March 25th – Market Update – Times Colonist

Below, are some letters to the editor responses to the recent Times Colonist newspaper editorial, warning of the serious impact of Bill 7. The Victoria newspaper is available throughout Vancouver Island, and is to be commended for bringing Bill 7 to our attention. See below:

“Opinion: Times Colonist March 25, 2025”


Times Colonist


With his financial record, don’t give more power

The recent letters and the editorial criticizing Premier David Eby’s attempt to grant himself dictatorial powers through Bill 7 are well justified.

Justin Trudeau tried the same thing early in the pandemic, but was forced to retreat by public outrage and solidarity of the opposition parties.

B.C. citizens need to apply similar pressure with their local MLAs.

The type of judgement that has seriously weakened B.C. by turning a $5-billion surplus into an $11-billion deficit in the past two years is not the kind of judgment that should ever be given unfettered power.

Dan Graham – North Cowichan

Rational oversight needed for Eby

With respect to the NDP government’s proposed Bill 7, it seems Premier David Eby is taking a leaf out of Donald Trump’s playbook by trying to use a declaration of emergency to give him and his cabinet dictatorial powers to bypass the legislature and enact any kind of policies and actions be they related to tariffs or other matters.

This is both unnecessary and undemocratic and is typical of the high-handed governing style of this government.

Further, on counter-tariff issues, I think it is dangerous to the country’s overall interest if provincial premiers start taking individual actions outside of a co-ordinated strategy led by the federal government.

This is why some kind of rational oversight is required.

Graham Williams – North Saanich

Alice in Wonderland has lessons for Eby

Re: “Provincial government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach,” editorial, March 21.

Premier David Eby has run amok with Bill 7.

As the Queen of Hearts was wont to say in Alice in Wonderland, “off with his (legislative) head.”

Sayonara, Mr. Eby.

Rick Lee – Victoria

Pass this legislation at your peril

Re: “Provincial government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach,” editorial, March 21.

I couldn’t agree more with the editorial. I have been an NDP voter but if this bill passes, not anymore.

I am tired of a political class that believes they know best and the citizens should just thank them for their superior brain power.

The opposition parties that garnered one less seat than the NDP will not be permitted to debate anything, but the government will consult with Indigenous peoples who represent about 5% of the population. This is not democracy, it is a power grab similar to the “executive authority” used by Donald Trump.

Wayne Cox – Saanichton

Stand up to our leaders, make them work for us

Re: “Provincial government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach,” editorial, March 21.

There is old adage that hard cases make for bad laws. The threat to Canada makes for a hard case but Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, is the epitome of a bad law. Not only is it unnecessary, its very existence does more harm than good.

Canadians have come together in unprecedented fashion to stand up to American threats and President Donald Trump’s insulting attacks. Canadian premiers have been tripping over themselves to get in front of the crowd.

Ontario’s Doug Ford bills himself as Captain Canada, threatening drastic retaliatory acts, then withdrawing them for lack of practicality, then threatening them again.

Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe are effectively threatening to sell out Canada by seceding from the federation if we don’t surrender our energy, potash and agriculture. And B.C.’s David Eby wants to go all Viktor Orbán and pull an end run around our democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, our newly minted prime minister is struggling to show the world a coordinated approach, bolstering the military, affirming alterative foreign alliances, and promoting trans-Canada trade but it’s a tough gig without a mandate and herding a room full of cats.

It’s time the 90 per cent of Canadians who want to save this country stand up to their leaders.

Force Eby to re-holster his Bill 7, Smith and Moe to start pulling in the right direction, and engage in a federal election to choose a national leader with the experience, skill and mandate to realign Canada’s economic, social, and international infrastructure so we can survive this bad case, united and strong.

Gerry Klein – Maple Bay

This bill would destroy our democratic system

Re: “Provincial government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach,” editorial, March 21.

Section 19 of Bill 7, the “Economic ­Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act” allows cabinet (read Premier David Eby, who has total control of cabinet) to “make a regulation under this Part for one or more of the following purposes: (c) supporting the economy of British Columbia and Canada.”

Of course, almost any regulation could be justified under such an undefined non-specific broad purpose. This government recently determined that it was “good for the economy” to take away vested land-use rights from people operating perfectly legal short-term rental businesses.

What might be next under this new law? Eliminating other established and lawful activities to react to U.S. demands, or appease the American president would be possible under Section 19.

We shake our heads in disbelief at how executive orders can be made in Washington with no input or involvement of their elected congress and senate.

How are Section 19 regulations any different? This ability to “un-make laws” previously duly enacted by our elected representatives in the legislature is nothing short of the destruction of our democratic system.

We do not react to a loss of control south of the border by allowing ourselves to lose control.

Bill 7 must be stopped.

Elgin Bulova – Victoria

March 24th – Market Update – Times Colonist

(Here is another opinion on Bill 7…this one from a former premier of B.C. Printed in today’s Times Colonist newspaper (Victoria’s paper, and available throughout B.C. There is also an online version).

March 24, 2025

 

“Opinion: B.C.’s Bill 7 an ‘unnecessary power grab,’ says former premier”

“To stand up to the U.S., we must first stand up for democracy and against autocracy at home,” writes former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell.”

We live in troubling times. People are frightened and feel vulnerable. Taking advantage of that David Eby’s Bill 7 tries to establish autocratic rule for the next two years in B.C. It’s the move of an aspiring autocrat. Now is the time for measured, thoughtful action. Taking away democratic rights weakens us and destabilizes our future.

Eby decries President Donald Trump’s actions while copying him. He wants to rule, not to serve, the people of B.C. He is trying to set aside democracy for more than half his term. His claim that this is necessary to address issues that may arise due to Trump’s tariffs is, put bluntly, nonsense.

This is the same premier who reneged on his commitment to call the legislature back right after the election. The election was Oct. 19, 2024. He did not call the legislature back until Feb. 17, 2025, well after President Trump declared his intentions regarding Canada. Eby delayed when it fit his political needs. Now, he introduces Bill 7 not to meet the province’s or Canada’s needs, but to serve his political wishes.

Mr. Eby says he wants to remove all trade barriers between provinces. Fine. Lead the way. Table legislation that removes all barriers B.C. imposes on other provinces. Get on with it. He does not need to usurp the democratic authority of the legislature to get that done immediately. Mr. Eby, take down those walls!

All people of B.C. deserve to be represented in these times. Any action should take place only with proper public scrutiny.

Democracy is messy. It can be frustrating, but it is a necessary check on autocratic power.

The best, and constitutionally correct, way to fight Trump’s action is not by suspending our democratic institutions, but rather by fully and carefully considering our response to U.S. actions in our constitutionally enshrined parliamentary system. There is no need or reason to give Eby the dictatorial power he seeks. We should exemplify how a properly functioning democracy makes policy decisions through its legislative assembly in accordance with the rule of law. Eby engages the legislature despite his proclivities to do the opposite.

Every MLA, from every party, has an obligation to uphold our democratic institutions. The legislature can and will act quickly when needed. With Bill 7, Mr. Eby takes away our rights and our elected representative’s responsibilities. We must hope that some New Democrats in his caucus remember they were elected as New Democrats, not New Autocrats. They should not acquiesce to the most autocratic bill ever tabled in B.C.’s legislature.

The legislature can be called back within 24 hours any time to properly debate, scrutinize and decide on any actions Mr. Eby dares propose. These are not, and should not be, personal decisions. Important decisions of this magnitude should be decisions where MLAs from every part of the province, from all parties, are included and held accountable.

All members of B.C.’s legislature are obligated to stand for Canadian democracy and due process, not to bow to autocracy.

We are Canadian. Our parliamentary principles and practises define our public institutions regardless of party. Canadian responsible government requires that the premier and his cabinet account to the legislature. That’s the critical democratic link between a premier and cabinet and the people of the province.

Mr. Eby’s Bill 7 is a power grab, pure and simple. It gives Eby the sole power to amend any law, change any regulation, change any tax, use your personal information and ignore the legislature for more than two years. No checks. No guardrails. No recourse. That is simply wrong for all of us regardless of political affiliation or what is decided in the U.S.

Mr. Eby’s Bill 7 undermines your rights and the governing principles of Canada.

We are smart enough, strong enough and creative enough to withstand powerful changes. But we will fail, if we follow Eby’s desire to undermine the democratic foundation upon which we stand.

MLAs should be against this unnecessary power grab. Even if the NDP MLAs cannot find a democratic conscience, then all opposition MLAs must.

To stand up to the U.S., we must first stand up for democracy and against autocracy at home.

Write, call, email or text your MLA. Tell them to stand for Canada and for our democratic values; tell them not to support this unconscionable power grab of the New Autocrats in Victoria.

As always, Stay tuned!!!

Market Update – Election Day to be April 28th

 

Vote – Election Day to be April 28th

Federal Uncertainty is Over… for now…

Salt Spring Island

So, finally, the federal uncertainty is over…Trudeau stepped down in January and prorogued parliament. This left a void at the federal level, at the very time the U.S. tariffs were initially being considered.

A new Liberal party leader (Mark Carney) was chosen on March 9th, and then he assumed the role of Prime Minister. Today, he has advised the Governor General that he is calling a federal election…Election Day to be April 28th.

The Conservatives, the NDP, the Bloc, and the Green Party will be fielding candidates and running in opposition to Liberal Party candidates.

Mark Carney had advised Justin Trudeau since 2020, and this bid to remain in power is being described by opposition parties as a fourth term for Liberal policies.

It’s important to vote on April 28th…everyone’s voice counts. Be involved, check out the candidates in your riding. It is not a time for apathy.

The real estate markets across Canada have been in “pause mode” in the past two months…markets do not like uncertainty. With a decision as to who will be in charge, at the federal level, and whether in a minority or majority position, is essential to unfolding developments for our more local real estate markets.

At this time, inventory here remains low, and prices remain relatively stable. A desire for rural lifestyles and a sense that a real estate purchase in unique areas is a preservation of capital decision (which is about our bottoming dollar value) also continue to drive activity in secondary home areas.

It will perhaps take until mid-May to see a specific market direction locally for 2025.

As always, Stay tuned!!!

March 23, 2025 – Times Colonist

The concern about Bill 7 has had a North Vancouver writer (Caroline Elliott) observe the following, in Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper. The Times Colonist is available throughout Vancouver Island and has an online version, too. See her commentary below:

Bill 7 enables Eby’s cabinet to do whatever it deems necessary to “support the economy of B.C. and Canada,” which is so broad it could include anything at all. – Caroline Elliott

Premier David Eby’s proposed Bill 7 would effectively suspend the democratic process in British Columbia for the next two and a half years.

Ostensibly intended to address the impact of tariffs, this autocratic bill — the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act — is not only unnecessary, but represents just the latest in a troubling pattern of disregard for democratic process by this premier.

This time, however, he can be stopped.

Eby, who formed government with the slimmest of majorities, is no doubt motivated by the prospect of avoiding uncomfortably close votes in the legislature as he pursues his own agenda.

As veteran columnist Vaughn Palmer puts it, this far-reaching legislation “would allow the cabinet to override provincial laws, regulations, authorities and even the legislature itself.”

Its extraordinary reach led Palmer to observe that, “in 41 years of covering B.C. governments, I’ve not seen a legislation as arbitrary and far-reaching this side of the federal War Measures Act.”

Conveniently announced immediately before the house recessed for a two-week spring break, Bill 7 enables Eby’s cabinet to do whatever it deems necessary to “support the economy of B.C. and Canada,” which is so broad it could include anything at all.

As columnist Rob Shaw explains, Bill 7 empowers cabinet to “amend any law, overwrite any policy, change any regulation, levy any fee, or gather anyone’s personal data with simply the stroke of a pen.”

Eby’s argument that Bill 7 is required to address tariffs is misleading. There’s nothing stopping him from convening the legislature at any time to pass any initiatives required to address the impact of tariffs.

Indeed, such extraordinary measures have not been implemented in any other province, or at the national level, despite the fact that these jurisdictions face the same tariffs.

But Eby’s disregard for democratic principles is not new.

Last November, he was denounced for reversing his commitment to hold a fall sitting of the legislature after October’s election. By not calling the house back as soon as possible, Eby avoided testing the confidence of the legislature, a crucial step in demonstrating the democratic authority of his government.

This act, rightly deemed by experts to be “an erosion of democratic norms,” meant the NDP had about four months, until February, to rule essentially unopposed.

Eby was also criticized for introducing the 2023 budget more than three weeks later than normal, delaying important matters of debate in a session he had already shortened by several weeks. This followed the cancellation of a week’s sitting of the previous session. This curtailed debate on two significant and controversial housing bills. These bills were aggressively pushed through.

One of those housing bills, Bill 44, is seriously undemocratic. It overrides decisions made by elected local governments by mandating the elimination of single family zoning in communities across B.C., nullifying official community plans (developed by elected councils on the basis of extensive public consultation), and eliminating the ability of local governments to hold public hearing processes on these matters.

This pattern goes back to the outset of Eby’s premiership. Eby was installed as NDP leader and premier without a vote among the party membership after his team successfully pursued the disqualification of his only opponent.

Time and again, Eby has demonstrated an “ends justify the means” mentality that sees democratic norms as optional in the pursuit of his agenda.

While rallying against President Donald Trump, Eby has consistently copied his methods.

It’s not too late to stop him.

There are 47 NDP MLAs, 41 Conservatives, three independents, and two Greens in the legislature. With the Conservatives and Independents set to oppose Eby’s deeply flawed bill, all NDP MLAs and the two Greens should think hard about how they will vote.

Will they support Eby’s efforts to deny their own constituents their elected voice in the legislature? Or, will they find their democratic conscience and stand up against this authoritarian bill?

In the likely event that NDP MLAs succumb to pressure from the premier, the Greens can still prevent the bill from becoming law.

By voting with Independent and Conservative MLAs against Bill 7, the Greens could render a 46-46 tie in the legislature.

The 47th NDP MLA serves as Speaker, and Parliamentary convention holds that the Speaker only vote in the case of a tie, and that they cast their vote to protect the status quo (i.e., against such radical legislation).

Proposing amendments to the bill, as the Greens have said they’ll do, is not enough. A message needs to be sent, loud and clear, that our democracy is not negotiable.

Unless NDP and (or) Green MLAs find it in themselves to stop Eby’s overreach, or Eby reverses course due to public dissent, it seems likely this shameless circumvention of democratic process will pass.

Let’s not give up our democracy without a fight. Tell your friends, speak up, and reach out to your MLA.

Demand they vote against Eby’s heavy-handed attempt to deny you your democratic voice.”

Stay tuned!

 

March 21, 2025 – from Victoria Times Colonist Editorial Column


The Victoria Times Colonist newspaper is on sale throughout Vancouver Island. There is an online version. Today’s editorial sums up the issue with the provincial government’s Bill 7. See below:

March 21, 2025


Government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach

Editorial

If there were any doubt that ­Premier David Eby lacks respect for the ­provincial legislature, he has removed it.

His government has tabled legislation — Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act — that provides far-reaching emergency powers to
bypass the legislature.

The purpose of the statute, supposedly, is to address challenges arising out of Donald Trump’s tariff war.

But Bill 7, as drafted, basically gives Eby the power to do as he pleases, across almost the entire field of public policy, without any oversight or accountability.

For the next two years, the premier and his colleagues can change, rewrite or set aside any law or regulation behind closed doors.

Eby justifies this by asserting the need to act quickly, and he insisted that any actions he takes must be ratified by the legislature.

The latter statement is untrue. All the premier has promised is that he will inform the legislature, after the event, of what he has already done.

The longstanding principle, upon which parliamentary government rests, is advise and consent. That is to say, the government must advise the legislature of its intended actions, and the legislature must give its consent.

This legislation, if it passes unchanged, does away with that principle. There need be no consent.

To get a sense of how parliamentary due process is being overridden, a read of the act is illuminating.

  • First, the regulatory powers given to the premier and cabinet apply to “any laws of British Columbia respecting who may sell, purchase or use a good…(or ) a service that may be supplied in another province of Canada.” So an entire body of law, covering numerous statutes and a wide range of economic activity, is thus set aside.
  • Second, this power to regulate applies “despite any enactment or regulatory measure that applies to the supply of a service.” Does this nullify regulations designed to protect employees, create workplace safety, guarantee consumers fair treatment, and so on? It certainly appears to.
  • Third, the Financial Administration Act, which defines the appropriate management of public funds, is explicitly superseded. Here, as with his massive budget deficits, we see Eby’s disregard for fiscal probity.
  • Fourth, “No legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a protected person because of anything done or omitted in complying with … a directive issued under this (authority).”

So not only are the principles of sound financial management disregarded, but the government’s agents, including –presumably the premier and cabinet, are safeguarded against legal proceedings.

Not satisfied with gagging the legislature, Eby is gagging the courts.

Lastly, directives issued under this Act as late as June 30 can be made retroactive to Feb. 1.

This is the ultimate end run of the legislature, which wasn’t even sitting on Feb. 1.

The two Green Party MLAs have asked that the statute be amended, pointing out the many concerns it raises.

And the provincial Conservatives have assailed the bill, claiming it makes the premier a dictator or a king.

Yet regardless of whatever complaints they raise, or arguments they make, the opposition parties are effectively impotent. If the premier holds firm, they can’t force a change.

The NDP have 47 MLAs, the Conservatives 41, and the Greens two, with three former Conservatives who are sitting as independents.

One of the NDP members sits as Speaker, so in daily sittings the NDP are tied with the opposition. However in a tie vote, the Speaker can cast the winning vote.

This statute is as disingenuous as it is an offence against longstanding parliamentary due process.

The premier must accept this and back away.

Stay Tuned!!!

March 19th, Update

UPDATE: Selected as one of the Top 100 Real Estate Blogs on the Web by FeedSpot!!

March 19, 2025

Victoria’s newspaper (Times Colonist)

Letters To The Editor

Too much over-reach by NDP government

I find it ironic that Premier David Eby’s rationale for Bill 7 legislation is that it allows him to move quickly to prevent harm to the B.C. economy. I would argue that Eby has caused more harm to the B.C. economy than any premier in modern history.

Bill 7 is just another insidious power grab, couched in protectionist language. We are already feeling the effects of provincial over-reach with Bills 44, 46 and 47, which have spawned the loss of property rights, dismantling of heritage protections, erosion of tree canopies and biodiversity and no commensurate infrastructure to support the unfettered development that has been foisted on our cities.

Let’s hope this is a precursor to an early election, as it is time the public told Eby that we don’t want to live under a dictatorship.

Nancy Di Castri
Saanich

Democracy dies with Eby’s Bill 7

The announcement by Premier David Eby of the imposition of Bill 7, the “Economic Stabilization and Tariff Response Act,” on British Columbians represents a dark moment in an increasingly dark time for Canada and the world, but especially for British Columbians.

No legitimate government has the right to give itself emergency powers without the discussion or the participation of a duly-elected assembly. And yet we are seeing this with increasing frequency in B.C., in Canada and around the world.

In Eby’s case, as with other political leaders, the intent of the legislation is to guard against theoretical dangers that may occur in a potential future.

Frankly, this isn’t good enough. It doesn’t meet the litmus test of democratic practice that we have spent centuries of legal precedent and untold sacrifice, not to mention war and blood, trying to establish.

What it does represent is an impingement on people’s democratic rights and the negation of their will. The imposition of this bill will cut even more deeply into the rights of citizens who simply want to live a good life under fair and balanced laws.

If, as British Columbians, we are willing to stand for this extraordinary imposition on our democratic rights, then we have no right to complain if, one day, those same rights disappear altogether.

Bill 7 is a thin edge of undemocratic authoritarianism inserted into our lives. It does not bode well for any of us, and it should be withdrawn or scrapped immediately.

Perry Foster
Duncan

Bill 7 pulls us apart during a difficult time

In a democracy, Premier David Eby’s proposed Bill 7 Economic Stabilization Act is not required.

Each needed action for change or response to trade and tariffs should be presented in the Legislature for a vote and if the majority in the house agrees, passed.

What is being proposed is nothing short of a dictatorship and welcoming to Putin’s Russia-style democracy.

At this time in history, we need to pull together rather than apart.

D’Arcy Morrow
Nanaimo

Nero fiddles while Rome burns

The King of England is figurehead of the Commonwealth, a group of nations fostering international cooperation and promoting shared goals such as democracy, peace and sustainable development.

Canada, a founding member and the largest member of the Commonwealth, is being economically attacked by the most powerful nation of the world with a stated aim of taking over the country.

What does the head of the Commonwealth do to organize its members to help Canada?

The head of the Commonwealth releases his favorite 10 songs.

Yes, Charlie fiddles while Canada burns.

John Barrand
Victoria

Today’s the deadline for voting no

Re: “Affordability crisis from Saanich council,” letter, March 15.

Saanich council is incapable or unwilling to make real-life decisions about what to give up in the budgeting process.

When families and companies are faced with tough financial decisions, as they are especially today about making ends meet, they are forced to dig deep and find things they can forego or postpone instead of spending money that we don’t have. Not so Saanich council!

Instead, council has chosen to get more money outside of the five per cent borrowing limit through an alternate approval process. The total proposed extra borrowing amounts to about $9.6 million at annual debt servicing costs of around $908,000. There is waste in some of those proposals.

For example, bylaw 10025, the second biggest item at $3.1 million, includes more money for cycling infrastructure, including bike lanes, etc.

From what I see in my area around Royal Oak, the bike lanes on West Saanich, Royal Oak, including Mann Ave. and the recently installed traffic obstructions on Old West Saanich and Oldfield roads were unnecessary and are an utter waste of taxpayers’ money.

They reflect an ideological rather than a business approach to managing Saanich’s financial affairs.

As well, the public was given inadequate notice of these extraordinary financial proposals. The public was notified only through newspapers and consideration of the item at council’s Jan. 20 meeting.

This is a highly questionable and cynical approach to managing Saanich’s finances. Deficit and debt financing must stop.

You can still vote “No” by completing the forms at the municipal hall or printing them on your computer and delivering them to Saanich. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. today.

Evert Van Eerden
Saanich

Americans have paid our ‘tariffs’ for years

In response to recent letters about tariffs, let me point out that B.C. and Victoria have had “tariffs” on American property owners for several years. They are known as “speculation tax” and “property transfer tax.”

Until December 2024, we had owned a residence in Victoria for more than 30 years. During that time, laws were passed saying if we sold the place, gifted it to our children or died, we would pay a 25 per cent tax on the gain between the current value and our cost.

If we died or gifted the property, we would have to find cash elsewhere to pay the tax.

Also, beginning about eight years ago, we were reclassified as “speculators”, even though at that time we had owned the place for more than 22 years and it was enjoyed by four generations of our family. The speculation tax alone was almost $20,000 per year, and was in addition to paying the full amount of property taxes, with no exemptions.

In December we decided we could no longer afford the taxes and sold.

At the close of the sale, the B.C. government withheld 25 per cent of the gross selling price. At some point we might get roughly half of that back.

During those 30 years we put lots of money into the Victoria economy. Our family will miss our regular visits to Victoria, but with the attitude of some of the letters to the editor, we would be reluctant to admit that we are Americans.

Please don’t get mad at Americans, most of us don’t agree with what is happening. Remember, this too shall pass. Let’s stay friends.

Daniel Cunningham
Fresno, California

We don’t want to be like Puerto Rico

In keeping with the U.S. cry of “no taxation without representation” I think that the U.S. has much better candidates for statehood than Canada.

Washington D.C. has a populace of 700,000 (more than both Vermont and Wyoming) with no governor or fully-elected representation in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Similarly, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a populace of more than 3.2 million and no representation. The U.S. citizens of both jurisdictions are subject to U.S. law without representation — ideal candidates to become the 51st and 52nd states.

I hope that this process would occupy the White House for the remainder of the term. In keeping with the current U.S. vogue of re-drawing the world atlas, should Ottawa consider offering provincehood to Alaska and Hawaii?

Paul Morgan
Central Saanich

Many fortune seekers travelled to the Yukon

With the recent report on the Trump family fortune beginning with a “restaurant and brothel” in the Yukon more than 100 years ago, it is hilarious the way left-leaning journalists spend their waking hours trying to trash Donald Trump constantly.

If they were true journalists and readers of history, they would know that the Yukon Gold Rush in the 1800s brought fortune seekers from second sons of England’s landed gentry, to adventurers, to down-and-out hopefuls, along with women of ill repute, women hoping for rich husbands — all streaming up from the U.S., Victoria, Vancouver, the Chilcotin and many other points.

They all hoped to make it big, with many enterprising men and women providing supplies, rustic hotels and raunchy women for the influx of all the dreamers. Persevering through awful northern wilderness conditions, history has applauded their ingenuity and doggedness.

We pampered folks in this century couldn’t manage without our cars, face creams and cappuccinos.

Well done, to the Trumps and their contemporaries of old!

Barbara Zielinski
Victoria

U.S. financial collapse stopped Harper’s plans

Re: “Stephen Harper’s memory is not selective,” letter, March 15.

Based on my recollections of the time leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, my impression is that individuals do have both short and selective memories.

Stephen Harper advised us that his government was on a path towards deregulating Canada’s financial institutions. By what seemed more like good luck than good management, he was “saved by the bell” with the financial collapse in the United States that year, before a Canadian de-regulation plan could be enacted.

Laurie McDonald
Gabriola

Let’s rebuild trust to weather future storms

During the COVID pandemic, it wasn’t the vaccines, masks or social isolation that I was afraid of, but their mandatory imposition.

I remember, early on in the vaccine mandates, trying to understand why we were threatening individuals with job loss and social isolation for not taking one of the new vaccines — while at the same time many individuals around the world wanted access to vaccines but were unable to get them.

When I tried to ask my MLA and MP for a pointer to whatever cost-benefit analysis had been done, they said it was a medical decision. When I asked my family doctor and Healthlink, they said it was a political decision.

My fear is that due to the imposition of mandates in the past, individuals will be less trusting of guidance in the future.

My hope is that, with a bit of contrition and humility, we can rebuild a level of trust that will let us weather future storms together.

Scott Newson
Nanaimo

Stay Tuned!!!