Letter to the editor: Infrastructure matters, World Cup doesn’t

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Here is a summary of an Aug. 18 story by The Canadian Press, with a message that politicians and, yes, everyday Canadians, should take very seriously Especially politicians who spend taxpayers monies of flashy items that have no substance:

The condition of infrastructure across the country is dire and action needs to be taken now to prevent the kind of massive water pipe break that continues to plague Alberta’s biggest city, says the president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Given the above summary, the recent events in Montreal, and flooding in Toronto and other cities, it is time to take a hard look at what the future holds. Imagine what the hundreds of millions being spent on a few FIFA World Cup games in Toronto and Vancouver in 2026 could do if they were put towards infrastructure.

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When people’s homes are flooded, the first thing that is reported is infrastructure being old and in need of replacement. There’s no talk of a shiny new stadium.

So, yes, it’s time to step back and put away the glitter that loses its shine. Is there any politician brave enough to put the spending where it is needed? I doubt it, but it is a nice thought.

BRUCE MAY
MONCTON, N.B.

HORROR OF A GOVERNMENT

The CNE (running from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2 in Toronto) is the perfect place for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to witness first-hand all the carnage he has done to our country. It has people waiting in line to buy food at inflated prices, scary rides and games of chance with little chance of success, and all of it takes place in Canada’s largest city, which is suffering from congested traffic, exorbitant taxes and record crime.

Too bad there is no haunted house at the Ex; Trudeau would have experienced the horrors he has put Canadians through the last nine years of his reign of terror!

MICHAEL LEONARD FLORIO
BRAMPTON, ONT.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Your letters are welcome, at: OttSun.Oped@sunmedia.ca. Include your first and last name AND city/town. Keep your letters short — and please try to be civil, even when criticizing or disagreeing. We edit for accuracy, length, clarity and legal concerns.

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