Security, measured
Re Ottawa Eyes Deeper Overhaul Of Security Measures (Oct. 28): Canada's laws already provide ample tools for dealing with incipient terrorism.
The Criminal Code says: "Every one commits high treason who, in Canada … levies war against Canada or does any act preparatory thereto; or assists an enemy at war with Canada, or any armed forces against whom Canadian Forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between Canada and the country whose forces they are." The penalty is life imprisonment.
All that's required to address the problem is a government with commitment to the law and its enforcement.
Ron Freedman, Toronto
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With all the tax-funded security in Canada, how is it possible that a gunman could run into the Centre Block of Parliament?
I am not disrespectful of the boots on the ground who did their best to catch him, but I am very skeptical of the pants in chairs who clearly failed an exercise in planning. Security bureaucrats should be getting pink slips, not more funding.
Alan Morehouse, Upper Keswick, N.B.
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An apparently unstable young man shoots up the place and we're supposed to agree to surrender our civil liberties because he mentions "Allah" in a video he made but apparently forgot to release to anybody? Because only terrorists make videos or mention "Allah" (Ottawa Shooter Referred to 'Allah' In Video – Oct. 28)?
A police commissioner who thinks this is evidence of organized terrorism needs more oversight, not less.
Daniel Paul O'Donnell, Lethbridge
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We'll never know
André Picard expresses some of my conflicted opinions about last week's events in Ottawa in a more eloquent manner than I (We Can't Legislate Lost Souls – Oct. 28).
I've perhaps been guilty of wanting to downplay any of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau's motives as being tied to terrorist ideals, but after reading Mr. Picard's column, I realize that I'm objecting more to the use of those ideals as the sole explanation for his motives.
I'm also now wary of ascribing his motives only to mental illness, homelessness or drug addiction.
Mr. Picard calls him a "lost soul." One could also think of him as a disenfranchised and isolated young man. Had he been able to make a better connection with someone in a supportive role, and/or been better cared for from a mental-health perspective, is it possible that he wouldn't have been so strongly attracted to extremist ideals?
Sadly, we'll never know.
Dustin LindenSmith, Dartmouth, N.S.
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Fired by the CBC
First, I have long admired Jian Ghomeshi's energy and talent. Second, I have no idea whether his firing by the CBC was justified (Ghomeshi Files Suit Against The CBC – Oct. 28).
What I do know is that in another part of the entertainment world, the days of wrist slaps or coverups for players accused of physical abuse of women have suddenly become history.
It has only taken two well-publicized incidents in the NFL and one in the NHL for owners to realize that – unless the claim is clearly frivolous – the public wants the player to leave the field until every last shred of evidence is in.
If Jian Ghomeshi were a hulking linebacker rightly or wrongly accused of beating up three young ladies, I wonder if social media would be so outraged at his dismissal. Maybe suspension would have been a better option. We'll see. But in 2014, something had to happen, and did.
Dan Turner, Ottawa
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In the absence of evidence supporting allegations of sexual assault against Jian Ghomeshi, online petitions have been created to show support for him.
Perhaps someone should create a petition to show support for his alleged victims, urging them to come forward to police.
The Toronto Police Service (Sex Crimes Unit) web page states that only 6 per cent of all sexual assaults are reported to police because of fear and shame, among other reasons.
Jennifer Dent, Toronto
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On CBC Radio One, the tag line "Canada Lives Here" is heard throughout the day. It might be helpful in understanding why the CBC was concerned about how Jian Ghomeshi's private life affected the public brand of the CBC.
If a prominent employee does something that flies in the face of what the employer says they are all about, it is reasonable to expect the employer to take action.
I liked Mr. Ghomeshi as the host of Q; I expect that the show will be diminished without him. I hope what's been reported is not true. I am a tolerant person, but my standards for a loving and respectful relationship do not include punching and choking (consensual or not).
Sorry, Jian, Canada does not live there.
Peter Smith, Winnipeg
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Count them in
Re TFW Numbers Rose Despite Push To Curtail Program (Oct. 27): I read an astounding sentence in this article: "That 6-per-cent [regional unemployment rate] threshold, however, does not reflect the high levels of unemployment on First Nations reserves because Statscan's Labour Force Survey excludes people living on reserves."
We will never know how best to live with our First Nations people until we count them in.
James A. Robblee, Ottawa
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Civility in T.O.
Re Tory Win Puts End to Stormy Ford Era (Oct. 28): Yay!
Civility is restored to Toronto politics and everyday life. I noted with satisfaction that mayor-elect John Tory immediately reached out to Olivia Chow and congratulated her on her vision; he was also courteous about and to Doug Ford. That is the sea change I have been waiting for. Yay!
Kathy Gallagher Ross, Toronto
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The map of voter support says it all (Results By Ward – Oct. 28). Two huge patches of Ford diehards at either end of the city, the centre split between John Tory and Olivia Chow.
How divisive is that?
Will East- and West-end councillors be beholden to those who booed when Doug Ford made salutary comments about Mr. Tory? Will they be bound to thwart good governance? Will Rob Ford be well enough to keep the Ford brand alive through his characteristic grandstanding in council? Will he be forced to relinquish his seat and, if so, will Doug seek it?
Might a seat somewhere in Ford Nation "conveniently" be vacated, which Doug Ford could contest?
The Fords made clear that they never give up: Their supporters will demand no less.
The road ahead is still unclear.
Jack Tennier, Toronto
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It is nothing short of a disgrace that Doug Ford received some one-third of the votes cast for mayor. I guess appallingly bad behaviour is acceptable to a large number of Torontonians.
Brock Winterton, Toronto
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It was just as a lot of people had expected.
John was mayoratoryus.
Frank Cain, Toronto