Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev during their meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, on Feb. 14.Gavriil Grigorov/The Associated Press
One year later
Re “Zelensky tells Vance that Kyiv wants ‘security guarantees’ as Trump seeks to end Ukraine-Russia war” (Feb. 15): As Donald Trump begins what seems to be a dubious rehabilitation of Vladimir Putin, we should not forget the extraordinary life and career of Mr. Putin’s opponent Alexey Navalny, who died mysteriously as a political prisoner on Feb. 16, 2024.
“The Putinist state is not sustainable,” he wrote. “We must not give up, and we must stand by our beliefs.”
George Galt Victoria
Strategy session
Re “Trump ramps up global trade war with plan for reciprocal tariffs, including on Canada” (Feb. 14): Canada ought to convene a summit of like-minded countries at risk of having tariffs imposed on them by the unpredictable Trump administration.
The idea would be to form an alliance akin to NATO, where the guiding principle is “an attack on one is an attack on all.” If tariffs should be imposed on any one member state, then all member states would respond with immediate and massive retaliatory tariffs designed to inflict maximum damage.
This strategy of massive counter-retaliation would be publicized in advance to create a credible deterrent. If the deterrent is credible enough, then it may never need to be put into action.
Michael Fox Whistler, B.C.
During the Second World War, C.D. Howe was appointed minister of munitions and supply by William Lyon Mackenzie King. He was assisted by senior Canadian businessmen, who were seconded to government for $1 a year.
Whichever political party may be in power should appoint powerful $1-a-year men and woman to act as special envoys to counter American threats and advocate on behalf of Canada’s interests. I would even suggest that the Governor-General might take it upon her office to appoint such people.
Decades ago, I was affiliated with the kinder, gentler Progressive Conservative Party. So while I am surprised at my own suggestion of very right-wing individuals, I believe that powerful, tough-minded men and women such as Stephen Harper and Conrad Black could help hold the line.
Charles Pitts Toronto
Donald Trump is known for a lack of precision when speaking. He is talking about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, but perhaps he means to suggest we explore the option of an economic union like the European Union.
Italy, Germany, France and others surrendered a large degree of sovereignty to join the EU. Big decisions are now made in Brussels for everyone, and it is working better than anyone could have hoped. The free flow of goods and peoples across Europe has enhanced trade and enriched everyone.
Becoming Americans is a non-starter for almost all of us, but an EU type of arrangement might offer an attractive alternative. Our health care system might be the elephant in the room, but maybe we start with medicare off the table.
A U.S. takeover is unlikely to happen, but perhaps we can take lessons from the success of economic integration in Europe.
Ken Johnston Ottawa
Old is new
Re “Just what was Trump thinking when he said ‘Canada doesn’t even allow U.S. banks’?” (Report on Business, Feb. 5): The 1999 revisions to the Canadian Bank Act made it easier for U.S. banks to operate in Canada, refuting Donald Trump’s comments.
In what seems to be a successful negotiating formula with the United States, I propose that when next challenged with tariffs, we announce “new” revisions to our Bank Act. We’ll just neglect to mention that they were “new” in 1999.
Peter Noble Sarnia, Ont.
Oscar buzz
Re “Demi Moore is a Hollywood survivor who has more than earned an Oscar” (Feb. 14): While I am not sure that Demi Moore deserves an Oscar for her role in The Substance, I am now convinced that she has unquestionably earned an Academy Award for her role as Demi Moore.
Nigel Russell Toronto
Fly forever
Re “Five former PMs urge Canadians to show national unity on Flag Day, in the face of Trump’s ‘threats and insults’ ” (Feb. 11): Good on the former prime ministers for recognizing the place that the flag holds in the hearts of Canadians since 1965. I well remember the preceding debate and then the joy when the flag was first raised those 60 years ago.
In the summer of 1965, as a recently graduated student on a slim budget, I made my first visit to Europe. In France, I acquired a secondhand scooter and stuck a fresh maple-leaf flag on my backpack.
Along the Champs-Élysées, I unfortunately drove through a red light and was flagged down by a gendarme who proceeded with a chiding. But he noticed the new flag on my pack and asked, “êtes-vous Canadien?” He then told me to enjoy my stay in France, and please give the pedestrians a chance.
What is not to love about our flag?
Richard Belliveau Ottawa
Bring to life
Re “Oh, Canada! Our favourite books by homegrown authors” (Feb. 11): Thanks for bringing back memories of reading Michael Ondaatje’s In the Skin of a Lion.
At the time, I was living just off Broadview Avenue in east Toronto by the Prince Edward Viaduct. My grandfather had always told me the story of the viaduct being built, and the horse and cart that plunged off the half-finished bridge into the Don River.
He said the horses were retired from the fire brigade and bought by a plumbing company. They ran out of control when they heard a fire bell.
It was so amazing when I read Mr. Ondaatje’s description of the story told to me by my grandfather 65 years ago.
Cathryn Robertson Bowen Island, B.C.
Dine in
Re “Can taste it” (Letters, Feb. 7): Regarding the traditional Caesar salad, a letter-writer plaintively asks, “Where can we find it made at the table again?”
The Lord Nelson Steak House in Burlington, Ont. Ask for Patrick. He’s an expert.
Jeff Manishen Hamilton
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