Avoid big grocers this month
I’m behind the greedy grocer boycott, but you must include the other big players like Metro and Sobeys. They have all made out like bandits since the pandemic and there seems no end in sight. From self-checkouts to coupons only available by using their apps to sale items only for buying multiples, these grocers are simply taking advantage.
I will be shopping at small grocery stores, bakeries, farmers markets and other specialty stores. Every time you shop elsewhere, you are sending a strong message plus supporting a smaller business that most likely values customers more than the grocery chains.
Robin Magder, Dundas
Politicians need to do better
Re: Pierre Poilievre ejected from House of Commons after calling Justin Trudeau a ‘wacko’ (April 30)
“Disgraceful” is the word that comes to mind when I think of the circus that was the House of Commons Tuesday. Schoolyard bullies taunted and insulted one another, with their respective MPs heckling and snickering throughout. I have a lot of respect for politicians — their work is not for the faint of heart, and it is tough trying to contribute to improving the lot of people in their ridings.
However, this kind of behaviour demeans the respectful dialogue and debate that ought to characterize the public political forum.
Educators in our schools work every day to instil the values of honest and respectful dialogue in their students to reach solutions to problems. Students should be able to look to our politicians to see this dialogue at work. Tuesday was not such an occasion.
Let this be a wake-up call to all politicians and to all of us to do better.
Nancy Sullivan, Hamilton
Hold landlords to account
Re: Advocates warn city needs to do more to protect residents from extreme heat in their homes (April 30)
Once more, taxpayers will pay to protect people from predatory landlords. Instead of using public money to patch the holes left by the greed of apartment owners, the city and other levels of government need to hold landlords’ feet to the fire and force them to equip the apartments they rent out with proper cooling.
If they don’t, tax their growing profits higher, especially corporations which can well afford to actually deliver what they purport to provide: housing for humans.
M.M. Bédard, Hamilton
A suggestion for the LCBO
Re: The backward step of paper bags for booze (April 30
It is indeed a step backward to reintroduce paper bags in the LCBO. A popular store throughout areas in Ontario charges 50 cents for a paper bag. I never forgot to bring reuseable bags again.
Jan Peirson-Reid, Carlisle
MacKay cartoon was brilliant
Graeme MacKay’s cartoon in Wednesday’s paper with Ford and the gang on their cellphones and him on a computer screen was brilliant! And funny as hell, never laughed so hard in the morning.
Hopefully he will compile a book of his amazing work. I’ll be first in line to purchase it.
Paul E. Casey, Ancaster
Cellphone rules too late
Wondering who the people are using their phones during a movie? They’re the former students who used their phones during class time without let or hindrance. It’s going to be well nigh impossible to shut that stable door now.
Sandra Hanmer, Hamilton
HSR handled rail transit before
For a map of 1930s-era HSR streetcar and bus routes, anyone can search “Hamilton Street Railway streetcar routes.” These routes were managed and operated by the HSR. To say the 1930 routes were complicated would be a big fat understatement, especially when compared to the currently proposed Main Street-King Street route.
To assume the current workforce at HSR is not capable of handling this current iteration of street railcars is almost libellous.
Ninety-four years ago, there was even a spur line to serve the folks who worked shifts at the Firestone plant. It is notable that had the ownership over the years maintained the system, we would be so far ahead of the game.
Bill Brush, Hamilton
MPP needs to follow rules
Re: This isn’t what Canada is about (April 30)
Alan Joseph claims MPP Sarah Jama has the right to wear what she wants in a pluralistic democracy. Yes, she does, but not in the legislature where overt political symbols are rightly banned. This does not mean I am not horrified by what is happening in Gaza, and want it to stop.
I voted for Jama, but I disagree with how she has represented my views, as one of her constituents. I told her so, but heard nothing back.
Sending her from the legislature would in no way send a message that my voice does not matter. To the contrary.
Carol Town, Hamilton
