Letters to the editor, Oct. 4: ‘Apologize to Donald Trump…? Even for an apologetic nation, that’s one sorry too far’

No, sorry

Re “No plans for immediate trade action, Carney says, as Trump’s import bans take effect” (Online, Sept. 29): “Trump said Monday he expects Canada to return to the negotiating table in the coming weeks with an apology.”

Apologize to Donald Trump for our political, economic and social reactions to his aggression? Even for an apologetic nation, that’s one sorry too far.

Michael Cox Vancouver

Day to day

Re “Brave David Eby will challenge anyone (with a leg injury) to a wrestling match“ (Sept. 30): It would be refreshing if some governor-general or lieutenant-governor said no to a chief minister requesting a premature election: “No, there is a fixed election date identified by law and you will stick to it.”

There are fixed federal election dates, but prime ministers of both parties have ignored it. There are fixed election dates in British Columbia but David Eby is now flouting it, apparently to exploit the disarray of the opposing parties. This can only provoke cynicism in an election-weary electorate.

Many governors-general are quickly forgotten. One who isn’t is Lord Byng, who said no to Mackenzie King’s demand for an election which he wanted in order to hang onto power after a scandal. It would be a fine thing if, whether out of principle or with an eye to history, a modern governor-general did the same.

Gail Neff Bell Delta, B.C.

Re “Democracy now” (Letters, Sept. 28): As a letter-writer bemoans the fact the B.C. legislature has only sat for 43 days in 2026, I am reminded of the truism that “no man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session,” this from American lawyer Gideon John Tucker in 1866.

Once again, always be careful what you wish for.

Nick Bryant North Vancouver

One for us

Re “Canada’s tax system needs an overhaul. Here are 11 big ideas to make it happen” (Report on Business, Sept. 26): More deductions and lower tax rates for companies; eliminate capital gains taxes on earnings from investments in Canadian enterprises; make Canada the easiest and cheapest place to invest in the world; let companies write off 100 per cent of capital spending right away, effectively enabling a 0-per-cent tax rate on new investment returns, and more.

But what was proposed for ordinary taxpayers? Well, just this: Raise taxes on seniors. Thanks, guys.

Richard Hoover Delta, B.C.

Gird ourselves

Re “The world needs bet­ter power grids. Why smal­ler may be bet­ter“ (Report on Business, Sept. 26): It’s heartening that, while significant money is still attracted to nuclear and fossil fuel plants to supply our energy needs, a Swedish entrepreneur sees clearly the vulnerability of centralized energy infrastructure after Russia’s crippling attacks on Ukraine in 2022.

Canada’s grid should be made more resilient to risks such as increasingly violent weather events, cyberattacks or armed hostilities. Canadians, like everyone else, are once again feeling the global economic pain of mounting fossil fuel prices, the latest spike thanks to the Iran war.

Wave goodbye to energy price shocks by transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to a more stable, and far less vulnerable, renewable energy grid.

Rick Carpenter Ottawa

On MAID

Re “Assisted dying is ‘false compassion’, Pope says at French shrine of Lourdes” (Sept. 28): Pope Leo XIV’s consistent, reaffirming response to the “false compassion” of assisted dying, noting “what is legal is not necessarily moral,” gives me courage and a deeper appreciation for practising my faith.

The hardest way is not the easiest way. While death is inevitable for us all, compassion, love and caring can be enough to cushion the fear and provide a spiritual pathway that heals and enlightens.

This is not a period in human history when moral courage is the standard torchbearer. It appears to be a time when money and influence, particularly political influence, speaks the loudest, enough to be highly persuasive. The beleaguered soldiers, whose virtues work to enhance human worth and dignity, require a constant vigilance.

Thanks to Pope Leo.

Joan McNamee Kamloops, B.C.

Game misconduct

Re “Alexander Ovechkin used his fame to back Putin. We must remember that” (Opinion, Sept. 26): As a bandwagon hockey playoffs enthusiast, I’m forever intrigued by the collective ability of Washington Capitals fans to compartmentalize and separate their worship of Alexander Ovechkin’s on-ice prowess from his allegiance to Vladimir Putin and, by association, the invasion of Ukraine.

(While the travesty in Ukraine is in no way comparable to Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid’s distasteful sports betting advertisements for personal gain, I couldn’t resist adding this equally dystopian example of how best to shrink a fanbase.)

As we approach the looming retirement of Mr. Ovechkin and his singular, lucrative skill, I wish him all the quiet reflection he can handle when he eventually settles into an opulent, gated dacha far from the madding rabble. Here’s hoping, in the interests of humanity, all his retirement plans remain onside.

Tom Bergen Squamish, B.C.

I have been raising this subject with my friends since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, I would take things quite a few steps further.

Why do Canada and the United States allow any professional Russian athlete to earn a living here? Both countries have sanctioned Russia, along with many Russian companies and individuals, as a way to pressure Vladimir Putin to stop this war.

While professional athletes earn far less money than Russian oligarchs, they do typically earn generous salaries, including Alexander Ovechkin. Pressure any and all Russians as a way to influence the Russian government to stop this unnecessary war.

Mike O’Connor Halifax

Heat is on

Re “It’s a new season and the Maple Leafs have their fans fooled once again” (Sports, Sept. 29): I’m old enough to remember when the Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup. I’m 77 now.

Recently, I read Heated Rivalry and its sequel The Long Game. Heavy breathing and weird body responses took over. What was happening? It must have been the tension of the story’s well-fought hockey games.

Never a hockey fan, I am now. A dozen young men panting on the ice is a vision I have. Do the Leafs have an Ilya and a Shane? Hope so.

Good luck to the Leafs. I’ll be watching.

Edie Lewis Brantford, Ont.

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@globeandmail.com