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Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Letters to the Editor, July 28, 2025
FAILED SYSTEM This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Michele Mandel, thank you for writing the column 'Insult to her memory' (July 24). This message needs to be shouted from the tallest mountains, from sea to sea, in every community, hall of justice, and the House of Parliament. This lovely young life, Jane Creba, was taken in an act of unconscionable violence, hearts were destroyed that day, and why? Because she was out with family and friends shopping on Boxing Day. Absolutely appalling that Jane was taken from her family by the heartless, evil gang members with total disregard for anyone. The members of the parole board and the judge who 'rolled the dice' and allowed these lifetime criminals back on the streets should be held fully accountable for their decisions in these cases. Jane Creba, Karolina Huebner-Makurat, Shahnaz Pestonji, each one and more — without ever creating a criminal offence — have been all given life-ending sentences, while those who took their lives and destroyed their families, time after time get bail, get released early, and get arrested again and again. This needs to stop; hold these judges and parole boards accountable for their decisions, and accountable to those impacted by these absurd get-out-of-jail-free actions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Michael McNutt Mississauga (How many times do we have to expose these failures before something changes? Where is the public outrage over? There is no accountability in the system) BUILDING IT UP It was nice to read that Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney are trying to solve the world's problems by fireside chat; indeed, it is a good step in the right direction. They need to bring G7 and G20 nations to usher a new kind of Marshall Plan to address today's crisis, as the U.S.A. did under President Harry Truman to rebuild Europe. Make it today's effort to rebuild all war-torn countries. Canada can take a leading role in attempting to solve. Anant Nagpur Ottawa (It is indeed positive, but Carney needs to sort out the mess in our own backyard left by Trudeau – and so far, he seems to be doing nothing about it) Sports Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
House disruptions a significant waste of time, taxpayers' money, says MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap
As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at second-time MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at second-time MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. (HT File) How would you describe your first-year experience? The year has been fruitful. I got the opportunity to participate in debates. I raised the issue in the House that the farmers of my constituency in particular have been suffering owing to the illegal influx of Chinese garlic. I also raised the issues of strengthening the rail network in Himachal Pradesh, four-laning of the road to Baddi, financial assistance for victims of natural disasters in the state and bringing apple crop under crop insurance scheme. What was the high point of the year for you personally and your party in the House? When I raised the issue of strengthening the rail connectivity to Shimla, I got assurance that Vista Dome would be started on the heritage railway track from Kalka to Shimla, which will be an added tourist attraction. I have also raised the issue of a train for Paonta Sahib. The passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was the high point in terms of reforms it is going to bring for the nation. Even the One Nation, One Election Bill will bring a number of reforms in terms of checking huge expenditure incurred on elections. Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? The number of sittings are adequate provided the House is allowed to work effectively and there are no disruptions. The Opposition does not have issues and thus they keep creating non-issues and stall the House proceedings. The Opposition needs to behave responsibly and should not oppose just for the sake of opposing as every disruption means wastage of not just time but also taxpayers' money. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? The best way to raise the issues of the constituency is the Question Hour where you not only get a written reply but also assurance from the ministry concerned on every issue raised. You also have Zero Hour to raise the issues apart from actively participating in debates. What constituency-specific issues were raised by you and what are your plans ahead? I am satisfied with the progress made for the strengthening of the road infrastructure be it four-laning or expansion of roads. Most of the road infrastructure has been strengthened under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. My priority is to build two gyms in each of the 17 assembly constituencies. For women empowerment, I would like to set up sanitary napkin plants in Solan and Shimla. Apart from this, I want to start mobile laboratories, especially in rural areas of my constituency.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Longer sessions will give members more time to raise issues, says Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at first-time MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for his constituency. Congress MP from Gurdaspur Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa How do you look at your experience in the first year of the 18th Lok Sabha? Being a member of three parliamentary committees, my experience has been good. I got the opportunity to serve the people on these panels. I have raised a number of questions in the House on several issues concerning Punjab and my constituency. However, the duration of the sessions is shrinking which leaves many issues undiscussed. The upcoming monsoon session is scheduled from July 21 to August 21, but there will be only 20 sittings. What was the high point of the year for you personally or your party in the House? My party raised numerous issues during this one year including the inclusion of other backward classes (OBCs) data in the census. The efforts remained successful as the ruling party accepted the demand. On farmers' issues, we registered protests and walked out from the House. The ruling party was forced to invite the farmer leaders for talks. We also raised the issue of Manipur making it clear that normalcy and peace cannot return at gunpoint. MP Report Card | Longer sessions will give members more time to raise issues, says Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? I would say that if we are not provided an opportunity to speak due to lack of time, what is the use of the House? There should be more sittings of the House. Once upon a time, the Parliament sessions lasted for six months. Now, the session duration has been reduced to two months only. How can one speak or raise issues in such a short duration? As a member of the committee on consumer affairs, food and public distribution, I raised issues like problems faced in the lifting of paddy and improvement in the delivery of ration schemes. I also raised my concerns over the betterment of LIC and BSNL in the public undertakings panel. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? Zero hour is there for every member of the House to raise issues concerning national importance and his constituency. However, due to lack of time, several issues go undiscussed. There needs to be a mechanism in place so that more issues can be taken up for discussion in the House. What difference have you made to your constituency in the last one year, and what do you plan to do in the remaining term as MP? Most of the predecessors rarely visited the constituency be it BJP's Sunny Deol or late Vinod Khanna. However, I spend most of my time in the constituency, meeting people and addressing local issues. My constituency is situated along the vulnerable border and the condition of the link roads, especially in the border belt, is dilapidated. There is a need to widen and strengthen these road links in view of the surge in vehicles and armed forces movement. Besides, ensuring the repair and widening of these crucial link roads, I will try to resolve the issue of the drinking water problem in the Sujanpur area. Bringing medical college to Gurdaspur is one of my top most priority, for which cooperation of the state government is needed. I will also raise a demand for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor at the earliest, as it is related to the sentiments of Sikhs across the globe.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MP report card: Sittings enough if Opposition allows House to work without disruptions, says Anurag Thakur
As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at four-time MP Anurag Thakur's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at four-time MP Anurag Thakur's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. (HT File) How would you describe your first-year experience? The year has brought an enriching experience for me. The party entrusted me to start the debate by thanksgiving motion. I spoke on the budget, all important debates, be it triple talaq or constitutional debate. I am part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of 'One Nation, One Election'. I was also part of the MPs delegation that went on the four-nation tour post Operation Sindoor. The party has given me enough work. I was made a star campaigner by the party. What was the high point of the year for you personally and your party in the House? The budget speech that I made set the narrative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself tweeted my speech and his tweet came as a pat on the back which for me personally was the high point. Congress had tried to create a 'fake narrative' on the Constitution and caste census which I had countered. Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? The sittings are enough if the House is allowed to work effectively by the Opposition. This is my fourth term and I think the sittings are enough. Opposition mostly disrupts the House for non-issues and whenever they stage a walkout, they lose an opportunity to raise an issue. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? From Zero Hour to Rule 377 to special mentions, participation in short debates along with Question Hour — these are ways one can use to raise the issues of public participation. If one is present in the House, there is no dearth of opportunities to raise issues. What constituency-specific issues were raised by you and what are your plans ahead? The rail budget for Himachal Pradesh has seen a significant increase, with a focus on strengthening rail infrastructure. This includes the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri line and the upgrade of four railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme. The Nangal-Talwara rail line project, where land acquisition was previously halted, has been revived and is back on track after Centre took up the issue with Punjab. Apart from this, four-lane work between Mataur and Shimla is on track that will improve connectivity with Kangra and I am working on the four-lane road from Jalandhar to Nadaun in Hamirpur. For the rest of the term, my priority would be to strengthen infrastructure, road and railway network and health and education. Getting big projects will mean employment opportunities for our youth.
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MP report card: Zero hour is key period, MPs must utilise it effectively: Rajeev Bhardwaj
As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at first-time MP Rajeev Bhardwaj's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at first-time MP Rajeev Bhardwaj's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. (File) I'm a first-time MP and it's been an enriching experience. I raised several issues of my constituency from tourism to strengthening road infrastructure. While four-laning projects are underway in Himachal, the state still lacks rail connectivity. We have a lot of potential for religious tourism in my constituency, so I have raised the issue of Vande Bharat connectivity to Kangra. We have reservoirs which have a lot of potential for backwater tourism just like Kerala so work should be done on these lines. See, if we want Himachal to develop and become self-reliant, tourism is the only sector. For me the high point was to get elected and reach Parliament to raise the issues concerning my state. While for the party the passing of the 'One Nation, One Election', which is being debated, and Waqf Amendment bill, are two landmark bills that will become reforms. It's not quantity but quality which matters when it comes to House sittings. MPs must be well prepared to take up issues of constituencies. Effectiveness depends on how well you present your issues. Zero hour is one of the most effective ways to raise the issues pertaining to your constituency. Though time is limited, this is where you need to effectively use your oratory skills and how well you put your issue forward despite the time limitation. Another way is a half-an-hour discussion that takes place in Parliament, though so far I have not got an opportunity to raise issues during this. But definitely in the monsoon session, I will like to raise issues of tourism and infrastructure. An MP can also utilise Rule 377 to raise issues of public importance. While the speaker ultimately decides if the MP gets to speak on the issue, the matter is still forwarded to the relevant department for a written response. One year is too small a period to assess the difference, but I am satisfied that I have remained in public and addressed their grievances. My priority is definitely to change the narrow gauge rail connectivity to broad gauge. Then having four-lane connectivity for Chamba district which will unlock its significant tourism potential by making it more accessible. Chamba, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, is currently relatively unexplored by many tourists, and better infrastructure could attract a larger influx of visitors. Next: Satpal Brahamchari, Congress MP from Sonepat
