Saturday letters tackle hot-button issues, from CBC funding to Alberta separatism. Readers express frustration with taxpayer money and political strategies.
CBC Under Fire
A reader from Kingston, Ont., calls the CBC a waste of money, urging defunding and the firing of Ron MacLean. The letter predicts a drop in market share without Hockey Night in Canada.
"If CBC thinks they don't have much of a market share now, wait until next year with no HNIC. Fire Ron MacLean and defund the CBC, biggest waste of taxpayer money in all of Canada," writes David Johnston.
Alberta Separation Debate
Bruce Forsyth of Barrie analyzes Premier Danielle Smith's approach to the separation referendum. He argues Smith is managing a difficult situation by letting the vote proceed, expecting a loss that will allow her to tell separatists they had their chance.
Forsyth warns that canceling the referendum could split the UCP, creating a separatist right-wing party. He suggests Mark Carney could cool separatist sentiment by fast-tracking pipelines and port facilities for Alberta's oil and gas exports.
"In a related story, does anyone want to lay any bets on what will happen first: Carney allowing pipelines to get built, preferably by the private sector, or the Leafs winning the Cup?" Forsyth quips.
The editorial note agrees that Smith is in a near-impossible situation and is managing it pragmatically.
