Patrons at a London pub react to exit poll results on July 4.MARY TURNER/The New York Times News Service
Around the world
Re “Britain’s Labour set for sweeping majority in U.K. election as Tories suffer historic defeat” (July 5): I do not believe Labour won because it repudiated Jeremy Corbyn’s democratic-socialist leadership.
Labour doubled its seats despite total votes falling to 9.7 million under centrist Keir Starmer, from 10.3 million in 2019 under Mr. Corbyn. Labour won this time, then, because the Conservative vote fell from nearly 14 million votes in 2019 to 6.8 million.
So Mr. Starmer did not spark much enthusiasm. Voter turnout was Britain’s lowest in 23 years.
Gordon Laxer Gravenhurst, Ont.
Re “Emmanuel Macron has driven a nail in his own political coffin by choosing to call this election” (July 8): The election did prove Emmanuel Macron right.
Without the election, the far-right National Rally (RN) would have acted like it had majority support. It doesn’t: Little more than 60 per cent of voters chose another party.
This is probably the high-water mark for the RN unless the centre and left fail to address the main RN issue: illegal immigration. It is a top issue most everywhere in the world, including Canada.
The RN can spin the results however it wants. The fact is it came third.
Michael Di Paolo Toronto
In the French election, the leftist and centrist parties agreed to tactically withdraw candidates in some ridings, so that the anti-hard-right vote was not hopelessly split. It worked, and the coalitions handily beat out the far-right.
Something similar should happen in Canada, lest we end up with a Poilievre government. The Liberals and NDP should swallow their pride and amalgamate. That’s pretty much how things have been for the last few years, anyway.
Luke Mastin Toronto
Deep decisions
Re “Canada failing to protect human rights activists from mining companies operating overseas: UN watchdog” (July 2): As a former educator and member of the Grandmothers Advocacy Network’s mining justice working group, I am not at all astonished by the United Nations special rapporteur’s report about the need for Canada to strengthen legislation and oversight of extractive companies.
For the past few decades, the Canadian government and its ambassadors have made me, as a citizen, complicit in so many environmental and human rights abuses. In turn, I have broken my ethical investment approach by investing in a few stocks for three of the most egregious mining companies with well-documented abuses of local Indigenous peoples. I have done this in the hopes of asking questions at their annual general meetings.
This grandmother would love to leave this mortal coil knowing her grandchildren live in a country that makes ethical choices and cares about the world.
Phyllis Webster Victoria
Busted
Re “Four EV myths that just won’t die” (Report on Business, July 2): What about hybrid electric vehicles?
HEVs produce their own electricity. There is no need for a costly rewiring of one’s home or fretting about a drained battery.
HEV production does not require rebuilding the auto industry. Automakers estimate it would cost $515-billion to meet 2030 mandates for EVs.
Finally, HEVs make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Recent models are capable of reducing vehicle carbon emissions by close to 50 per cent. I find few federal or provincial climate policies that can make such a claim.
Douglas Auld Guelph, Ont.
If I buy a seven-year-old used electric vehicle for $18,000, how long will the battery last, what is the expected range as it diminishes and how much are replacement batteries?
I’ve never seen the answers. I’m left to think that batteries are $15,000 to replace, lasting another seven years and leaving an EV worth only $3,000. Is that cheaper than buying an $18,000 car with an internal combustion engine, driving it for seven years, then selling it for $8,000?
For those who only buy used vehicles, change the oil every 15,000 kilometres and do a brake job every five years, I’m still waiting for answers. I do really want to buy an EV.
Jason New Foothills County Alta.
Last August, my wife and I and two friends drove 2,340 kilometres in our Hyundai Ioniq 5 around southern British Columbia.
We had a 440-km range, and the cost of fuel for the whole trip was $5.25. We stayed in accommodations that provided recharging at no extra cost.
In our old car, we would have spent at least $320 for gasoline. This time, we left no trail of pollution behind.
Charles Krebs North Saanich, B.C.
Stating that one can charge an electric vehicle in as little as 30 minutes on a long trip does not recognize certain assumptions: that a charging station is even available, or that one, two or three EVs are in line ahead.
How about a 90-minute break, or longer.
Richard Austin Toronto
Uptake update
Re “Hot take: Hormone replacement therapy has a role to play in treating menopause symptoms” (July 2): I can’t believe this issue is still on the table.
I had my hot flashes some 30 years ago. Common sense told me that because this was a natural occurrence, no “treatment” was necessary.
At the time, hormone replacement therapy was so popular that my doctor tried to persuade me to take it, even though I did not make an appointment for such and I did not complain about hot flashes. When I said no, she said she would speak to me again about it the next time I saw her. I changed doctors.
Today I may not walk as quickly as I did decades ago, and I may not have the stamina I did then. However, I have no intention of seeking “treatment.” I consider it a natural occurrence for someone my age.
I’m feeling fine.
Cassandra King Annapolis Royal, N.S.
As a retired registered nurse and health advocate for women approaching menopause, I am grateful there is a chance for a quality life without the adverse effects of estrogen depletion.
There are many positive effects from long-term hormone replacement therapy. Let our daughters enjoy their emotionally and physically supported health while aging.
My 98-year-old mother had the benefit of HRT since the 1960s and she never complained of an ache or pain. She had a strong heart and bones, slept well and functioned as a widow enjoying life.
Just take care of your teeth.
Anne Fraser The Blue Mountains, Ont.
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