Calgary Sun Letters, Feb. 16, 2026: ‘Conservative hypocrisy on display’

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Debt damage

So Danielle Smith is warning Albertans we will likely be experiencing several years of budget deficits due to circumstances ‘beyond her control.’ But she will not be raising taxes or making cuts to offset those deficits. Kind of reminds one of 2015, when Rachel Notley’s government was in the same situation, but with much lower Western crude prices to deal with, as well as the Fort McMurray fire. But conservatives being conservatives will find a way to justify Smith’s plight, while continuing to label the NDP as a perennially inept fiscal government. Hypocrisy at its best.

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MARK PATTERSON

(We’ll see how much red ink there is)

Story hits home

Just read Rick Bell’s column about those leaving Alberta and fear of the separatist movement. (‘Hysteria over Alberta independence grows,’ Sun, Feb. 11) It reminds me of Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged. Let the entrepreneurs go on strike. It is a good read with many parallels to today’s circumstances.

DICK VARLEY, Okotoks

(Rick calls ’em as he sees ’em)

Time to listen

Not sure if separation of Alberta is a bad or good idea, but listening to either Nenshi and his NDP or Eby from B.C., I have suggestions for them. Given the track record of their policies, ideas and their disastrous results, I would suggest to them maybe listen and think. Because if someone is trying to remedy, correct or change a system that is clearly not in favour of the Canadian population’s well being, maybe it is worth at least considering the possibilities. Maybe a better idea would be to get B.C. and Saskatchewan on board with Alberta, separate from the rest of Canada and form a new country out of these three. Can you imagine?

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MICHAL SOCH

(Don’t think B.C., in particular, would be much interested in partnering with Alberta)

About the treaties…

In regards to the chiefs of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 claiming the referendum for Alberta separation is unconstitutional and no province can override their desire to remain in Canada, there are a couple of things that they need to consider. If Alberta separates, it will no longer be a province of Canada, and unless otherwise agreed, there will be no such thing as Canadian federal lands, including First Nations reserves. By their own admission, the treaty chiefs do not have any signed treaties with Alberta and will have no choice but to negotiate terms with the Republic of Alberta as the Supreme Court of Canada or any other court of Canada will not have any jurisdiction over Alberta.

GLENN W. HARRISON

(The powers that be have suggested the treaties would still be honoured)

Raise the driving age

(Re: Bell – ‘Atrocious’ Calgary Police Chief slams brutal city driving,’ calgarysun.com) Perhaps raising the legal age to operate a motor vehicle in this province from 16 to 18 years would be a positive start? This would include increasing the age to obtain a learner’s permit from 15 to 17 years as well. Absolutely nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

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DONALD K. MUNROE

(Perhaps better testing & training?)

RIP, James

Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek. He was amazing in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues. Sending condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing. RIP, James.

PAUL BACON, Hallandale Beach, Fla.

(Another talent lost too soon)

Trump’s fault

(Re: ‘Jew hatred not defeated,’ Warren Kinsella, Feb. 8) When President Trump chooses Black History Month to post an online image depicting the former U.S. president Barack Obama and wife Michelle as jungle apes it incentivizes millions of Americans to feel entitled to vent their own bigotry. Hence the stratospheric rise in manifestations of racism, misogyny, homophobia and, certainly not least, antisemitism during the past decade. Over the years, antisemitism’s been fed by a steady IV drip of his wildly provocative statements. Example: Trump recklessly playing the blame game weeks ahead of the 2024 presidential election, laying down any potential defeat at the feet of ‘the Jewish people.’ Once again incentivizing Judeophobia. Has any U.S. president played with antisemitic fire with such abandon the way Trump has?

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OREST SLEPOKURA

(Trump is not helping, but anti-Semitism goes far beyond him)

Post due

So the federal government is going to lend Canada Post $1 billion to keep it afloat for a short time. How is that going to help this money eating monster change into a viable company? It is way past time to have Canada Post shut down and disappear into the distant past where it belongs. There are plenty of private carriers to relay information and deliver parcels from one place to another and get it done far more efficiently and quicker than snail mail.

VAL SCOFFIELD

(It needs to change.)

There’s the door

Hopefully Nenshi leads the way and takes all the NDP voters to B.C. or California with the other communists. I would be happy to move my family to Alberta to offset the crazy-people migration, and to escape the Liberal disease in Ottawa that is destroying Canada. I have family from Fort Mac, to Hays, Airdrie and N.E. Calgary. To quote Shakespeare to the NDP, get you gone!

DAVID JOHNSTON, Kingston, Ont.

(No escaping the Liberals, even all the way out here in Alberta)

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