Thursday's letters: Underfunding, interference handcuff Mounties

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Re. “Red alert,” Dec. 30

The RCMP has historically been underfunded i.e. understaffed, undertrained, and under-equipped for the past 35 years. The Harper budget of 2012 was particularly devastating, resulting in needless RCMP deaths in the Moncton shootings when RCMP were not adequately equipped with carbines, body armour and training as recommended by the Mayerthorpe Commission. Ditto, the attack on Parliament Hill.

Political interference also has played an important role; witness Harper directing RCMP Commissioner Paulsen to commit an illegal act by destroying government records which should have been archived. He later provided the RCMP with immunity from prosecution buried deep within an omnibus bill — collusion perhaps?

Public Safety Minister Blaney overruled every RCMP and Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee recommendation prior to the 2015 election for firearms regulation. It is noteworthy that Surrey is contemplating a return to RCMP policing duties after the switch to municipal policing did not go well.

Alberta Safety Minister Ellis “expects the RCMP to answer 911 calls in a timely manner.” Perhaps he should commit taxpayer financial support instead of partisan rhetoric. Is he not able to understand that underfunding police services and the judiciary has led in large part to Alberta’s crime epidemic?

The RCMP have conducted a strategic analysis complete with the requisite strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Let’s allow the RCMP to follow up on their recommendations and have all political parties support the findings and, more importantly, provide the requisite financial resources to let the RCMP perform their duties rather than devolving into a political diatribe.

M.L. Clark, Camrose

Referendum needed on gas-tax hike

The UCP just raised the tax on gas by nine cents. Isn’t there supposed to be a referendum first? Is this a carbon tax in disguise? What is going on?

Jake Scheffer, Edmonton

Dementia drugs should be covered

With 8.4 per cent of Canadians over 65 diagnosed with some type of dementia, why is the UCP government not providing coverage for dementia medications like Memantine? It doesn’t make any sense, when having a budget surplus, to force families and caregivers to pay over $100 per month for such medication; most seniors can’t afford it.

The patients may stay at home in loving care longer, rather than in overcrowded long-term facilities. Just another example of UCP misguided priorities.

Otto Lehner, Edmonton

Dennis Edney was ‘one just man’

Dennis Edney (Dec. 19, 1946-Dec. 30, 2023) was a great man and a great Canadian. His career in law was distinguished by his commitment to human rights. His years of pro bono work as lawyer and advocate for Omar Khadr exemplified his heroic affirmation of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the face of intense political pressure and volatile public opinion.

He inspired many Canadians in this cause, some of whom have gone on to do important work in prison education. He was what the English poet John Milton, an early champion of rights and liberties, called the “one just man” standing firm against multitudes. May he rest in peace.

David Gay, Edmonton

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