The images of starving Palestinian children and the stories of those who were killed or maimed trying to secure food for their families recalls the inhumanity perpetrated on the Jewish people during the Second World War. While leaders of powerful nations greet one another with handshakes and smiles as if they were buddies meeting up at a bar, children in Palestine are experiencing the same sort of fear that Anne Frank once did. That people who were once oppressed could become the oppressors leaves me questioning my faith in humanity.
Giselle Déziel, Cornwall, PE
For weeks, we have witnessed civilians being shot as they’ve tried to access food. And it’s not only the health ministry in Gaza that’s listing the casualties. Palestinian and international doctors serving in the region have been reporting on the casualties that arrive daily at their hospitals. As of July 13, the United Nations confirmed that 875 Palestinians were killed seeking food, 201 on aid routes and the others at distribution points. Thousands more have been injured.
Israel has been blocking humanitarian aid, bombing supply convoys and shooting civilians waiting for food. Canada must now take action by imposing a two-way arms embargo on Israel, sanctioning Israeli political and military leaders and refusing to do business with companies complicit in the illegal occupation. Unless the international community acts, Palestinians living in Gaza will continue to be trapped in a cycle of hope, heartbreak and hunger, waiting for assistance and praying for a ceasefire.
Debbie Hubbard, Kelowna, BC
On Monday, July 21, Canada joined Japan, New Zealand, and 23 European allies in calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, and stating they were prepared to take “further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.â€
These are just empty words. What “action’ are you going to take and when are you going to take it? Now is not the time for words, but for action — while there are still people alive in Gaza.
There can be no further delay. ForÌýÌýthousandsÌýÌýin GazaÌýÌýit is already too late.ÌýÌý
ÌýOur leaders are far from powerless if they act together. They must tell the Israeli government what it has to do, when it has to do it, and what sanctions they will imposeÌýÌýif it doesn’t.
Clearly, we cannot depend on the U.S.A. President Donald Trump, whose evident contempt for human life and for the rule of law knows no bounds, has already stated that he wants the Palestinians out of Gaza, and is providing the Israeli government with everything it needs .
ÌýIt’s up to the leaders of the democratic world toÌýÌýend this.Ìý
Robert Burns McDonald, Montreal QC
Provincial leaders blame Indigenous leaders for slowing down infrastructure projects. Oh, the irony!
Indigenous leaders push for meeting with first ministers as Ford takes softer tone on development,ÌýJuly 22
As Rob Ferguson reports, Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford urged Indigenous leaders to take advantage of billions of dollars in financial supports but: “The door is only open so long.†And Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s concerns that major projects need to get rolling sooner than later. “The problem has been, historically, that they haven’t moved at all, that projects have 10-year or more time horizons.â€
It is incredibly ironic to hear provincial leaders blame Indigenous leaders for slowing down infrastructure projects, given the history of projects like the Eglinton Crosstown: conceived in 2007. Construction began in 2011, and yet in August 2025 there is still no announced opening date. The costs also continue to rise from a projected $9.1 billion to $12.8 billion.
Marcia Zalev, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½Ìý
Ambassador Hoestra exemplifies American MAGA ignorance
It seems the White House has a problem with Canada and how we deal with trade war threats and tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump recently referred to Canada as being “nasty,” these comments reiterated by Ambassador Pete Hoestra. Some Americans, including Hoekstra, conduct themselves in a way that projects they are “number one” and no one can compete with or touch them. They like to control the narrative and when someone fights back, they seem to be offended. After all, Trump is still fuming at being out-negotiated by Chrystia Freeland in the last round of North American trade negotiations. So here is a message to the White House and Ambassador Hoestra. Do not underestimate the determination of Canadians. We are easy going and often rise up to help our allies, however when you use tariffs to attack our economy, cause investments to go elsewhere, create massive job losses where our neighbours and family lose their livelihoods, then we will do what we have to do to send the U.S. a message. That message will hurt your tourism, your Canadian sales and your corporate profits which will affect the stock market. You have scarred our relationship and you cannot be trusted.
Mike Walker, Washago, ON
TrumpÌýkeeps pushing the U.S. into an economic corner
The main reason David Olive is right that Canada could avoid a recession is because we in Canada made a sane choice for prime minister, while the Americans elected someone who keeps pushing the U.S. into an economic corner.
Though I’m not wild about the phrase “elbows up,” it behooves us to keep supporting the U.S. economy as little as possible so long as this madman is at its reins. Too bad the huge amount of industrial pollution coming to the U.S. won’t stop at their side of the border, though our wildfire smoke gives them a taste of what’s to come should Trump double industrial production while halving industrial compliance with environmental protection.
Ron Charach, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½Ìý
Colour-coding questions
As someone who’s lived the majority of my 84 years in rental apartments, I’m greeting the news of colour-coded ratings with great enthusiasm. I’ve experienced a gradual decline landlords’ attitudes toward tenants over the years, and there’s a noticeably greater emphasis on profit over services. Landlords need to understand that they are extracting income from human lives. What I’d like to know is how these assessments will be made. Will tenants be part of the assessment process, or only management? And what qualifications will the people doing the assessing be required to have? These are important factors to be considered if this colour-coded system is to be effective.
Patricia Steward, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½
Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
