Mark Carney, candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, speaks during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., Feb. 13.ETHAN CAIRNS/The Canadian Press
Alone, again
Re “The democratic world will have to get along without America. It may even have to defend itself from it” (Feb. 14): What was perhaps unclear in 2016 cannot now be denied. Donald Trump is no rogue elephant, his ascendancy no shot in the pan.
His second presidency should be seen as a drastic shift from all we have been accustomed to expect from the United States since 1945. Many Americans seem to willingly rejoice in the gradual shift toward the establishment of a dictatorship.
To “make America great,” they evidently are content to abandon leadership of the free world and witness their country abrogate international treaties. U.S. isolationism has returned full force, meaning the country should no longer be relied upon or trusted as an ally.
Canada, Europe and other world democracies appear to have finally awakened to this new reality. Just what they intend to do about it remains to be seen.
The degree of co-operation required is a major challenge. Hopefully they will prove up to the task.
Alan Scrivener Cornwall, Ont.
The United States has sided with dictatorships for years. From Chile to Saudi Arabia to the Shah of Iran to Saddam Hussein (before they tired of him), the list goes on and on.
Craig Proulx Fredericton
Is there still a House of Representatives and Senate in the United States?
Since Donald Trump became President again, there has been a slew of executive orders. Since he is eviscerating various government departments, with more to come, he might as well issue an order to formally shut down Congress.
But I suppose he won’t do that, nor shut down the Supreme Court, because he sees them as sycophants.
A constitution and institutions with checks and balances? Apparently no longer.
Peter Belliveau Moncton
Get out of here
Re “Barrick considering redomiciling from Canada to the U.S. and Trump could make it happen faster, says CEO Mark Bristow” (Report on Business, Feb. 14): It would appear that Barrick has wholly embraced the modern business raison d’etre: profit, and only profit. Ethical treatment of employees and investors, and any sense of patriotism, seem to be of no value.
Rather than “sorry to see you go,” it would seem that “good riddance” is the more appropriate parting sentiment.
David Kister Kingston
Say when?
Re “Carney says he may call early election if he becomes prime minister” (Feb. 14): If Mark Carney, as prime minister, expects to call for an early vote, he may get a big surprise.
As soon as the new Liberal leader, whoever it is, reconvenes the House, Pierre Poilievre will likely beat them to the draw, move confidence and thus force an early election whether the Liberals intend to do so or not.
Justin Trudeau should have folded government, prompting an election, while he was still in a position to do so. Now it’s left to a new leader or Mr. Poilievre to do the job.
Dirk Smit Windsor, Ont.
Leadership qualities
Re “Conservatives launch partisan attacks on Liberal leadership front-runner Mark Carney” (Feb. 15): Another day, another round of name-calling from Pierre Poilievre. Is this really what he thinks leadership looks like?
Leadership is about solutions, collaboration and the ability to navigate complex challenges. And that is the real problem, is it not? Mr. Poilievre does not seem to engage with serious ideas.
When faced with someone like Mark Carney, an economist with global experience and a proven track record, Mr. Poilievre’s response is not to debate, but to belittle. Why? Because he probably knows that next to Mr. Carney’s expertise, his soundbites fall flat.
Now we see Andrew Scheer stepping in as a loyal defender to back up Mr. Poilievre when bluster is not enough. But Canadians are not looking for a one-man show with a supporting cast of enablers.
We need leadership, not performance. That is why I believe we need Mark Carney. When it comes to leading a country, substance matters.
Susan Radojevic Mono, Ont.
Re “Meet the new Liberals. Same as the old Liberals” (Editorial, Feb. 13): As stated when considering relations with the United States, “Canada needs to fight back with big ideas to make the economy more productive and expand our trade horizons.” I agree with this sentiment, but would note that political preference is a relative choice, not an absolute one.
The policies and approach of the Liberal Party should be contrasted with that of the Conservative Party. I for one don’t see a lot of bold ideas from the Conservatives. “Axe the tax” now feels very passé.
D.C. Fraser Mississauga
Exactly.
When are Canadians going to realize that all the things we want – good jobs, good futures for our kids, law and order, respect for the environment, good health care, etc. – cost money. That requires leadership which will grow wealth for all Canadians, not leadership that robs our futures in an attempt to get elected.
Mark Carney is very electable. He is arguably more educated, experienced, articulate and intelligent than any other option.
But I observed him going along with Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland’s fiscal policies, from which we are unlikely to recover. How can we trust him to do the right thing? I can’t.
In a democracy, we get the government we deserve. My fondest wish is that all Canadians educate themselves on what it will take to create a brighter future for us all, and vote their conscience accordingly.
Scott Cuthbertson Toronto
Re “When the plane hits some turbulence, you’re maybe going to want a pilot to fly it” (Opinion, Feb. 15): Pollsters have asked whether Canadians would vote Liberal if Mark Carney was party leader. But that questions fails to capture the essence of parliamentary democracy, wherein citizens vote for MPs, not party leaders.
The right question, then, is whether people would vote for the same group of MPs and high-profile ministers who have enacted policies that many feel have diminished our standards of living and global influence.
I bet they will have second thoughts when the time comes to cast their ballots.
Samuel Rochette Brossard, Que.
Wild thing
Re “Lessons in surviving uncertain times from a man who endured 84 days in the Canadian wilderness” (Feb. 13): William Larkham Jr., Season 11 winner of reality competition Alone, did not set out to conquer the wilderness. He did not hate or fear wild animals or his surroundings, as did so many other competitors.
With his cheerful optimism, Mr. Larkham was one with nature. He embraced it, an inspiration to us all.
Cathy Walker Surrey, B.C.
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