LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Auto sector in the balance

Commenting on the newly negotiated U.S.-Mexico trade deal, The Standard made an understatement when it said it leaves us mired in ambiguity. This is exemplified by the automotive provisions of this trade agreement which is effectively a template for a North American agreement.

The agreement contains a 75 per cent content provision, replacing the 62.5 per cent North American content provision in NAFTA.

The especially glaring ambiguity is whether Canada can or will sign onto an agreement with an identical 75 per cent North American content provision. The source of the ambiguity lies outside this agreement. It lies within provisions of the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) which the Trudeau government has already declared support for. This is because the TPP contradicts the U.S.-Mexico deal insofar as it has a far lower 45 per cent domestic automotive content provision.

In view of this, there is an obvious question. Can the Canadian government agree to a 75 per cent content rule if it is a party to the TPP with its 45 per cent rule? Logic tells you it cannot.

This creates another question. If it isn’t possible to reconcile these provisions, which will the Canadian government sign on to?

These questions show the Trudeau government and Canadians who welcome the U.S.-Mexico agreement appear to have manoeuvered themselves into a problematic situation, where the government will have to either do an about face on the TPP, or adhere to it and reject a deal replacing NAFTA. The fate of what remains of the auto industry in Canada could be determined by that choice.

Bruce Allen

St. Catharines

Well-earned praise RE: NIAGARA LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, AUG. 27

I totally agree with John Deliman’s letter about Emterra staff deserving praise. It is 29 C outside today and it feels like 40.

The employees are out there lifting heavy cans of our smelly garbage and driving around in a truck filled with it. It certainly isn’t the kind of job too many people would be willing to do. Sheila Massey

St. Catharines

Difficult, hot work

I’m finding the constant stream of revelations about our regional government by turns unbelievable, comical, ridiculous and outrageous.

Just when you think things have hit rock bottom, another allegation of sneakiness, wilful ignorance or arrogant incompetence comes to us from the excellent reporting of The Standard team.

But I digress. I’m really writing to express my thanks and appreciation for the hard work of the Emterra employees who work 363 days a year through heat warnings, cold warnings, snowstorms, rain, inevitable equipment breakdowns and sick day coverages to take away our trash.

I’m guessing many of those who complain about this service haven’t had opportunity to work a hard, physical, outdoor job in their lives. Thank goodness it is a private company. Imagine Messrs. Alan Caslin and Carmen D’Angelo running it. Curtis Wiley

St. Catharines

Anger in college neighbourhood

I have made numerous phone calls, sent numerous emails, with photos, concerning problem properties in our area of Welland near Niagara College.

Sadly, none have been addressed. I have been complaining for months and years and so have neighbours.

We have been in our home 46 years. Our neighbourhood is lovely. But we do have eyesores and blatant messes. We pay high taxes. For what? Eyesores? Niagara College may be a high-end taxpayer but what about us? Sure, the college has been a great addition. We have watched it from its inception. We have been very involved. When we call the college, they get right to it. But, enforcing city bylaws they cannot do.

Will there be public, all-candidates meetings for the municipal election where issues can be discussed and questions asked?

I am tired of these issues being ignored in the college neighbourhood. One success we have had: parking. Took a while, but finally resolved. Am I angry? Yes!

Terry Ivan

Welland