Letter to the editor: Leaky patrol ships will cost all of us

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SUNK BY A ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

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Re: New Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship out of action because of flooding, mechanical problems, online, July 22

The new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships have experienced severe mechanical failures and seawater flooding, and there are also concerns about the safety of the drinking water on the vessels. The contract for $5 billion for these ships was given to Irving Shipbuilding.

The ships only have a one-year warranty, which means we, the taxpayers, are paying for most of the repairs and for fixes in the years to follow.

When you buy a car, you get a minimum four-year warranty. Who approves a one-year warranty on a $5-billion contract?

Irving must be laughing all the way to the bank.

ELIZABETH MAAT
KANATA

FOR HIM, IT’S ALL ABOUT NUMBERS

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Since becoming prime minister, Justin Trudeau has viewed immigration and open borders as the best ways to increase his ethnic voting blocks in urban centres once people become citizens. Trudeau’s immigration policy is based on large numbers, not actual economic needs and the ability to adequately accommodate newcomers.

The 500,000 new immigrants annually that Canada has decided it needs is an extreme number that ignores a health-care system in crisis, with up to 10 million likely soon to be without a family doctor, and the total lack of affordable housing in all urban centres.

Yet, with thousands of immigrants now fleeing Canada for better opportunities, Trudeau is stubbornly refusing to roll back immigrant intake.

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LARRY COMEAU
OTTAWA

BIGGER JOB AHEAD FOR MADD

The Doug Ford alcohol expansion plan to allow mixed drinks to be sold at convenience stores fulfils his promise to the convenience and grocery industries. He deduced that you’ll support his efforts as it’s more convenient for you, but at what cost to our vulnerable young?

Who’ll monitor convenience stores, many open all night, to ensure proof of age is demanded when alcohol is purchased?

Sad to say, Doug, but I believe MADD will have an even bigger job in the future due to your desire to fulfil your promise.

PETER J. MIDDLEMORE SR.
WINDSOR, ONT.

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