In a recent collection of letters to the editor, Canadian readers expressed strong, diverse opinions on national issues ranging from the ethics of sports advertising to federal politics and international travel.
The Shift from Cherry to Gambling Ads
A reader from Brampton, M. Benson, drew a sharp contrast between the 2019 firing of Don Cherry from Hockey Night in Canada and the current media landscape saturated with sports gambling advertisements. The letter argues that while the network deemed Cherry's views an unacceptable influence on young viewers, it now promotes gambling, an activity the writer suggests encourages people to lose money they cannot afford.
The writer contends that the decision to remove Cherry was a mistake, bowing to a loud mob, and that the current embrace of gambling ads shows a lack of sanctimony on the part of broadcasters.
East-West Pipeline and Transfer Payment Debate
The contentious topic of national energy infrastructure was also a focus. Randy Kingdon from Ontario expressed the view that Mark Carney, like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau before him, shows little concern for Western Canada. The letter proposes that Quebec and British Columbia should either support the construction of an East-West pipeline or forfeit their eligibility for federal transfer payments.
The core argument is that these provinces cannot continue to receive financial benefits from the federation while refusing to contribute to its energy economic development. The writer adds that these regions have become accustomed to having it both ways.
Assessments of New York and Federal Politics
Dr. Steve Starkman of Toronto declared he will no longer visit New York City, a destination he previously enjoyed several times a year, including for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. He attributes this decision to the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor, predicting a significant rise in crime that will make the city unsafe for visitors. The letter describes this as a mistake that will transform a once wonderful city into one of the world's most dangerous.
On the federal political stage, a letter from Lloyd Atkins in Vernon, B.C., addressed the leadership of Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. While many have expressed loathing for Poilievre, the writer claims to be overjoyed by the leader's honesty. The letter suggests that after a significant election loss, Poilievre attempted to soften his image but could not maintain what is described as a duplicitous charade.
By exposing his true self, the writer believes Poilievre has sealed his political fate and will never become Prime Minister of Canada, while the editorial response simply advises, Never say never.
