Letters, Oct. 27

Time for ranked ballots?

Re: Get out and exercise your franchise (Editorial, Oct. 24)

Declining turnout is indeed a threat to our democracy and, while I am grateful that the editorial mentioned proportional representation, the issue on the municipal level can be solved far more simply — using ranked-choice voting.

In the last Winnipeg municipal election, the mayor “won” the election with only 27 per cent of the vote. Multiply that by the turnout of 37.5 per cent and the mayor’s positive mandate — the portion of the electorate that voted for him as mayor — drops to a paltry 10 per cent. That number should shock us into an awareness that the single-mark ballot has failed us miserably.

With another near-circus of 12 mayoral candidates, Winnipeggers should be able to express their preferences with more nuance than filling in one oval on the ballot — we should be ranking our choices from one to 12, or one to as many choices as we wish to express.

If no candidate receives 50-per-cent-plus-one of the vote share in the first round of counting, the last-place candidate’s ballots would then be redistributed to the second-choice candidate from those ballots, and again and again until one candidate has majority support.

To change the way we vote, the provincial government will need to amend laws governing municipal elections. Winnipeggers and all citizens deserve a healthier democracy. A shift to a ranked ballot in non-party elections is an easy, positive shift we can make, which might bring back many of the non-voters to elections in which their choices actually matter.

Alon Weinberg

Winnipeg

Nip apathy in the bud

Voter apathy is rampant in today’s society. It’s another example of the old story: “When I was a kid …”

Two generations ago, when I was a kid, we were raised and taught that voting was a right and a responsibility. We believed in the importance and value of electing representatives who were looking out for us and whose visions were in line with ours, our parents and those of our community. I never missed an opportunity to let my voice be heard in the voting booth.

It is lack of interest, enthusiasm, sense of meaning and responsibility that creates voter apathy.

Starting to teach and encourage young people to vote, and instilling excitement and interest in our elections is a place to start.

Ellen Karr

Winnipeg

Concern over lack of student support

Re: Is the student or the system falling short? (Think Tank, Oct. 26); Division’s mental-health liaison a boost to students in crisis (Oct. 26)

As one who has worked in these areas, I was gratified to see two articles dealing with students who are experiencing learning and social-emotional issues.

Ms. Velthuys presents a good overview of the struggles children and parents experience in their search for support. What I found most concerning was her assessment of the wait times for assessments and the ensuing need to seek private help. The question arises, what is the nature of the help being sought?

Ms. Riess’ article quotes the Manitoba Teachers Society president Lillian Klausen reiterating Ms. Velthuys’ claims of long wait-times to see professionals. Both writers make an important point — non-classroom support for students is underfunded. No argument there.

What I find worrisome is that one profession — certified reading clinicians — is not mentioned in these articles. These specialized educators are provincially certified and employed by some school divisions. Others work in private practice. As the name suggests, their focus is specifically on the complexities of learning to read. Yes, complexities.

Despite the general belief that learning to read is quite simple, those who work in the field know it’s not the case. Indeed, many students seen by reading clinicians also are receiving support from Ms. Klausen’s list of professionals.

Edwin Buettner

Winnipeg

Teachers and social media

Bravo to the province for banning teachers from contacting students using social media. As a retired teacher with 30 years of experience, I can’t imagine why one might need to contact a student after hours. It was always prudent to involve parents by phone call or email, but never the student. I find it odd that we now have to ban the use of social media when it seems like common sense that you do not contact students personally.

Maybe it’s time that the Manitoba Teachers’ Society involves itself and comes out against this practice. Also, perhaps the department of education includes a course on Social Media 101. Clearly, some of the rank and file don’t comprehend why it’s a slippery slope to have personal contact with a student outside of class.

Ken Campbell

Winnipeg

A lesson in respect

What do Republicans and soccer players have in common? Both can feign a near-mortal injury after staging the hit themselves.

That is exactly what we are watching right now, as the U.S. president and his ambassador to Canada issue veiled threats in retaliation for perceived interference in the U.S. midterm elections.

What makes this performance so absurd is that there is already clear evidence of U.S. interference leading up to Alberta’s separation vote. Every time Republicans cry foul, there is a very good chance they are already guilty of the same bad behaviour — the only difference is they do it while wrapped in the American flag, hoping no one will notice.

Hopefully American voters will see through the performance. We Canadians will not be bullied by manufactured outrage, especially from those actively meddling in our democracy themselves.

We value a respectful relationship with our neighbours, but respect must go both ways.

Hans Wiebe

Winnipeg

Stay classy, Winnipeg

While it is a relief to have reached end of the unfortunate Connor Hellebuyck situation, it is to be hoped that Jets fans will respond with class when he inevitably returns to Winnipeg.

(Editor’s note: The Devils play the Jets at Canada Life Centre on Nov. 10.)

Class was totally missing when some vitriolic idiots posted threats and other garbage after Connor’s visit to the White House. He is a U.S. citizen and has every right to be proud of his Olympic success and to reap the benefits of that success. His actions in no way impacted his dedication to the Jets and to the Winnipeg community.

Let’s welcome him back with respect for him and his accomplishments as a member of our Jets.

Dennis Penner

Winnipeg

Odds are …

Re: Parlay sports gambling boom into addiction supports (Oct. 24)

Tom Brodbeck is right on the money. Gambling ads, oddsmakers chiming in during broadcasts, logos on helmets, etc. All of it is ruining the experience of watching a game online or on TV.

Sports betting is quickly becoming a societal scourge, with devastating consequences, especially for young men. Can governments not intervene to curtail the ubiquity of this advertising, or are they also addicted … to the revenue?

Pauline Johnson

Winnipeg

On the other hand …

Re: “When a war is not a war” (Letters, Oct. 26)

The letter writer suggests media reports of a trade war misdescribes a trade dispute. To the contrary, Trump’s tariff attacks on Canada are precisely a form of economic warfare to de-industrialize Canada to the condition of a vassal state.

Norman Rosenbaum

Winnipeg