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Winnipeg Free Press
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Letters, June 9
Opinion Canada's role in climate change Re: Planning for the next fires — they're coming (Think Tank, June 5) Norman Brandson is certainly correct to blame climate change for the catastrophic wildfires in Manitoba, and to call for increased resources for adaptation. However, his claim that Canada's contributions to climate change are 'minimal' is misleading and counterproductive. Yes, Canada 'only' emits about 1.5 per cent of global emissions. However, it is the 10th highest polluter of any country in the world, and is one of the highest per-capita emitters as well — about three times the global average. Much of this is caused by the Alberta oilsands. But Manitoba is far from blameless: the province has sizable emissions from oil and gas-intensive agriculture, transportation, space heating, and waste. A new natural gas plant would only worsen this. There are many achievable climate solutions available to us today. However, the first step requires truthfully reckoning with Manitoba and Canada's own contributions to the crisis — including astronomical downstream emissions from rising fossil fuel exports — and building a serious plan to a zero-emissions future. James Wilt Winnipeg Legalize and tax drugs Re: 'Ending the war on drugs' (Letters, June 6) Jamie Bonner's response to Sel Burrows' op-ed on drugs is bang on. Jamie wasn't quite right in the stats that were given. Governments have been waging a war on drugs for over 125 years, not 40 years, spending billions of dollars every year on enforcement. Some Asian countries have the death penalty for drug trafficking and yet there are no shortage of dealers making billions of dollars worldwide. Legalize them all, tax them, and for likely a fraction of what is spent on enforcement, use that money to help treat addiction. Dealers are gone, thousands aren't dying from overdoses, scarce resources for the police become better utilized and the whole drug subculture disappears. There will always be drugs and drug users, it's totally naive to think that can be eliminated, so why not take the profits out of the hands of the scumbags and put it in the government's hands. Ken McLean Starbuck Renewing call to honour Fox Several years ago, I suggested we rename the Queen Elizabeth Way to the Terry Fox Way. Adding a monument/plaque on the bridge crossings would display his determination to walk across our country to raise money for cancer research. A monument would be especially fitting as he was born in Winnipeg. Richard Bérubé Winnipeg Zelenskyy's wit Re: Ukraine's drone attack on Russian warplanes was a serious blow to the Kremlin's strategic arsenal (June 2) You have to give Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy five stars for not telling the United States (and President Donald Trump ) in advance about Ukraine's planned, devastating attack and destruction of Russia's many strategic bombing airplanes deep inside Russia. In Trump's recent phone call to Putin, Trump emphasized that he did not know that the Ukraine was planning such an attack, thus keeping their friendship intact. Do you really think that if Trump knew in advance about this planned attack by the Ukraine that Trump would keep this secret from Putin, his friend? I think not. Zelenskyy is a very smart man. Robert J. Moskal Winnipeg Safe cycling There's lots of hype about Bike Safety Week Winnipeg, June 8-14. Promoting the fact that e-bikes are shrinking the city and providing the opportunity to ride further in less time, is daunting and certainly not promoting safety for pedestrians and riders. Slow down, use your bell or call out, and use the bike paths, please and thank you. Rennie Bodi Winnipeg Card trouble My husband and I recently received our new Manitoba Health Cards in the mail. The new cards cover only the individual named on the front. I have a condition that requires me to go to the emergency room approximately every six to 12 months. When my husband drives me to the ER, I don't take my wallet and it is usually among the last things I would think about. Previously, when asked for my health card my husband would give them his, which included myself. I called Manitoba Health and asked what should happen in this kind of situation where I don't have my individual health card. The solution given by Manitoba Health? Keep your purple card! I can't help but ask, why then do we have the new ones? Janice Jackson Winnipeg Take responsibility So far, 98 of Manitoba's 106 wildfires have been caused by people, government data show. Four occurred naturally, probably as a result of lightning, and another four are under investigation. How can humans be responsible for more than 90 per cent of the forest fires in Manitoba this year so far? Come on people, you are making climate change seem more of a friend to us than the actual threat it is. Year in and year out, you are causing these fires and costing the province billions of tax dollars in fighting and then rebuilding communities. Not good! Alfred Sansregret Winnipeg Ableism in health care Re: 'Measles response falls short' (Letters, June 2) As Kristen Hardy states, vaccine access is one aspect of a greater issue, which is lack of accessibility to services and systemic bias. Many of us have experienced the types of bias to which she refers. I would add ageism to then list. I want to focus on one type in particular. Many people do not realize how pervasive ableism is. Many have never even heard the term or know what it means. It is discrimination in the form of favouritism towards able-bodied people. And it is rampant in the health system. Attaching a sign and a logo to a regular-sized parking space is one example. Many people with mobility issues need more space to enter and exit a vehicle. A regular-sized parking space does not provide this. There is also the attitude that 'disability' is an all-or-nothing status. Many people have mobility issues that are not obvious to others. They believe that for a person to claim a disability, it must be visible. People might be able to walk but not for long distances. They might have conditions that affect the upper body and have difficulty entering buildings and room with heavy doors. This is notable with respect to washrooms designated as accessible. Accessibility means more than a bar on the wall and a sign on the door. It is very frustrating to be unable to access a washroom with a door that is too heavy to open for a person with upper body limitations. Assigning someone with a mobility aid such as a walker to an examination room that is too small for the person to get in with the mobility aid makes it inaccessible. Leading a person down a long corridor at a walking speed that is too fast for the person to follow is a form of ableism. Telling people who bring attention to these issues that 'we are doing the best we can' is a form of ableism. When you have three big examination rooms, repeatedly putting the person with a mobility aid in the one tiny room that they are unable to access is not the best you can do. A better response would be to say thank you and to bring this concern forward so that changes can be made. So, yes, systemic bias in its many forms limits accessibility to health care for far too many. And yes, this contributes to people being unable to get the services they need, vaccination being one such service. And yes, this contributes to a decline in health in our population. Perhaps our esteemed health minister can make addressing systemic bias a priority. I for one would be more than willing to take part in this process. Ariel Lee Winnipeg
08-06-2025
- Politics
Ukraine drone barrage targets Moscow as Zelenskyy demands accountability for Putin
LONDON -- At least 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down on their approach to Moscow overnight into Sunday morning, according to the city's mayor, with temporary restrictions introduced at two of the capital's airports. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said emergency services were dispatched to the impact sites of the downed drones. Russia's Defense Ministry said the uncrewed aircraft attacking Moscow were among 67 Ukrainian drones shot down overnight. To the south of the capital region, Tula region governor Dmitry Milyaev reported a drone attack on the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk and a fire there caused by falling debris. Two people were injured, Milyaev wrote on Telegram. "The situation is under control," he said. Russian forces continued their own long-range strikes into Ukraine overnight, with Ukraine's air force reporting 49 drones and three missiles fired into the country. The air force said on Telegram that it shot down or otherwise neutralized 40 drones. Recent weeks have seen both sides intensify their long-range strike operations, even as U.S.-brokered peace talks continue in a bid to end Russia's 3-year-old invasion of its neighbor. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday evening that his nation needs to "urgently" strengthen its air defense capabilities in response to Russia's intensifying missile and drone attacks on cities nationwide. The northeastern city of Kharkiv -- which sits around 19 miles from the Russian border -- was among those attacked this weekend. At least three people were killed and 23 injured there on Saturday, according to the head of the local military administration. At least four more people were killed by strikes elsewhere in the country, officials said. "We are working to strengthen Ukraine's air defense," Zelenskyy said, according to a readout posted to his office's website. "We urgently need positive signals from the United States -- concrete signals regarding air defense systems. We are still waiting for a response to our request to purchase systems that can help -- concrete signals, not words." "I would like to thank the European countries for the supplies," he added. "We must also achieve results in the joint production of air defense systems and missiles for them -- this is absolutely essential for our whole Europe. Only time separates us from that result, and what matters most is shortening that time." Zelenskyy and his top officials have framed Russia's expanding attacks -- and growing Ukrainian civilian casualty figures -- as proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuine in his apparent willingness to negotiate a peace deal. Russia's latest barrages followed last weekend's covert Ukrainian operation in which agents used more than 100 drones concealed in large trucks to attack strategic bomber bases deep inside Russia. Moscow vowed revenge for the strikes, which Ukrainian officials celebrated as a historic success. Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia's recent strikes on Ukrainian cities cannot be excused as "retaliation," and again urged Western partners to do more to force Putin to ease maximalist peace demands that equate to Ukrainian capitulation. "No form of pressure on Russia can be eased," he said. "The Russians are preparing to continue the war and are ignoring all peace proposals. They must be held accountable for this." "We are aware that the Russians are now trying to show that they are allegedly immune to any pressure," Zelenskyy added. "But it is very important for the world to understand: just as pressure forced Russia into the negotiation process, pressure can force Russia to become realistic in negotiations." "This is possible precisely because of the pressure, and above all, sanctions on Russian oil and those who still trade with Russia," he said. "Russia must end this war that it started. They must be pushed into this outcome."
Irish Examiner
04-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU plans would extend right for 4m Ukrainians to stay in bloc until 2027
The European Commission has said more than four million Ukrainians living in the EU should have their right to stay extended until March 2027, while calling for efforts to promote voluntary returns to their home country. Temporary protection status for Ukrainians who fled after Russia's full-scale invasion of February 2022 would be extended by one year until March 2027, under a European Commission proposal published on Wednesday. EU member states must approve the extension, which applies to 4.3 million Ukrainians, one-third of whom are children. While calling for the extension, the commission also urged EU governments to think beyond the temporary fix by making it easier for Ukrainians to obtain other types of residence permits, such as work and student visas. It said governments should set up programmes to promote voluntary returns to Ukraine, including by supporting exploratory visits. Magnus Brunner, the EU's internal affairs commissioner, stressed that all returns would be voluntary and that ending temporary protection status would be a decision taken with EU member states and Ukraine 'once we have a stable situation'. The proposals came as Ukraine's government outlined plans for 'unity hubs' – community centres which will offer its citizens information about returning home and integrating into their host societies. The first unity hub is due to open this summer in Berlin, with others planned in Prague and Alicante. Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Chernyshov, told reporters: 'We desperately need Ukrainians back home once the war is over. We need to develop the Ukrainian economy, we need to transform Ukraine into a prosperous economy and develop democracy.' Chernyshov said that if Ukraine were to attain the 'quite achievable' goal of doubling the size of its economy in the decade after the war it could need an additional four million people in the labour market. 'Only the strong economy can pave the way to the future success of Ukraine and successful integration into the European Union,' he added. The proposals follow inconclusive talks in Istanbul, where Russia and Ukraine agreed only on a prisoner exchange, while Moscow refuses to compromise on its maximalist war aims, which include the recognition of four Ukrainian regions it claims, but does not fully occupy. Chernyshov noted that 'the results we are getting with these talks are not the ones that could have been achieved'. He said a voluntary returns programme being developed with UN agencies the IOM and UNHCR, would answer questions facing every Ukrainian family now in Europe: 'How they will return back home? What are going to be the possibilities and proposals for their job? Where are they going to live, where are their kids going to go to school. What is the healthcare system proposal – and so on.' The commission is releasing €4bn to support Ukrainians in the EU, on top of €15bn allocated to member states since 2022. The EU activated its temporary protection directive for Ukrainians in March 2022, in an unprecedented gesture of support. That temporary status has been extended several times, but several EU governments have begun exploring other options. In the Czech Republic, Ukrainians earning at least 440,000 Czech crowns (€17,700), with two years' residence, can now apply for a long-term residence permit. In Poland, Ukrainians who have had temporary protection for at least one year can apply for a three-year residence permit, although they would lose certain benefits such as free healthcare and a waiver on university tuition fees. Norway, which is outside the EU but operates a similar temporary protection scheme, announced last year it was tightening up rules, so Ukrainians from areas that are considered safe would be treated like any other asylum seeker and not automatically granted the right to stay. Support for Ukrainians in the EU remains high, but has ebbed since the early days of the invasion. By February 2024, 71% of people surveyed by Eurobarometer supported Ukrainian refugees, compared with 88% in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. - The Guardian Read More Zelensky calls Russia peace proposal an 'ultimatum' and demands talks with Putin
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Canada says G7 finance ministers to focus on restoring stability, growth
Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a press conference with Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, after the two met during the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Todd Korol Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a press conference with Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko (not pictured), after the two met during the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Todd Korol BANFF, Alberta - Finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrial democracies will try to agree on policies to restore global growth and stability, Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said on Tuesday, acknowledging that tensions over new U.S. tariffs would continue. The meetings over the next two days in the mountain resort town of Banff, Alberta, will be about "back to basics" and will include discussions about excess manufacturing capacity, non-market practices and financial crimes, Champagne told a news conference. "I think to deliver for the citizens that we represent, our mission is really about restoring stability and growth," Champagne said He said discussions would take place within the G7 and bilaterally with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the impact of President Donald Trump's new tariffs on trading partners, and that there would always be tension around such issues. "But at the same time, there's a lot we can achieve together," Champagne said. "There's a lot that we are looking to coordinate, our actions, and really tackle some of the big issues around over-capacity, non-market practices and financial crimes." Bessent has sought to push G7 allies to more effectively confront China's state-led, export-driven economic policies, arguing that this has led to excess manufacturing capacity that is flooding the world with cheap goods and threatening G7 and other market economies. But G7 members Japan, Germany, France and Italy all face a potential doubling of reciprocal U.S. duties to 20% or more in early July. Britain negotiated a limited trade deal that leaves it saddled with 10% U.S. tariffs on most goods, and host Canada is still struggling with Trump's separate 25% duty on many exports. Champagne also said that the G7 group would discuss ways to better police low-value package shipments from China to combat smuggling. The Trump administration has ended a duty-free exemption for Chinese shipments valued under $800, which it has blamed for the trafficking of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals. Reducing fentanyl trafficking is critical to lifting Trump's 25% duties on some Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 20% duty on Chinese goods. Champagne appeared with Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko and pledged to continue Canada's support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia's invasion. He also said Canada is considering helping Ukraine build a Canadian-style pension system. Marchenko told reporters that he would seek to reiterate Ukraine's arguments for strengthening sanctions against Russia, including through lowering the level of the G7-led $60-per-barrel price cap imposed on Russian crude oil exports. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Russia fires more than 100 drones at Ukraine following Trump-Putin phone call
Moscow fired more than 100 drones into Ukraine overnight following the conclusion of President Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kyiv said. The Ukrainian Air Force recorded 108 UAVs soaring across the border Monday night, causing damage across four regions in the latest aerial clash after Trump touted that peace talks would 'immediately' resume between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia's latest assault was clear evidence that Putin has no intention of ending the bloodshed, accusing the Kremlin head of wanting to conquer as much territory as possible. 4 Moscow fired 108 drones into Ukraine following Russian President Vladimir Putin's call with President Trump. AP 4 A home was destroyed Tuesday following Russian shelling in Kramatorsk. Anadolu via Getty Images 'It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation,' Zelensky said in a statement Tuesday. The overnight drone strike saw Ukraine's Air Force shoot down at least 35 UAVs, with another 58 successfully jammed and neutralized while mid-flight, Kyiv said. The attack came just two days after the Kremlin fired a record 273 exploding drones into Ukraine, killing at least one woman in Kyiv, local officials said. Russia's Defense Ministry said that it also shot down eight Ukrainian drones during the skirmish. 4 Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine despite President Trump's assurance that peace talks were to begin 'immediately' following his call with Putin. Anadolu via Getty Images The cross-border drone exchange occurred just after Trump concluded his two-hour phone call with Putin over the war in Ukraine, which has raged on for more than three years. Despite Trump's claim that cease-fire talks would restart right away, Putin doubled down in rejecting the US-backed cease-fire agreement, saying Moscow was not ready to sit down for talks until the 'root cause' of the war was addressed. Russia has also shown no hints that it will make any concessions in the peace talks, with Moscow demanding full annexation of all the Ukrainian territories it is currently occupying, as well as the demilitarization of Ukraine. 4 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to buy time to conquer as much territory as possible. AFP via Getty Images Putin has also demanded that Ukraine be permanently blocked from ever joining NATO, a condition Zelensky has slammed as a non-starter given that it remains his country's best chance at avoiding a future invasion. Zelensky has called on Trump and European leaders to put more pressure on Moscow to secure a cease-fire and force Putin to join the negotiating table. 'If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions,' the Ukrainian president said.
