An Atlantic salmon at a fish farm near Campbell River, B.C. on Oct. 31, 2018.JONATHAN HAYWARD/The Canadian Press
Foreign fable
Re “Only Justin Trudeau can clear the air in Ottawa” (Editorial, June 20): Once upon a time, three little piggies were tasked with guarding the nation against foreign intervention.
The first piggy built a house of straw, gazed at his flimsy abode every morning and declared, “What interference? I see no problem, my house is fine.”
The second piggy constructed a house of sticks. His walls creaked with every gust of wind, but he shrugged and muttered, “Things seem all right. There’s a draft, but let’s not overreact.”
The third little piggy resided in a sturdy house of bricks. When asked about foreign threats, he replied, “What report? I didn’t read a report. My walls are solid, so I must be secure, right?”
Safety lies in understanding and mitigating potential weaknesses. Even the strongest house should be maintained and protected from all threats.
With these three piggies at the helm, we’re as secure as a doughnut near a dieter.
Djanka Gajdel Toronto
In other words
Re “Ottawa’s move to fine companies over deceptive green claims triggers wave of website disclaimers in energy sector” (June 21): I find it disingenuous to state that this new amendment “will create significant uncertainty for Canadian companies that want to communicate publicly about the work they are doing to improve their environmental performance, including to address climate change,”
If companies provide verifiable, accurate information – also known as the truth – how does that create “significant uncertainty” for them? Rather, it’s the greenwashing and ambiguities that are more likely to cause uncertainties and distrust for everyone.
Patricia Hartnagel Edmonton
In protest
Re “Lawyers for University of Toronto encampment argue free speech in court” (June 21): Can we please have more discourse on when such actions as “encampments” and “occupancy” became “rights of protest?”
What is the history? What is the present law? What should change to come to grips with actions I see doing more to drive us apart than bring us together?
Peter Murchison Toronto
Stay safe
Re “Knowing how to reverse an overdose is an essential skill for students living in the toxic drug era” (June 18): Wherever naloxone is made available, be that on campuses or elsewhere such as at safe consumption sites, there should be prominent signs stating that while reversing an overdose can indeed save a life, there is no guarantee that a survivor will not have sustained some degree of brain injury.
The last time I purchased a particular herbicide at a garden store, I had to read a safe-use sheet while an employee got me the product from a locked cabinet. Similar precautions are taken with some over-the-counter medications kept behind pharmacy counters.
I think it would be wise to make sure students understand that overdoses, even when successfully reversed, are not necessarily consequence-free. That advice should appear on the face of naloxone kits, as well as in the enclosed instructions.
Let’s not contribute to misconceptions about risks and outcomes.
Brenda Robson Victoria
As a pharmacist serving a university community, I am deeply saddened by the loss of B.C. student Sidney McIntyre-Starko. I am also encouraged that universities across Canada may start making nasal spray naloxone consistently available at campuses.
An accidental opioid poisoning can happen to anyone, from a student at a party to an older Canadian accidentally double-dosing on their prescription. We should remove all prejudice and barriers around this lifesaving device, so that it’s on hand when the unthinkable happens.
I am lucky to practice in Ontario, where we can offer simple and safe nasal spray naloxone for free in our pharmacy. I regularly offer it to university students who come in.
Having it all around campuses would help reduce stigma within the community, and also make it more likely students can access an easy-to-use form of naloxone when they need it.
These young students deserve a second chance.
Patty Vamvakitis Pharmacist; Waterloo, Ont.
Wild things
Re “Ottawa set to stop open-net salmon farms in B.C., giving the industry 5 years to transition” (June 17): Many wild B.C. salmon runs are in trouble.
There’s a large body of independent science that indicates marine salmon farms spread parasites and viruses to wild fish, and can cause their populations to decline. Just a couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a large farm fish die-off in an isolated region of British Columbia, potentially spreading pathogens to wild fish migrating by.
I find open-net salmon farms simply antiquated and unsustainable. The industry has had decades to solve its problems.
The removal of open-net fish farms shouldn’t depend on whether there are land-based fish farms to take their place. It should happen to protect the future of wild salmon. How much is that worth?
It’s unfortunate that consultations for the B.C. salmon-farm transition plan did not include wild-salmon sector economies. The tourism industry alone dwarfs the economic contribution of open-net salmon farms.
Stan Proboszcz Senior science and policy analyst, Watershed Watch Salmon Society; Vancouver
He shoots, he scores
Re “There’s a growing disconnect between hockey and Canadian families” (June 19): Growing up in Montreal, it was a given that one was a Habs fan. Followers transcended cultural background, language and social demographics.
However, even decades ago, I had few friends or classmates involved in organized hockey. The time commitment and financial challenges were constant issues.
When I moved to the West Coast 40 years ago, I noticed there were even fewer youth involved in any type of hockey. To allow kids a basic introduction to the game, I worked with community schools and parks and recreation to facilitate ball hockey intramural programs and drop-ins.
Given the demand, it was a simple step to a ball hockey league with hundreds of participants. A season never cost more than $15, with forgiveness for needy families.
To this day, I still have people approach me with fond memories of their ball hockey exploits. There are different ways to grow love for the game.
Jeff Solomon Nanaimo, B.C.
Play on
Re “Royal Canadian Navy led conga lines in Havana as part of ‘deterrence’ visit to Cuba, photos show” (June 21): Personally, if sharing music and dance was our military’s chief priority, I might find a 2 per cent of GDP funding model conscionable.
Please replace all frontlines with conga lines, violence with violins and bazookas with bouzoukis and the world would be a much better place. As Bob Marley sang, “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.”
Brooks Rapley Toronto
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