Letters, Aug 21

911 action essential

The latest revelations about repeated 911 service outages in Manitoba should alarm every Manitoban. When someone dials 911, they should never have to wonder whether their call will actually reach an emergency operator. Lives can depend on those few seconds.

Manitobans need answers — and, more importantly, action.

Bell Canada says its existing systems and contingency plans are designed to protect 911 service, while pointing to the transition to next-generation 911 technology by 2027 as the long-term solution.

But why should Manitobans have to wait until 2027 for reliable emergency service?

If a single accidental fibre cut can disrupt 911 service and even affect the backup systems designed to protect it, then clearly the current system has vulnerabilities that must be addressed immediately. A backup system that fails when it is actually needed is not much of a backup.

This is not an ordinary telecommunications service. It is 911.

There is also a troubling tendency for governments and corporations to point fingers at one another over jurisdiction. Bell points to a construction accident. The province points to federal regulation. The federal government and the CRTC are then expected to take action.

Meanwhile, ordinary Manitobans are left asking a simple question: Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that 911 works when we need it?

A 911 system is not a luxury and uninterrupted access to emergency services should not be treated as a corporate service-level target. It is a basic public safety obligation.

Premier Wab Kinew says he has spoken directly to Bell’s CEO and will continue to follow up. That is a start. But Manitobans deserve a public action plan, independent oversight, transparent reporting, immediate improvements to backup systems and accountability from everyone responsible.

“Unacceptable” should be the beginning of the response — not the end of it.

Yog Rahi Gupta

Winnipeg

Intergenerational connection

Re: Daycare added to senior’s residence (Aug. 18)

The Gray Family Centre expansion to Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre is a wonderful story.

As a retired recreation facilitator, we often included daycare and school-age children in our programs at Golden Links Lodge. The children from the daycare were always excited about their visits to “the grandma and grandpa place.” The energy in the room would invigorate the elders and the children enjoyed performing for them.

It all felt so natural.

Colin McRae

Winnipeg

Judge ankle bracelets fairly

Re: Bracelets fail to stop crime spree (Aug. 18)

Reports of two offenders committing crimes while wearing ankle bracelets understandably raise concerns. But that doesn’t necessarily mean electronic monitoring has failed.

We often demand action on crime, yet criticize crime initiatives whenever they don’t prevent every offence. That’s the wrong measure of success.

An ankle bracelet isn’t designed to physically stop someone from committing a crime. Its value is in tracking movements, detecting breaches, assisting police investigations and providing evidence that can support future prosecutions. It also provides another level of supervision for offenders who might otherwise have fewer restrictions.

The real questions are: Are offenders being properly monitored? Are breaches detected and acted upon? Does tracking assist police? And is the program producing measurable benefits at a reasonable cost?

If not, criticize it. But let’s evaluate ankle monitoring based on effectiveness, efficiency and results — not simply by counting crimes committed by people wearing the bracelets.

Doug Grant

Winnipeg

Same as it ever was

Re: Residents call for speed bumps after child hit by vehicle (Aug. 17)

Doing something is better than not doing anything at all. However, speed bumps or other traffic calming initiatives are unlikely to deter the type of driver who is inclined to run, such as in this terrible situation.

Inasmuch as I believe that speed limits should generally be lowered, as cars and trucks are more powerful than in the past, those who tend to speed will continue to do so. Just like those who breeze through stops or turn right on red as if they have the right of way.

Actions must be accompanied by enforcement. And enforcement accompanied by consequence.

Debbie Ristimaki

Winnipeg

Just say no to American spirits

So it seems like the latest round of threats from America — and let’s not fool ourselves, it is more than just Trump — will result in American booze coming back to our Liquor Mart shelves.

I don’t know why our federal and provincial governments may give in with regard to this issue but I do know we don’t have to do so.

Let them put U.S. booze back on the shelves. Then let’s simply not buy it. Our governments can’t be blamed by the U.S. and individual Canadians can make a point.

One that clearly hurts the U.S. and annoys the heck out of Trump. That’s a win-win in my book.

Sharon Tod

Winnipeg

Keep fighting the good fight

Re: Coalition dismayed after U of M decides not to establish master’s in speech-language pathology (Aug. 15)

I was disheartened to read your article, as I know this decision does not reflect the first time that a decision was made against creating a master’s program in speech-language pathology in the province. The article correctly underscored the importance of speech therapists in the health-care equation in terms of helping children, but we should also not forget how vital speech therapists are in helping the elder population with a variety of speech issues.

I am not surprised that an organization of people who stutter was active in pushing for the University of Manitoba to establish this graduate program. I hope that this group and all the other groups mentioned in the article will continue their advocacy.

For parents seeking help for children who stutter, many free resources are available on the website of the Stuttering Foundation (www.StutteringHelp.org), which also has a toll-free helpline in Canada at 1-800-992-9392. This organization provides e-books, streaming videos, and tutorials.

I firmly believe that if all of the people who fought for this program to be established were to continue their fight, they definitely will be successful.

Sir Winston Churchill was a famous person who stuttered and one of his famous quotes is, “Never, never, never give up!”

Mary Armstrong

Ottawa

It’s about time

Re: Making the right move on rail lines (Aug. 15)

I am a senior and a long-time Winnipeg resident. I am a light sleeper. A senior with declining health. I need to rest.

I am disturbed day and night by heavy, loud trains. During the day, it can be challenging to hear guests speak. Phone conversations are interrupted frequently. Air is polluted by engine fumes and exhaust. Our screened porch is vacated when a train goes by to avoid a headache or a hearing-aid adjustment.

(We are) lucky to have competent politicians working mostly in collaboration to keep Winnipeg and Manitoba healthy and progressive.

As an 80-year-old constant resident, I am proud to live here. Best of luck Premier Wab Kinew and Lloyd Axworthy for addressing train-track removal.

Sandy Hyman

Winnipeg