In a series of letters published on Thursday, December 4, 2025, readers of the Ottawa Citizen directed pointed advice to Prime Minister Mark Carney, critiqued a major federal-provincial energy agreement, and proposed a solution for a local sports team's arena woes.
Invest in People, Not Fossils: A Plea for Basic Income
Drawing from recent reporting on poverty, food banks, and housing, one letter writer made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Mark Carney. The correspondent argued that government investment must prioritize building affordable housing where rent constitutes no more than 30% of a tenant's income. Such a foundation, the letter states, empowers people to pursue education, start businesses, and contribute more fully to society and the economy.
The writer proposes a radical shift: replacing current "politically punitive, poverty-inducing" support programs with a federal basic income tied to the local cost of living. This move, funded by taxing those with "more than sufficient discretionary income," would directly combat poverty and reduce reliance on charitable food banks. The letter concludes by urging PM Carney to view this as a crucial investment in a healthy, hopeful society and a key part of "Trump-proofing" Canada, even if it requires issuing bonds to fund a Guaranteed Living Basic Income.
Canada-Alberta Deal a "Huge Setback" for Climate Strategy
Another letter expresses deep concern over the recently signed Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). While media focus has been on the lack of consultation with British Columbia and Indigenous groups, the writer highlights the risks of the proposed Pathways carbon capture and storage project.
The letter points out that while touted as the world's largest, the technology remains untested and unproven at this scale. It criticizes the MOU for failing to specify the potential multi-billion dollar cost to taxpayers in subsidies and tax breaks, and for not making the conditional pipeline approval dependent on the project actually working.
Furthermore, the writer contrasts the MOU's support for nuclear power with Alberta's new restrictions on wind, solar, and battery development, noting that even oil-friendly Texas is embracing renewable growth. The letter labels the agreement a "huge setback in Canada’s climate change strategy" unless the Carney government can produce a significant green alternative.
A Simple Solution for the Ottawa Charge
Shifting to a local sports issue, a third letter offers a pragmatic suggestion amid discussions about redeveloping Lansdowne Park and limiting arena size. The writer proposes that the Ottawa Charge basketball team consider relocating to the "beautiful, easily accessible arena in Kanata."
The proposal suggests the team could share the Kanata facility until the NHL's Senators move into their new downtown arena, a location the letter author implies will be difficult for many fans to reach. The letter pointedly asks if anyone from the east or west ends of the city has tried to access the proposed downtown site outside of midday or weekends, questioning its practicality for regular game attendance.
The Ottawa Citizen continues to invite readers from across the region to submit their opinions and ideas for publication, fostering community dialogue on issues of local and national importance.
