the National Microbiology Lab. I would only add that the lab locating here was no accident: Winnipeg was on the radar for its world-class infectious disease expertise. Drs. Allan Ronald, Frank Plummer, Fred Aoki, Stephen Moses and many others were leaders in developing and advancing the field of infectious disease medicine.

Their ongoing work in Africa, India and elsewhere on the spread of HIV is also of extreme importance, and is led by many experts trained by our leaders.

Dr. Ray Singer

Winnipeg

Scotland the brave (and miserly)

With a last name of Clyde, one can tell that my father’s family came from Scotland.

On Saturday, June 13, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at the World Cup. I am proud of the fact that the team scored the minimum number of goals to guarantee the three points awarded for the victory.

Scots are reputed to be tight with a dollar and to not pay more than is absolutely necessary. I am glad the soccer team has transferred this trait onto the pitch.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg