Canada at a Crossroads: Time for Business to Take a Stand

Key Takeaways

• Canadian business executives are being criticized for their recruitment and compensation demands for junior staff.
• The Canadian housing market, particularly in Toronto, is being reevaluated as an investment opportunity, with some choosing to diversify their assets instead.
• Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with some owners citing their cost-effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements.
• The City of Ottawa’s redevelopment plan for the Lansdowne district is being praised as a successful example of long-term leadership and responsible city-building.
• Airlines, such as WestJet, are being criticized for their treatment of passengers, with some feeling that they are being nickel and dimed for basic amenities.

Introduction to the Letters
The letters to the editor section of The Globe and Mail provides a platform for readers to express their opinions and perspectives on various topics. Recently, several letters were published discussing issues related to Canadian business, real estate, electric vehicles, and city development. These letters offer valuable insights into the thoughts and concerns of Canadians on these topics.

The Value of Public Service
One letter, written by Jayne Watson, highlights the importance of public service and the value of businessmen contributing their skills and expertise to the government. Watson references the book "The Dollar a Year Men" by Allan Levine, which tells the story of Canadian businessmen who worked in Ottawa during World War II to help the government gear up for the war effort. Watson suggests that Canadian business executives could learn from this example and prioritize public service over personal gain.

Diversifying Assets
Another letter, written by Ophelia Chang, discusses the importance of diversifying assets and not relying solely on real estate as an investment opportunity. Chang shares her personal experience of building stability through diversified blue-chip investments and community-focused institutions, such as local credit unions. This approach, Chang argues, allows for financial security while also supporting the community and promoting social responsibility.

The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
A letter from Brian Layfield discusses the benefits of electric vehicles, citing his own experience of owning two EVs for 11 and 8 years, respectively. Layfield argues that EVs are cheaper to run, require minimal maintenance, and offer a smooth and comfortable ride. He also notes that the average daily drive in Canada is less than 65 kilometers, making EVs a practical choice for many Canadians.

Long-Term Leadership
A joint letter from Roger Greenberg and Mark Goudie, Managing Partner and Executive Chair, and President and CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, respectively, discusses the City of Ottawa’s redevelopment plan for the Lansdowne district. The authors argue that the plan, known as Lansdowne 2.0, builds on the success of the original development and represents smart, long-term leadership for Canada’s capital. The plan, they claim, will replace failing infrastructure with modern, accessible facilities and new housing, supported by project-specific revenues.

The Treatment of Airline Passengers
A letter from Tom Driedger criticizes WestJet for its treatment of passengers, citing the airline’s practice of charging extra for basic amenities such as seat selection, checked baggage, and reclining seats. Driedger argues that this approach is unfair and nickel and diming passengers, and that airlines should prioritize the comfort and well-being of their customers.

Positive Experiences
A letter from Chris Gates shares a positive experience with KLM, where the airline upgraded his and his wife’s tickets to business class at no charge. Gates argues that this kind of service is rare in the airline industry and that airlines should strive to provide a higher level of customer service.

Community Mailboxes
A letter from Howard Brunt discusses the idea of community mailboxes and suggests that Canada Post should focus on providing more practical services, such as integrated paper shredders, rather than trying to make mailboxes more "fun" or appealing.

God and Country
A final letter from Patrick Martin discusses the issue of requiring lawyers to swear an oath to the King and argues that this requirement is unconstitutional. Martin references his experience as a Wolf Cub, where he learned to balance his duty to God and the monarch, and suggests that Alberta can learn from this example.