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Winnipeg Free Press

Letters, June 23

Opinion Re: Frequency is what works for transit, Think Tank, June 20. I strongly agree with most of the points made by Joe Kornelsen. Although I will miss direct access to the routes we'll be losing, I agree that it makes sense to have most routes spend as little time as possible downtown. This will greatly reduce congestion downtown and allow buses to have a better chance to stay on schedule. Another plus will be better use of existing resources. Currently we have too many buses not in service during rush hour as they return from their express destinations. It is my understanding that this type of one-way service will be discontinued. Unfortunately, the new system is not designed to provide good service to downtown residents, particularly in off-peak hours. This could easily be corrected by adding a feeder route from city hall to the University of Winnipeg that would allow downtown residents direct access to downtown amenities and to all the transfer points for the various suburban routes. As it stands, the new system will greatly inconvenience downtown transit users, especially those with disabilities. Eric Hemmerling Winnipeg Another way to improve transit in Winnipeg is to adopt a law similar to Washington State's law that gives buses right away over cars. RCW 46.61.220 states: 'The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signalled and is reentering the traffic flow.' Stuart Williams Winnipeg I wish to thank Jerry Buckland for his welcome and refreshing perspective on the growing emphasis on militarization — including in Canada, a nation once internationally regarded for its peacekeeping legacy. (Can militarization deliver a safer world? Think Tank, June 20) I'm reminded of Bill Clinton's campaign catchphrase, 'It's the economy, stupid.' Buckland, as a professor of economics, seems to suggest a vital revision: 'It's justice…' It's still about the economy but now seen through the lens of justice — a profound shift in thinking, reminiscent of Nelson Mandela's words: 'A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.' All too often, conflicts are framed as power struggles among so-called leaders. Buckland's reference to the devastating casualties — 100,000 Ukrainians and 250,000 Russians — is sobering. I wonder if the word justice appeared in any communiqués from the recent G7 summit. What we do know is that Canada committed $4.3 billion in military support. It's striking how the term military support has become a euphemism for 'more aid to destroy.' History shows that real societal change moves from the bottom up, though political leaders often claim the credit. As the well-known song pleads, 'Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.' One does what one can. Edwin Buettner Winnipeg The Spence neighbourhood is about to lose its only centrally located bank, specifically, the Royal Bank at the corner of Sargent and Sherbrook. A notice is posted saying they will be closed as of July 10, 2025. Here are some considerations: 1) Neighbourhoods need banks. They are a cornerstone of a healthy community. If people want to buy things from stores and restaurants, they need banks. This bank is located in the closest thing we have to a business district and its absence will leave a gaping hole. We often hear about food deserts, but there are also bank deserts — and I'm afraid our neighbourhood is about to become one. 2) People in the Spence neighbourhood don't have extra money to spend on bank fees. If they have to use an ATM from another bank, they will pay $3.50/transaction. For people who live on EIA or disability pensions, the monthly margins are very tight, and this extra cost is a problem. 3) The new branch is a long way away for people who do not have a car. The branch will be moving from 588 Sargent to 1395 Ellice. To get to this new location, people will have to take a bus, which adds to the cost of banking. 4) There is no nearby bank to switch to. I live nearly in the centre of the neighbourhood and the current bank is a three minute walk away. The TD Bank (Notre Dame) is 10 minutes, the Bank of Nova Scotia is 25 minutes, and the Assiniboine Credit Union is 17 minutes. In a neighbourhood where lots of people walk, getting there and back takes time and is difficult. For seniors and people with physical disabilities the problem is compounded. 5) This bank always seems to be very busy. There are often lineups — even at the two ATMs. There are about 5,000 people in Spence — more than in many small towns, so it's hard to believe there isn't enough business. For people who drive or who don't have to worry about transaction fees, the loss of a bank is not a big deal. The loss probably won't leave their neighbourhood with another abandoned building. But, for neighbourhoods that struggle to keep as many of the ordinary things as possible — grocery stores, department/dollar stores, bakeries, restaurants, retailers — losing a bank is a big deal! Cheryl Martens Winnipeg Re: Surgical wait times headed in the wrong direction under the NDP, Opinion, June 13 It is easy to find fault and criticism, but let us try and be supportive by being positive. Canadians benefit from universal health care that works, and we should be showing some support. My personal journey with Amyloidosis, a blood disorder, demonstrates the efficient care Canadians receive. This blood disorder was first recognized by doctors at the Stonewall Medical Clinic. Diagnosis and treatment was initiated at Cancer Care Manitoba. I continue treatment at Cancer Care in Selkirk. This treatment is timely and efficient. This Amayloidosis has damaged my kidneys beyond repair. I am now under the care of the Peritoneal Clinic at Seven Oaks Hospital. This knowledgeable and empathetic care will give me the chance to live at home and, for the most part, carry on a normal life. The necessary supplies and care are offered through the health-care system. My appreciation goes out to the universal health system, local doctors, Homecare, Cancer Care Manitoba and the Kidney Clinic. My disease was diagnosed and treatment started in a timely manner. I am also blessed to have wonderful support from family and friends. Please do don't drag our health system down with negative news; let us look for what is working and show our appreciation. I cannot change the fate handed to me, but I can show support for the care I receive. Again, we need positive news and show support for the universal health care Canadians receive. Walter Badger Stonewall Because Canadians are more patriotic, because Canadians are buying home-grown Canadian food instead of food from south of the border, because Canadians are looking at vacations in their own province and vacations in other parts of this great country, I thank the 'big bully ' to the south of us. Simply because of his silly tactics, he just made us all much, much stronger. I thank him — you know who it is — without mentioning his name. Well done Canada and all Canadians. Ken Butchart Winnipeg