For gays, it’s gut check time after Orlando
It’s time for the LGBTQ community to shift its political views to the right and support conservatives for government in the fight against Islamic terror (NOW, June 16-22). They should avoid a social justice warrior mentality in the wake of the Orlando massacre. Do not be so naive as to think that terror won’t happen here in Toronto and the rest of Canada. We’re not immune. Political correctness is going to destroy Canada.
Mitchell Chaitov, Toronto
Standing with Syrian and Orlando victims
We all stand up for the gay community at this time. We have stood up and defended the gay community for decades we will continue to do so. We stand with the gay community as we mourn the dead. And the gay community will stand up for Syrians and others who are being tortured, displaced and forced to migrate. If I am only for myself, who am I?
Deborah Cook, Toronto
Shocker in Ontario’s climate action plan
Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan (NOW, June 16-22) is a valuable road map for how we can actually achieve important greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.
But there is one important part of the route that is missing. The plan does not address the significant GHG emissions reductions that could be achieved by improving our electricity system interconnections with Quebec.
Currently, GHG-emitting natural gas provides about 10 per cent of Ontario’s electricity. According to the Independent Electricity System Operator, these emissions will more than double by 2025 as Ontario starts the long and costly process of rebuilding old nuclear reactors and uses more natural gas as a stopgap measure. Allowing electricity emissions to soar will make it more difficult to meet Ontario’s 2030 GHG reduction targets.
The government of Quebec’s new energy policy, Energy In Quebec: A Source Of Growth, calls for an expansion of its electricity transmission links with Canadian provinces. Ontario should make the same commitment.
Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clean Air Alliance
Cars versus bikes all over again
The Most Condescending Things Councillors Said About Cyclists Last Week (NOW, June 17). What I don’t understand is how all of these horrible councillors are only able to see cars versus bikes as a zero sum game. “More space for bikes means less space for cars!”
Do they not realize that as cycling becomes more appealing, more people will choose to cycle? Toronto already has way too many cars on the road. Every cyclist you see is one fewer car on that road.
Many of our roads are heavily worn and in desperate need of repair. Guess which kind of vehicles put way less wear and tear on those roads? Bikes! Stop this pointless fighting and make the city better for everyone.
Kyle Clements, From nowtoronto.com
Ticket resellers have no shame
Regarding the ongoing saga of ticket brokers and resellers and the Tragically Hip concerts (NOW, June 1). Imagine a time (1973) when you could order tickets by mail or buy them directly at the venue at the face value for one of the biggest bands in the world (Led Zeppelin, tickets $7.50-$8.50). No big surcharges, no middlemen, no ticket agency – first come, first served. You didn’t even have to wait in line. While scalpers have been around for many years, the degree to which scalping/reselling has become a thoroughly entrenched big business is shameful.
It’s the fans who lose. Shame on promoters and sports franchises for allowing and condoning such practices. Shame on ticket brokers/resellers for their insatiable greed. Shame on the government for ignoring these issues for too long. And shame on artists and celebrities who choose to look the other way.
Dennis Minello, Toronto
Mercury wrongs can be righted
Science has the know-how, so Ontario needs to clean the mercury out of the waters around Grassy Narrows (NOW, June 16-22). Residential schools were not the only wrongs done to Indigenous people.
Betty Walton, Toronto
A right to clean water
As Canadians, especially in the GTA, we take clean water for granted. Our water may seem plentiful now, but global warming is changing this most precious resource. Droughts in parts of the country and floods in others are affecting the groundwater supply.
Add to this the pollution from chemical contaminants, fossil fuels and plastics and we are approaching a crisis. On any given day more than 1,000 boil-water advisories are in effect across Canada. We are the only G8 country without a legally enforceable drinking water quality standard at the national level. One of our basic rights is unprotected?
Marianne Gallinger, Toronto
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