At the moment’s letters: Canada is not actually sovereign anymore

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Canada is merely a ‘protected state’

Re: U.S. ought to cease enabling Canada’s defence deficit, Dec. 14.

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Robert Smol uncovered the unvarnished fact about our independence in his opinion article. Humiliating as it could be to just accept the stark actuality, Canada has develop into a de facto American “protected state” relatively than remaining an equal companion in our NORAD army alliance. Our as soon as proud, robust and free nation has develop into so militarily weakened, we’re unable, if required, to defend our personal sovereignty.

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We abdicated the true which means of nationhood standing by way of myopic, multi-year authorities penny-pinching on defence spending, with the unstated expectation of American salvation if an enemy ought to ever threaten us.

There was a time when Canada was rightfully pleased with its army contribution to world stability and our nation’s defence, however we not take pleasure in that respect or expectation from our pals and allies. Now we have forfeited that earned admiration by way of years of army neglect and unfulfilled commitments.

Robert Smol, I count on you made few pals by way of your publicity of our authorities’s a long time of army neglect however thanks for highlighting the unvarnished and lacklustre state of Canada’s defence standing.

Al Jones, Almonte

Menstrual provides are important

Re: Federal workplaces making free menstrual merchandise obtainable forward of Friday deadline, Dec. 14.

On D-Day, my now 101-year-old mom, who labored in Canada’s army headquarters in London, was approached as she entered the constructing by the senior lady on employees and requested if she can be needing any female provides that day. In that case, she can be escorted to the chemists to obtain her provide.

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Then they have been locked down and spent the following lengthy hours sending out the unhappy telegrams to households in Canada.

That, and having a girl come as much as her at a strawberry social and take her to the washroom, as mum had “sat on a strawberry,” have been among the many few instances the phrase “menstruation” or “circulate” have been talked about to her in her youthful days.

Now, as a member of the Assist Our Pupil Program board (HOST), I’ve seen dozens of letters from grant recipients telling us how grateful they’re that they will procure provides. And naturally, some faculties boards have realized that lack of female merchandise causes ladies to be absent, so they provide the merchandise, no questions requested.

Like a breakfast and lunch faculty program, female provides must be a part of any health-care program.

Susan Prior, Carp

Ladies, take care of yourselves

I simply turned conscious of federal labour legal guidelines being up to date to incorporate the requirement for federally legislated employers to offer girls with menstrual merchandise within the office at no cost, and that two provinces have already applied comparable legal guidelines.

If solely there have been a solution to cease it, however I can solely shake my head in disbelief. I have to rethink my concept that girls would make extra wise political leaders, if that is an instance of their ridiculous expectations.

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What occurred to girls being answerable for their wellbeing? What in regards to the tax {dollars} and logistics wanted to implement and preserve this? In our present chaotic economic system, I might be happier if extra consideration have been directed to spending tax {dollars} on the intense issues dealing with us, such because the escalating enhance in homelessness, habit, despair and violent crimes.

Lack of sufficient funding and long-term planning is hindering the potential to handle them correctly. It would solely worsen as a result of the present short-term Band-Support options usually are not sufficient.

Denise Polson, Metcalfe

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