Dear Premier Ford,
I was so excited, I could hardly wait to get the $200 you promised. In fact, I didn’t wait but went right out and spent it before it even arrived! Knowing you intended that money to enhance my well-being and that of my family and community, I did my very best to use it for that purpose. I think you’ll be pleased.
As we all know, a vibrant and diverse habitat is essential for the well-being of any species, including us. It appears that, like me, you have been entrusting this stewardship to the Green Party of Ontario, so that’s who has received my $200.
I must say, however, the Green Party of Ontario doesn’t strike me as possessive and proprietorial. I actually think they’d appreciate your help. I don’t even think they’d mind if you “borrowed” some of their green policies!
Anthea Weese, Albury, Prince Edward County
Dear Premier Ford,
I received the $200 today that you promised me and my fellow Ontario citizens back in October 2024.
I just wanted to thank you for the return of some of my 2023 provincial income tax and to let you know how that money will be spent to our mutual benefit.
Within an hour of receipt, I sent it on the the Liberal Party of Canada to help defend Canada from the clutches of Pierre Poilievre, he of strident voice and three- word solutions to Canada’s imaginary troubles as he has defined them.
Yes, I know it is strange to think that you have indirectly aided in the preservation of Canada by supporting the federal Liberals. However, do not despair. I will use the tax deduction I get from our Liberal party’s donation to purchase a few beers from the local convenience store here in Wellington. And that is thanks to you.
Nigel J. Sivel, Wellington
Although we do not have large encampments in the County, we DO have people living rough who need housing, and even more people who are a tiny step away from losing their home.
Just before the holidays, Premier Ford proposed an inhumane new approach to homeless encampments, one that punches down on people already suffering and will do nothing to help them – while making the problem of encampments worse.
The so-called “Safer Municipalities Act” would give Ontario cities unnecessary new powers to clear homeless encampments with police force and to arrest our neighbours experiencing homelessness.
No one believes a tent in a park is an appropriate place to live, but this is not the answer. It’s ineffective, it’s expensive, and it’s cruel. It’s an unserious plan for the very serious and urgent problem our most vulnerable neighbours are facing.
I don’t support Premier Ford trampling the basic human rights of our neighbours when there are effective evidence-based solutions we can use instead to house people quickly. It’s high time we got serious about addressing the root cause of this crisis – a lack of affordable housing, something the Ford government has done little to solve.
We need an urgent solution to encampments and that solution is homes, not handcuffs .
By the way, if you are able to donate your $200, due to arrive any day, register your intention at 200dollars.ca. Write or call our MPP Tyler Allsopp to tell him that we want him to publicly support building affordable homes across Quinte with more money provided to all municipal governments.
Penny Morris, Picton
Re: On the Sidelines, Editorial, 29 January.
Every week, our county grapples with urgent, complex challenges—yet the critical discussions and decisive actions we desperately need are nowhere to be found. The days of a quiet, Mayberry-like town are long gone. The demands of an elected county representative have skyrocketed, far outweighing the inadequate compensation offered for the immense responsibility and commitment required.
We need experienced professionals and civic-minded leaders who can step up, organize staff, and take charge. Leadership can’t wait.
Last week’s editorial made it clear: reducing the size of the council is a necessary step forward. The time for action is now.
Chris Spavins, Picton
Trumped
Underhanded ways, shortcuts
wallpaper incorrigible pranksters
who thought nothing of hiding things,
weaving an unfiltered outlook, a myriad
of erratic logistics into action around the world.
A found poem assembled from words and phrases drawn from obituaries and death notices published in the April 29, 2017 Globe and Mail. From A. Garnett Weiss, Life, after life—from epitaph to epilogue.
JC Sulzenko, Picton
See it in the newspaper
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