In a collection of letters published on December 28, 2025, readers of Postmedia News offered pointed commentary on the state of Canadian politics, from leadership qualities to national unity and energy policy. The correspondence, which responds to recent columns and events, provides a snapshot of public sentiment on key issues facing the country.
Defining Leadership Beyond Partisan Politics
One letter, authored by Brad Vollmershausen of Port Dover, took direct aim at the political analysis surrounding Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The reader was responding to a column by Brian Lilley titled "Poilievre must keep caucus onside as he faces leadership review" from December 21.
The writer argued that Lilley's focus on internal party pressures misses a fundamental point about what Canadians truly seek in a leader. According to the letter, voters prioritize experienced leadership with depth, not mere political maneuvering. The ideal leader, it contends, is one who can attract talent, foster trade and investment, and unite citizens across partisan divides to act in the nation's best interest, even when it is not the easiest political path.
The letter concludes with a stark assessment: "Poilievre is not that leader." It urges Conservative members to reflect on the paramount importance of genuine leadership at their upcoming convention, while acknowledging the high likelihood that Poilievre will survive the review process.
A Satirical Proposal for a "Ministry of Apology"
Another letter, from Bernard A. Moyle of Aurora, presented a tongue-in-cheek suggestion for Prime Minister Mark Carney. The writer proposes the establishment of a "Ministry of Apology" (MOA).
This hypothetical ministry would be tasked with a comprehensive mission: to seek out every individual, group, or organization that may have been wronged by Canada's forefathers, past politicians, or other entities. The MOA would then issue formal, sincere apologies on behalf of all Canadians, ostensibly to alleviate collective national guilt.
The writer cites Prime Minister Carney's recent apology to former U.S. President Donald Trump over an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford as an example of the work such a ministry could handle. The satirical letter suggests this would free up the military and other government agencies from apology duties and allow Canadians to "sleep better at night." However, the writer adds a cautionary note in parentheses, warning that bureaucrats might expand the role endlessly, turning every issue into a grievance requiring an apology.
A Concrete Solution for National Unity
Shifting from satire to infrastructure, a letter from Bob Dorcas of Alliston addresses Western alienation with a direct proposal. To counter the threat of Alberta separation and bolster national sovereignty, the reader advocates for a decisive national project: building oil pipelines from Alberta to both the East and West coasts.
The argument outlines multiple benefits. Domestic pipelines would eliminate the need to import foreign oil and stop the practice of selling Canadian crude at a discount by shipping it through the United States. Most importantly, it would allow Canada to market its energy products free from American influence and, critically, "eliminate the Western separatist ideology" by demonstrating a national commitment to Alberta's economic engine. The writer firmly believes this tangible action would go a long way in quelling feelings of alienation in Western Canada.
The Pulse of Public Discourse
These letters, published together, highlight the diverse and often passionate perspectives that define Canadian political discourse. From critiques of opposition leadership and satirical takes on political culture to concrete policy solutions for national unity, the correspondence reflects ongoing debates about the country's direction. The underlying themes—authentic leadership, national reconciliation, and economic sovereignty—are likely to remain central as Canada moves forward.
