Compare the European Union with our own trade agreement
Sorry to see the Times Colonist perpetuating Canadians’ misunderstanding of Brexit. Please consider:
• If NAFTA evolved into an ever closer political union, governed by a largely unelected and unaccountable international body sitting in Mexico, passing laws superseding Canadian national sovereignty;
• If NAFTA expanded to include Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the nations of the Caribbean;
• If NAFTA mandated free movement of people within its borders including the right to live, work and claim benefits in any country without restriction.
Perhaps then you might understand the British voting 52% to 48% to leave, preferably with a good deal, but with no deal if necessary.
Martin Hill
Sooke
Whales found plenty of food along the California coast
Re: “Remembering Tahlequah,” commentary, July 24.
Where did the author get the information that the runs of chinook salmon in the Salish Sea have barely been seen?
I know, from first-hand observations, that the numbers of returning chinook are far above projected forecasts and that the fish are also bigger than in previous years.
It seems ocean conditions are good for the returning salmon, and are also good for the southern resident killer whales. Most of this can be attributed to the dissipating of the warm blob of water that was off the coast.
There is no mention of why the whales returned later than normal. Why is that?
Maybe because they were off of the coast of California, feeding on the huge runs of returning chinook to the waters there. From all accounts and photos that I have been able to obtain, the whales look to be extremely well-fed.
I agree with the comment about redundant research, as there seems to be more money wasted on study after study.
The overall population of the killer whales is well within the historical ranges that have been reported over time, so I do not see a sky-is-falling scenario in regards to population numbers.
Maybe there could be a mention of weak genetics and contamination, which could lead to the poor survival rates of the offspring.
I know that stating these points does not tug at the heart and get the emotional response that sells papers, but only reporting one side of the story does no good in the overall picture.
Mike Johns
Jordan River
Recycle bags into deck panels
I lived in a house in the Westshore for more than 30 years. About midway though that time, my cedar deck and backdoor landing needed replacement.
This was done using plastic wood manufactured by a company on the Saanich Peninsula using recycled one-use plastic shopping bags.
Alas, the company is no longer in business.
Perhaps this is one option for some level of government to assist.
Jack Poulter
Sidney
Sell tickets for bridge rides
Why not make the Johnson Street Bridge an amusement ride for locals and tourists alike?
I’ve heard that the bridge is the most expensive structure ever built per capita in human history; maybe we can recover a bit back?
Ten minutes before a lift, strap people in to attached chairs, lock the buckles until the ride completes, and charge $20 a person.
Seattle has its Ferris wheel, Toronto its CN Tower, and it’s time we stepped “up” our game.
John Zimmermann
Victoria
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