Letters to the editor – Brantford Expositor

Plastics ban

The federal government says it plans to ban many single-use plastics in 2021. Be careful what you wish for. Many of the items banned could affect you more than you realize. I agree that a lot of waste is the result of plastic products. But do we need to ban everything? Maybe we should rethink how we use these products.

Steve WhinesBrantford

Re: Trailer park residents fear for their future (Jan. 29)

I am the executive director of the Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of B.C., a non-profit business association serving, educating, and representing the owners and managers of manufactured home communities. About 45 per cent of British Columbias 900 communities are members of our association.

Your article refers to trailer parks and trailers. While the story is a sad one and unfortunately not unique our industry is constantly working to remove these terms, particularly from lexicon of the media and politicians.

The days of trailers and trailer parks are gone. Todays manufactured homes are built to a national building code. They have strong frames and roofs, 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 construction, insulation, Gyproc walls, etc. They dont have wheels or hitches any more.

Most important manufactured home living is a desirable and affordable housing alternative for people looking to own their homes, but who dont have the $500,000 to $1 million to buy a fixed house.

We would really appreciate your help in getting rid of the old stereotype by referring to manufactured homes and manufactured home communities or parks in any future articles.

Al Kemp,Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of B.C.

Why is there so much controversy over the teachers contract?

The education of our youth should be our No. 1 priority, if the children are the future.

Im a retired registered nurse. I volunteer in the elementary school to help children learn to read, the basis for all learning. The classes now that are inclusive do not benefit the students, the teachers or the students with special needs.

Some top bureaucrats at Queens Park have enjoyed a 14 per cent increase in pay. This raise does not help our students when money is needed for education funding. The next generation will not have the tools to participate in the future.

I totally support the teachers. In Brant, teachers work very hard with the limited resources they get from the government. I would encourage any retired person or person with some time to volunteer and see first hand the caring teachers at work in the classroom.

Now is the time for the tired old Tories to elect someone new who has no ties to the regime. Well, Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis fits that bill; she is a person of colour, female and has a lot to offer. She speaks her mind and is extremely well educated. I sincerely hope she gets on the ballot, she would give Peter MacKay a run for his money. Besides MacKay will not beat Trudeau, but she would clean his clock.

Stephen FlanaganOttawa

I remember when I used to look to the Oscars now it is just a bunch of actors who think they have something to say politically. First diversity, not enough women directors, etc., not enough people of colour. Both have some merit, but isnt it about the person that does the best job on a film? Listening to people Sunday night like Joaquin Phoenix was so cringeworthy I had to mute it. The best part was the director ofParasite with limited English, he was amazing. For my wife and me, the best part was the pre-show and interviews. It is no wonder the ratings keep dropping. Time to stop talking about diversity, etc. and get on with show. These actors are not politicians, just very rich privileged people who think we give a rats behind about their limited view of the world.

Jon GrosvenorBurlington

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Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor