Zipper merging for idiots
Dear Editor:
I am writing regarding the apparent confusion of many drivers who do not seem to understand how to properly merge when road construction is under way. There are many instances where one lane is empty and one is full, backed up for miles, people trying to merge while still 300 meters from the bottle neck, and ignorant drivers who refuse to let people merge.
According to the sa国际传媒 driversa国际传媒 handbook, both lanes are supposed to remain in use until you reach the flashing light, then zipper merge (unless otherwise directed by road crews).
It has been proven to reduce wait times by as much as 40%. The road crew should make it their responsibility to ensure that gravel patches are well maintained so that drivers do not have to slow to 3km/h to prevent their suspensions from being trashed.
I have included a diagram from the BC drivers鈥 handbook.
Happy motoring, everyone!
Mark Billesberger
Penticton
Might stay home this election
Dear Editor:
For the first time in my long life I may not vote in the upcoming federal election. The leaders in the three contending parties are so full of it that it makes it very difficult to make a decision as to who I should vote for.
Hopefully, the rest of the nominees for individual constituencies can鈥檛 all be as bad as Carney, Poilievre and Singh.
Unfortunately, as just about every voting Canadian knows, party members have to follow the leader because if they don鈥檛, they鈥檒l finish up without a portfolio and without any federal money for their district.
It is unfortunate that we have ended up with such pathetic leadership in this country.
I personally believe that it is largely a result of our 鈥渇irst-past-the-post鈥 voting system.
If we used the proportional or single transferable vote as in England and Australia, we would have better representation in Ottawa. But our gutless prime ministers are too afraid of the result of such a practice -- largely, I believe because of the consequences of such a method if it were used in Quebec where the Bloc has almost total political control.
It is really a sad situation in which Canadian voters find themselves. We have a Carn(e)y, a Poi(lie)vre and a (Sin)gh to choose from. Not much of a choice.
Frank Martens
Summerland
More confusion on the bike lanes
Dear Editor:
I鈥檓 a confused cyclist.
They call them bike lanes -- they have bicycles painted on the surface of the lanes, they have a green bicycle that lights up so cyclists can enter some intersections safely, they have multiple signage along the lanes showing bicycles and yet, I have witnessed mobility scooters and wheelchairs, electric kick scooters and electric skateboards, just to name a few, using the 鈥渂ike鈥 lanes.
And here is what the Government of sa国际传媒 website states about some of the aforementioned: 鈥淚f the road has a speed limit above 50 km/h, you can only use an electric kick scooter in a designated cycling lane. (March 7, 2025).
Also, 鈥淎 person operating an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter must follow the same rules as a pedestrian. This means these devices may be operated on sidewalks but not in places where pedestrians are not allowed, such as bike lanes. (July 9, 2024)鈥
Bike lanes have had such negative publicity in our city of Penticton, but if these lanes are really not just for bikes, then letsa国际传媒 give them another name and leave the poor cyclists alone! We love feeling safe, but hate feeling persecuted!
Louanne Houston
Penticton
Better things to spend money on
Dear Editor:
So Mark (Carney), we Canadians don鈥檛 want to compare ourselves to European countries when it comes to funding the CBC!
We are Canadians, are you?
No you are a globalist, You are unelected and you are supporting your Liberal propaganda machine, the CBC!
$150 million can be much better spent on feeding the hungry or cancelling C69 so we can build a pipeline to the East Coast for real GDP, not to go down the toilet in the CBC cesspool.
Defund the CBC rather than giving them free handouts. But you are paying them off for propaganda PR for the election... exactly what a banana republic dictator would do!
Just like Justin Trudeau did for nine years!
Greg Snider
Creston
Bad for the cow, bad for humans
Dear Editor:
Re: U.S. dairy exports make big inroads into Canada (Western Producer, March 25)
I would like to comment on the article written by Robert Arnason. In it, he presents an interesting comparison between Canadasa国际传媒 dairy supply management system and the U.S. dairy-farm production system.
The article begins with trade data that shows U.S. dairy farmers鈥 exports to Canada have been growing steadily, from C$525 million in 2021 to C$877 million in 2024, an increase of 67%. This healthy growth is the result of a Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement which gives Americans access, under a tariff rate quota, to 3.6% of Canadasa国际传媒 dairy market.
Thus far, American farmers have not exceeded the permitted 3.6% of Canadasa国际传媒 dairy market. If exports exceed 3.6%, then U.S. President Donald Trumpsa国际传媒 false claim that Canada is already imposing anti-American farmer tariffs of 250 to 390% will be closer to the truth.
From the American perspective, Canadasa国际传媒 supply management system is a form of trade protection, but itsa国际传媒 a system that Canadian farmers want. Trump does not respect Canada and is apparently unable to understand why Canadian farmers have largely resisted selling out their small farms -- averaging 100 cows -- to large factory farm corporations with 1,000 cows or more.
In the U.S. today, 70% of dairy herds have more than 1,000 cows and the farms are more efficient than Canadasa国际传媒. The Dairy Farmers of Canada website says that Canadian dairy farms have, on average, 96 milking cows.
The conclusion of the article is that an 80-cow dairy farm in Ontario cannot be as efficient as a 2,000-cow farm in Minnesota, but without supply management, Canada could compete with the U.S..
A 2,000 milking cow operation is undoubtedly more efficient, but the efficiency comes with a cost I believe.
Whether Americans want it or not, the dairy products from cows in the U.S. may have residues of growth hormone and antibiotics. Thatsa国际传媒 because some American farms use growth hormone (rBST or rBGH) to increase milk production in cows.
I have not seen U.S. milk sold in Canada, and I believe Canadian dairy products are safer, as cows in Canada are not allowed to be injected with growth hormones to increase milk production.
The Canadian Safety Agency did not approve the use of growth hormone in 1999 due to animal health concerns. I agree with agencysa国际传媒 decision. If itsa国际传媒 bad for the cow, can it be good for humans, even in trace amounts?
Another bonus in Canadian diary: Milk in Canada does not have antibiotics. Although sick cows may be treated with antibiotics, the milk they give is discarded. As a precaution, milk in Canada is tested to make sure there is no antibiotic residue.
U.S. dairy farmers鈥 efficiency has costs that Canadian farmers prefer to avoid.
Helen Schiele
Penticton
Democracy dead here in Canada
Dear Editor:
A recent letter published on a local website, 鈥淓ducate yourself and vote鈥 served well as a reminder of how undemocratic and dysfunctional our First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system is.
40% of the votes traditionally elect fake majority governments, allowing the winning party to rule like we were a dictatorship.
The remaining 60% of the voters elected nobody. In a country like Denmark, where they have used a Proportional ballot for decades, as many as 98% of the votes help elect candidates they want to win.
The writer also missed a few important details about those sa国际传媒 referendums on electoral reform.
The first two promoted a ballot called 鈥楽TV for sa国际传媒鈥. The promoters called it a proportional ballot, but it was presented as another ranked, run-off preferential ballot, failing to separate the party vote from the candidate vote, progressively distorting the party vote as losing candidates were removed from the ballots that were then randomly redistributed.
It was also included in the third and final referendum, along with three bona fide proportional ballots, and again -- presented as a ranked, run-off, preferential ballot.
When former sa国际传媒 Premier Gordon Campbell arbitrarily raised the passing bar to 60% for one of those referendums, it was blatantly obvious our politicians do not want democracy.
鈥楶rotecting our democracy鈥 is also a bit out of context. We do not have democratic governments that make decisions that reflect the consensus of the majority of the people participating in the process.
What we do have is called parliamentary democracy. It was designed to produce powerful governments to be able to rule colonies, and it would be fair to suggest it still performs as intended.
In Canada, democracy is dead.
Andy Thomsen
sa国际传媒
Short changing democracy
Dear Editor:
The democratic system of electing delegates to run in the federal election has been eroded in the riding of Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay.
Except for the New Democrats, the other candidates were not chosen by party members in a fair vote but put in place by the main party establishment.
Is this democracy? Is this how they will govern?
The NDP candidate, Linda Saneky, was voted in by members, in good standing, in a democratic vote.
If you are truly concerned about the future of democracy, I ask you to consider voting NDP, Linda Sankey.
Sabina Notz
Penticton
Supports Fuhr for healthier sa国际传媒
Dear Editor:
As sa国际传媒 continues to grow, so do the healthcare needs of our community -- especially for seniors, children, and families.
As a former nurse, thatsa国际传媒 why I鈥檓 writing in support of Stephen Fuhrsa国际传媒 candidacy. As a former Member of Parliament, Stephen understands both the local and national challenges facing our healthcare system, and more importantly, hesa国际传媒 committed to meaningful, pragmatic solutions.
With more than 31,000 seniors living in sa国际传媒, itsa国际传媒 clear that aging with dignity must be a top priority. Like many Canadians, our seniors overwhelmingly want to age at home, where they feel most comfortable.
Stephen has consistently supported this vision, calling for more investment in home care services and pushing for better funding, staffing, and accountability across Interior Health. His support for a mandatory and enforceable Safe Long-Term Care Act reflects his commitment to ensuring no senior is left behind鈥攚hether they live at home or in long-term care.
Families in sa国际传媒 are also struggling to access the care their children need, from mental health services to dental care. Stephen has long advocated for expanded healthcare access for all generations, recognizing that no parent should have to choose between heating their home and paying for their childsa国际传媒 medication.
Under Liberal leadership, important steps have already been taken鈥攍ike the introduction of a national dental care plan and commitments to pharmacare鈥攂ut theresa国际传媒 still more to do, and Stephen is ready to do it.
Healthcare shouldn鈥檛 be a privilege. It should be there when you need it, in the form you need it -- whether thatsa国际传媒 affordable medication, quality home care, or mental health support. Stephen Fuhr has the experience, the compassion, and the drive to make that happen. Thatsa国际传媒 why I鈥檓 supporting him -- and I hope you will too.
Tracy MacDonald
Retired Healthcare Executive
sa国际传媒
Elect a clown, expect a circus
Dear Editor:
Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), a recent term coined to describe negative reactions to Donald Trump, which are perceived to be baseless and have little regard for Trumpsa国际传媒 policy positions.
In other words, a label to dismiss richly deserved criticism of him and his avowed commitment to flailing logic.
His sheepish followers who have bought into his pitch would suggest he is on the right track and as the world gawks on in utter horror, he is permitted 鈥渢o take up residency in peoplesa国际传媒 minds鈥.
I would suggest that Trump Fatigue Syndrome (TFS) suggested by Anthony Scaramucci, is the catchphase more appropriately applied here.
Rational folks are sick to death of this man and the sooner he is ejected from office by any means possible, the better off this planet will be.
Then maybe, just maybe America can get to work on the monumental task of unraveling their corrupt systems of governance.
Paul Crossley
Penticton
NDP candidate endorses Liberal
Dear Editor:
My name is Cade Desjarlais, and I am writing to express my enthusiastic endorsement for Steve Fuhr in the upcoming federal election in the sa国际传媒 riding.
As the NDP candidate in 2021 and as a student leader in our community, I have had the sincere privilege to work with political parties and decision-makers of all stripes -- what has become evidently clear is that sa国际传媒 needs someone with well-rounded leadership, like Stevesa国际传媒, back in Ottawa.
Each and every election cycle we often hear how this is the 鈥榤ost important election.鈥 I think I have even said it a few times myself.
Although this has become an often-repeated statement, itsa国际传媒 never been truer. The threat our country faces requires real action and real leadership; it requires reaching across the aisle, putting forward a strong vision for Canada, and electing those best suited to serve.
Steve Fuhr and Mark Carney are those people.
Although I was the former NDP candidate in sa国际传媒, and battled against this idea of strategic voting, this is not the same situation. Voting for Steve is not a strategic vote, it is the right vote.
Steve has the experience, dedication, drive, and commitment to represent Canada in the face of global uncertainty, and most importantly, in the face of Donald Trump.
As former NDP leader Tom Mulcair has said, this is a two-horse race.
Letsa国际传媒 protect workers, protect the middle class, protect social services, and most importantly, protect our country.
Letsa国际传媒 come together and on April 28, elect Steve Fuhr as sa国际传媒sa国际传媒 newest Member of Parliament.
Cade Desjarlais
sa国际传媒-Lake Country
Federal NDP Candidate, 2021
Previous efforts at Canada First
Dear Editor:
Erin Blondeau is a M茅tis writer and activist, currently living and working on unceded Quw鈥檜tsun territory.
She focuses on Indigenous stories, climate justice, disinformation, and the rise of hate movements.
From her March 18 online article, 鈥淗ow Pierre Poilievresa国际传媒 鈥楥anada First鈥 slogan parallels white nationalist ideology: (ricochet.media/politics/how-pierre-poilievres-canada-first-slogan-parallels-white-nationalist-ideology/): 鈥淲hile the Conservative Partysa国际传媒 messaging appears to be primarily inspired by Donald Trumpsa国际传媒 鈥楢merica First鈥 platform, the slogan itself has roots in white supremacy and racism.
鈥淧revious 鈥楥anada First鈥 movements include an 1868 white nationalist movement that opposed M茅tis and Cree sovereignty, aiming to establish a new 鈥榮uperior Aryan race鈥 driven by survival in the 鈥榬ugged north.鈥欌
Blondeau continues: 鈥淧oilievre claims his vision of 鈥楥anada First鈥 is inclusive, stating he will treat 鈥榓ll people, regardless of their race, as Canadians and Canadians first,鈥 however his rhetoric suggests a more exclusionary agenda.
This is evident in his praise for John A. Macdonald, whose legacy is tainted by racist and cruel policies toward Indigenous peoples and immigrants.鈥
David Buckna
sa国际传媒
Property at no cost to taxpayers
Dear Editor:
sa国际传媒 Springs 18 hole Golf Course/flood plain/winter playground/wildlife preserve can all be had by the City of sa国际传媒 at no cost to residents.
No facility or park has been able to fulfill such a commitment to the city, but this wonderful 106 acre park can.
I know the city can acquire the property for what the developer paid for it, and the proven profits from affordable municipal golf courses can cover the mortgage payments.
This is a first, and compared to Parkinson Recreation Centre where taxpayers will cover the cost of construction and interest totaling about $430 million, plus annual operating subsidy (or have users pay about $50 per visit, 800 users per day), this sa国际传媒 Springs property comes to the city as a self-supporting, mortgage paying, affordable facility.
I see no further roadblocks to acquiring the property asap.
To those who, like Mayor tom Dyas, campaigned to save the course, to Coun. Luke Stack who made two passionate speeches in council to save the green space, and to the seven councilors and mayor who voted in 2023 to keep the property recreational, we say: 鈥淎ct on your words鈥.
Don Henderson
sa国际传媒
Hypocrisy thy name is Liberal
Dear Editor:
I have been investing in 鈥済reen economy鈥 stocks for over a decade and have only lost money. It seems the smart money is staying away from these stocks. Not sure why.
Meanwhile, the 10-year old Liberal government continues to promote this sector and denigrate the petroleum industry in Canada. This, despite the fact that petroleum and natural gas products are our largest export and source of national revenue. Petroleum exports accounted for $107-billion versus $34-billion for the auto sector.
If the polls are right, it appears we will have another four years of virtue signaling and an eastern centered agenda.
Letsa国际传媒 hope Mark Carney does the same thing for the nation as he does for his private wealth. His Brookfield Company just purchased a large oil pipeline company in the UAE.
Hypocrisy thy name is Liberal!
Ron Ramsay
Penticton
Travesty of justice in todaysa国际传媒 system
Dear Editor:
Wording of the law as it reads today is that a case has to meet both of these criteria before it can be heard in court and that is 鈥渋s there is a likelihood of conviction鈥 plus 鈥渨hether the case is in the public interest鈥. Any personal case does not involve public opinion and therefore does not qualify as being in the public interest and ignores the individualsa国际传媒 rights.
A case in point is the man who committed vehicular homicide in Kamloops by killing one person and putting another in a wheelchair and injuring a couple more and the judge hands down a sentence of driving without due care and attention.
Where was the justice for the family of the young man who was killed and also for the other victims with life-altering injuries? Just this case alone should prompt a change in the wording of the law so that victims can receive justice.
It has long been my observation that the perpetratorsa国际传媒 rights seems to supersede a victims鈥 rights. The law that says the perpetrator must have his case heard in a timely fashion totally ignoring the fact that the perpetrator has broken the law and the victim is looking for justice.
If the case is dismissed because of the case is not heard in a timely fashion, then the perpetrator has gotten away with committing a crime against a victim and the victim will never receive justice. I feel that this kind of justice needs to be exposed!
May Taniwa
Summerland
For whom the Easter bell tolls
Dear Editor:
In todaysa国际传媒 world of uncertainty, why should you, a modern, educated person, step up, and venture into an Easter celebration, in the Church of your Baptism.
You might go there because you are old and crave enlightenment; you need to understand something before it is too late. After all, Jesus established his gift of eternal life as the most important certainty. Others will go because of childhood memories; to see what will happen.
Younger people have 鈥渨oken鈥 to other things. Some may show up because they are unfulfilled and afraid; searching for something the world has been unable to give them. Easter truth and love do not impose themselves but know how to wait for those who seek them, allowing entrance into a world of inner light.
In the early Church, Christians were asked to make an Easter commitment. This is remembered each year in the renewal of Baptismal promises. I will ask everyone to become disciples of the Risen Jesus by putting his gifts of love and truth in the world everyday, starting in their families and professions. As a priest, I must do this relying on a consciousness of divine power working through me.
What do you think or dream about celebrating Easter? I remember a migrant from Eastern Europe, with a sacred history of escape to Canada after the war, sharing her expectation clearly in 1996: 鈥淚 had never expected in my lifetime to come to Easter morning Mass and not hear the hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen today, Alleluia!鈥.
Fr. Harry Clarke
sa国际传媒
Be specific on tourism dollars
Dear Editor:
My question of the day is what was the City of Penticton tourist income in 2024?
Could we have an in-depth report on this subject similar to that of the sa国际传媒 report.
Is Penticton still a 鈥淏udget Vacation Destination鈥 or is that changing?
To me our tourist slogan should be... Penticton, where the fun never set.
The City of sa国际传媒 created a staggering $2.4 billion in tourist income in 2024.
sa国际传媒 makes it their responsibility to ensure that gravel patches are well maintained so that drivers do not have to slow to 3km/hour to prevent their suspensions from being trashed. Happy motoring, everyone!
Bruce Manery
Penticton
