Don’t minimize effects of smoke on the heart
I was dismayed to read the incomplete information about wildfire smoke in recent Times Colonist articles.
Many heart and stroke diseases precede lung issues among the deleterious effects of smoke. In fact, those of us who run the many clean-air societies up and down this coast often joke that people with respiratory problems could be considered the “lucky” ones because at least they know what to avoid.
Those with cardiac conditions are often blindsided by smoke’s effect on them. Suddenly, they have a big problem they didn’t see coming and didn’t know they could have tried to prevent.
The problem with smoke inhalation is the fact that the particulates are too small for the body’s defences to handle. They become embedded in the bloodstream and flesh, and affect every organ, causing many diseases — no one is immune.
We have a large Airshed Roundtable here in Cowichan, as well as a citizen-awareness group called the Fresh Air Cowichan Team, as smoke is a huge problem on the coast with the locked-in valleys blocked by islands.
There is a great deal of knowledge in these roundtables and citizen groups on this coast. These are the ones who should be quoted and listened to — in order to understand the real effects of smoke pollution.
It would be wise for us all to check the Purple Air Map and/or the B.C. Government AQ Index before heading to outdoor activities.
Jennifer Lawson
Duncan
Salmon study shows dangers of bitumen
Re: “Diluted bitumen proves lethal for young sockeye salmon: study,” Sept. 13.
This study dramatically underscores the risk to the whole Salish Sea ecosystem from any increase in the transportation of diluted bitumen. Although the study specifically references sockeye salmon and pipeline spills, it is unlikely that spills from tankers would have any less toxic effects on salmon and everything else living in the water.
It is increasingly obvious after our massive fire and smoke issues this summer that it is past time to stop contributing to climate change by expanding fossil-fuel production. This evidence of unacceptable risk from the transportation of this fuel reinforces the case for not expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Suggestions have been made recently that B.C. should conduct its own environmental assessment of the pipeline, which could be a good way to ensure that studies such as this are taken fully into account.
The federal government still seems to be stuck in its delusion that it can somehow achieve its carbon-emission-reduction goals by building a pipeline. It would be better advised to follow the lead of some other countries that are investing in rapidly decarbonizing their economies.
Judy Gaylord
Victoria
NDP is trying to help our children
Re: “Let us decide on tax, local leaders say,” Sept. 13.
Thank you to Finance Minister Carole James for sticking with the speculation tax. The Oak Bay mayor and his cohorts want to let the municipalities decide to use this tax or not. For too long we have been governed by real-estate agents and other money-makers, including money-launderers. I am not a party person, but I thank the NDP for its attempts to help my children, who have been kept out of the housing market for far too long.
Eric Jones
Victoria
Don’t ask advice of the wrong-wingers
Re: “Free-trade father figure tells Ottawa to make NAFTA deal,” Sept. 12.
A few weeks ago, John Baird, failed ex-foreign affairs minister, surfaced to offer his thoughts on Saudi Arabia. Coming out against the Trudeau government is to be expected, but then we found he has financial ties to Saudi Arabia.
We all remember Baird as the minister who shirked his responsibility to Omar Khadr and, in my own case, couldn’t figure out how to reply to an email. Rude and gutless, pretty much what we came to expect from the Harper government, which went on to become the second most hated government this country has ever produced.
Now we have Brian Mulroney, Canada’s worst and most hated prime minister, offering his thoughts on free trade and NAFTA. We turfed all but two of his government and hoped they never resurfaced. Even Stephen Harper, not the brightest bulb on the tree, steered clear.
Put these diehard wrong-wingers out to pasture and never let them near a microphone or computer.
Grant Maxwell
Nanaimo
Take a gas mask when walking downtown
Try walking down Yates or Johnson streets or Pandora Avenue, particularly the 700 and 800 blocks. Remember to bring a gas mask.
The stench of urine in nearly every doorway is only a little greater than the wafting of marijuana smoke. Couple the smell with the “citizens” in the area riding bikes on the sidewalks or pushing one or two shopping carts across the streets (against red lights of course).
Add the sounds of ambulances or fire engines heading to any of “our” buildings purchased as a solution to some of these issues, and you have an experience you won’t soon forget — or repeat.
Michael Faulkner
Victoria
Is city prepared for a new tent city?
The former occupiers of Regina Park in Saanich were intending to move to a new “high-profile” park. In the event that it is a Victoria city park such as Topaz, is the current city council prepared with a pro-active response? Will city bylaws be enforced?
Is city council prepared to serve all of the voters in Victoria?
Citizens have had enough experience with tent cities — there are no more surprises to hide behind. We know of the disorder, we know that the most vulnerable tent-city residents are exploited, we know that rampant drug abuse takes place. Tent cities are not therapeutic environments, regardless of what the exploiters and enablers claim.
If the current city council can’t deal with this type of challenge, then admit it and let a new council take charge.
Barbara Wiggins
Victoria
