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Following are a collection of reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the third week of December 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

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iN RESPONSE to the Dec. 20 newsletter editorial asking readers about controversial subjects after some newsletter cancellations.

Thank you for the job you do. I do appreciate your honest reporting. What I would like you to do is research how the new technology is affecting seniors over 80. My friends and I are getting more frustrated by the minute. Getting help is sometimes impossible and the wait times on telephones are getting longer. We are becoming less trusting in the system and many are isolating themselves, which of course is not a good thing, so here is something to keep you busy.
Please stop reporting on Trump. The less we hear about him the better.

Merry Christmas and God bless,
Sabina Notz, via email

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Opinions... Everyone has one, hopefully it is one of thoughtfulness and wisdom; this is not always how it transpires.
What bothers me in this world of stupid opinions and vulgar commentary is the hidden veil of anonymity.
You, Mj, cannot disguise yourself or hide in your parent’s basement; telling lies or deceiving others.
We want free speech, but the lines of free speech and verbally assaulting innocent individuals is getting blurry.
Let’s keep people accountable.
We all have an opinions, but let’s be respectful and try to be open minded; cause if you’re not listening and learning; your dying (mentally)

Keep up the good work!

Anonymous... just kidding,

Bill Hetland, West Kelowna, via email

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No, you haven't failed, it is the way people nowadays think others' opinions have no value. As soon as you think you are always right, you have failed yourself.
I have some very strong opinions but always listen to the other side, sometimes you learn. That is bettering your knowledge and life.

Merry Christmas,
Ken Caldwell, via email

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I just want to say that I appreciate receiving your newsletter via email, as it keeps me in the loop, especially on places I am not living in. I am sorry that people have cancelled subscriptions, there is a lot of reaction and over-reaction to things in the world.
X.com is quite a toxic place for the Palestinian versus Israeli conflict as well as conflict between men and women, etc. I wonder if those who cancelled are really just telling you about themselves as opposed to it being a case of failure on your part?
Where I am presently, there are people in various situations, they argue or talk, there is conflict over a barking dog or a couple blocking hallways with their dog. You are one of my personal connections, even though we haven't met. I had a number of other news sources, mostly First Nations because I want to learn and do better but at times, though I understand, the amount of email I get especially regarding donations has been overwhelming so I stopped those papers. I regret that a bit but sometimes my mailbox is too full, especially the spam. Your newsletters in my inbox are a bright spot even if the news rarely is very positive.

Keep up the fantastic work,
Patrick Longworth, via email

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Hi Marshall,

Just a note to thank you for the editorial that always appears at the top of my iNFOnews email. If I am pressed for time and read nothing else in that newsletter, I always read and enjoy your perspective on the current goings on.

You have a very important and undervalued job. In my opinion, the world needs more editors; not only to ensure quality journalism but also to direct conversations. In speaking with friends and family, I often say “in the olden days”, people could/would write a letter to the editor…but IT DIDN’T ALWAYS GET PUBLISHED! The person who wrote the letter felt better because they had gotten something off their chest and the editor, being of cooler (and perhaps sounder?) mind used discretion when publishing that letter. So often now, people are able to spew their thoughts, press send, and it’s out there for the world to see - for better or worse. Often worse.

I enjoy the well-written articles in the iNFOnews and the absence of spelling and grammatical errors. I enjoy the comment, quote and number of the day. I enjoy the community events section at the bottom of the newsletter.

Thank you for doing what you do. You are appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,
Heather Huisman, Lake Country, via email

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I enjoy this online info about our area. You have a good mix of subjects. I miss a full paper, but what you provide is well worth it.

Diane McGaw, via email

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Hi Marshall,

A while back I made an error in reading an article and you 'put me in my place'. I thought, "what an asshole". Nicer ways to tell someone they read it wrong. I decided not to cancel as I do the WORDL each morning. As time went on I got over the affront and have enjoyed your offerings each day.

Put on your armour. There's always critics. After all not everyone likes caviar ice cream sundaes.

Merry Christmas!

Joan Johnston, Kelowna, via email

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Hi Marshall,

Your newsletter truly is awesome so there’s no need for you to despair. I for one always read the articles and they’re all very interesting. As far as the angry reactions to various touchy topics, they will continue as not everyone thinks the same way. Maybe the cancellations are due to that little box soliciting a subscription that’s always there (which I find annoying but ignore). I’m sure those who cancelled continue to read the newsletter as it’s local news. Many times I’ve started to comment on some of what I’ve read but then get distracted and by the time I remember to get back to it it’s become stale. Anyway keep up the good work!
I’m against the Season’s Greetings (stuff) but wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tamara Clarke, Kamloops, via email

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You are doing just fine. Merry Christmas.

Frank Legare, via email

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I just read your comments. It's sad when folks can't agree to disagree, and then get spiteful.
I like your news, and even suggested an interesting story to you.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe Christmas.

All the best,
Gloria Clay, via email

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Just read… keep doing what you’re doing!

Robin Dunn, via email

Rustad says he expects defiance in B.C. Conservative ranks amid row over core values

If I were John Rustad, I’d listen for the sound of knives being sharpened. “Et tu, caucus.” — Bruce Strachan, via email 

Penticton fraudster convinced everyone she had cancer — including her husband

Why is this article so long? She is a fraudster, get rid of her. Easy, throw her into a hard labour camp. No way out for many, many years! — Mariana Eben-ebenau, via iNFOnews.ca

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Really excellent story, Ben. Some real work went into that one for sure! — William Mastop, via email

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I’ve had some time to process the article. I wanted to thank you for everything. These things she has done have hurt me and changed me. It was not easy to talk about it again. You were very accurate with what you said. Thank you, Ben for listening and letting other people know about this terrible string of events. — Scott (last name withheld), via email

Trump takes another shot on Truth Social at Canada becoming 51st state

He really is showing his senility. — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca 

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I do not want Canada to become the 51st state. We will lose everything, our identities and more. I am not comfortable with it. — Maria Canzoneri, via email

BC man sues movers that charged 'transfer fee' after truck broke down

I’m so glad those movers had to pay for all they didn’t do. I’m so sick of people trying to take from others because they are too darn lazy to go to work and do a good job. I would never ever hire those people to move anybody. Thanks for letting people know how scummy they are. (Edited for content) — Linda Beverly Nemeth, via iNFOnews.ca 

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I’ll be ruling out that company should I ever have the need. Outrageous! — Pat Leibel, via iNFOnews.ca 

Campaign urges skilled labour to 'Stay with B.C.' to counter efforts from Alberta

'Stay with BC but we’ll tax the living heck out of you.' Less and less incentive to stay in BC with these prices every year, not to mention the exorbitant tax rates. — James Penner-power, via iNFOnews.ca

Canadians return to Canada Post with relief — and shakier faith in the service

I asked an Artificial Intelligence website to analyze Canada Post. The following is it’s response:

The mandate of Canada Post presents a complex challenge when considering its economic value to the country. While the corporation has been reporting significant losses, its broader economic impact is substantial:

1. Economic contribution: Canada Post Group (CPG) contributes about $6.6 billion to Canada’s real GDP through direct and indirect effects.

2. Employment: CPG supports approximately 117,000 jobs in Canada, including 72,000 direct employees and 45,200 indirect jobs.

3. Labour income: CPG generates over $10 billion in labour income across Canada.

4. Tax revenue: The postal service contributes more than $1.4 billion in federal and $1.1 billion in provincial personal income taxes, as well as over $720 million in corporate taxes.

The mandate requires Canada Post to be financially self-sustaining while serving every address in Canada. This dual objective creates tension:

1. Universal Service Obligation (USO): Canada Post must serve all Canadian addresses, which is costly, especially in remote areas.

2. Pricing constraints: The current regulatory approach doesn’t allow enough flexibility to price stamps and mail products to cover costs.

3. Declining core business: Mail volumes have decreased by 50% over 20 years, while addresses increased by 3 million, resulting in lower revenues and higher costs.

4. Competitive pressures: Canada Post’s parcel market share dropped from 62% pre-pandemic to 29% in 2023.

Considering these factors, the mandate’s requirement for financial self-sustainability may be at odds with the broader economic benefits Canada Post provides. The corporation’s $748 million loss in 2023 represents only about 11.33% of its $6.6 billion contribution to GDP, suggesting that the economic value generated might outweigh the financial losses.

To address this, policymakers could consider:

1. Reevaluating the mandate to balance financial sustainability with economic contribution.

2. Allowing more pricing flexibility to cover service costs.

3. Exploring alternative funding models that recognize Canada Post’s broader economic impact.

By acknowledging the full economic value of Canada Post beyond its balance sheet, a more holistic approach to its mandate and operations should be developed.

— Bruce Malakwa, via iNFOnews.ca

iN RESPONSE to the Dec.18 newsletter editorial regarding Donald Trump calling Canada the 51st state.

Take Trump too seriously? That’s not possible. Trump is as serious as a heart attack and believe him when he says he does not plan to ever leave office. Please, please do not adopt a silly 'go along to get along' attitude towards the issue. This threat to Canada’s sovereignty is as deadly as it gets. Canadians went to war and lost their lives fighting the likes of Donald Trump, and it’s appalling to hear anyone playfully muse about throwing our lot in with the US in order to to take advantage of its economy and culture. — Linda Jules, via iNFOnews.ca 

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I imagine we all have opinions on the idea of Canada, or any part of it, such as Alberta, becoming the 51st state of the US. Even when I was more fond of the US ,or of Canada for that matter, the idea of becoming a state, abdicating whatever nationhood we have, would have been laughable or angering. After all, why should we jump the queue before Puerto Rico?

I have never cared for the American system of government, especially when it dominated Canadian headlines. I am not fond of judges appointed or elected. Never ending elections? No, thank you.

I am not sure now which is worse: Canadian 'representative democracy' or American republicanism, quite honestly. Both are built upon colonialism and racism, though Canada's rule has been quieter and less bragging, aside from slavishly bragging about how nice we are.

Canada needs more democracy, more people power built into its system, likely as does the American system. We also need to be free of a two or three party system and enforce individualistic and ethical decision making by those we ask to represent us.

Patrick Longworth, vie email

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Please stop posting misinformation and propaganda. I am proud to be a Canadian, and do not associate myself in any way, shape or form as part of the USA. Stop this insanity, and report the news without misleading us in your take that we are dependent on the US for our culture and security. Trump is a bully with no morals and has no respect for our great country of Canada. Stop this, and start reporting responsibly. — Bernadette Parrott, via email 

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At one point in my life many years ago, I thought joining USA would not be a bad deal. Now it is the worst thing that could happen. The one positive is it would raise the average IQ of the USA. American ignorance is certainly shinning through at this time. — Ray Odland, via email 

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If I wanted to be an American, I would move there, and I have American blood in me! No thank you. — Georgia Wiltse, via email 

 BC man sues movers that charged 'transfer fee' after truck broke down

I bet theres two small men somewhere laughing their heads off. — Kevin Hubich, via iNFOnews.ca

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Seems typical of 2 Burley Baffoons. — Tim Alan Scott, via iNFOnews.ca

ADHD cases skyrocketing across BC — and it's not just the kids anymore

Great article. — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca

Kelowna removes Keep Christ in Christmas sign from downtown nativity display

Christ has been in Christmas since the holiday has first begun. I agree it is not up to the city to spend tax payers money on lights, etcetera, unless it has been voted on. This act of just doing whatever the government wants has gotten countries into dept, thus war all over the world. The issue here is not a sign, it’s dictatorship control, which Canada needs to stop. Attack the root of the problem, not the Christmas celebration. — Rick Buscholl, via email 

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Thats stupid. Grow up people, quit changing our traditions for others. — Jackie Hambleton, via email 

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I always believed that when you moved to an area, the least one could do was to respect those who have their faith. I may not be a hard-line believer, but when it comes to CHRISTmas, all bets are off. And why pull politics into the fray? If you don’t like what you see, you have voiced your opinion, like me, and said your piece, live with it. Otherwise you have an alternative; move. Jes’ sayin’. — Bent Onhavin, via iNFOnews.ca

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I grew up with Christmas, trees, lights, signs, Santa Claus, parades, you name it. Leave it alone. Christmas is Canadian. Give us born Canadians something to recognize us with. We are being torn down and stripped of everything we stand for. Why not let them be them and us be us? No offence intended and no offence taken. — Maria Canzoneri, via iNFOnews.ca

NDP government, Greens forge confidence agreement with 'shared priorities'

I guess B.C. will have the same type of government as the federal Liberal government, so nothing will get done, again, with David Eby's NDP. — Ladele Minifie, via iNFOnews.ca

iN PHOTOS: Hoarfrost crystals create magical winter photography in Kamloops, Okanagan

Beautiful. — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca

THOMPSON: Why 'Peace on Earth' doesn't stand much of a chance

Well said, but it is so difficult to be hopeful at this time. — Bonnie Derry, via iNFOnews.ca 

'UNDER ATTACK': MLAs 'defend' Kelowna's 'Keep Christ in Christmas' sign

Please keep Christ in Christmas sign up. Without Christ, you do not have Christmas. If people don't like it, tell them not to look at it. For my wife and myself, let it stay. We are supposed to be a christian country, it's very sad that anybody in Canada can get away with things like this. Stand and be counted. — Norman Jackson, via iNFOnews.ca

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This is not an issue about disrespecting the people who believe the God myth. It's about the harm their religious beliefs cause innocent people, beliefs that most atheists are opposed to. This includes protecting children from bribes and threats, because, at its core, that's basically how the Bible works.

Kids have a challenging enough time as it is without learning how to become misogynists, fearing their own desires or beliefs, or hating their personal sexuality, all while on a regular basis, plotting retaliation or being made to feel guilty. The kids are also subtly being propagandized into believing a false story by bringing the Bible, Christian propaganda, and all the religious theories, into their school lives. Ah, the irony of it all. Kids go to school to learn things like critical thinking and are then asked to believe in something absolutely unproven, nonsensical and truly impossible.

Why put politics into the fray? It seems it's the Christians who want to bring their religion into schools and other public spaces. Nonbelievers are simply saying 'no, we don't want your beliefs in our public spaces.' Can you imagine if Sikhs or Muslims were trying to post their religious propaganda in these places? I can.

One reader claimed Canada is a Christian country, but I beg to differ. That may have been true at some point, but for decades now, not only are there more atheists than Christians, but there are also many other faiths in Canada. We are not a Christian country. Folks now are far more educated, and scientific info is rapidly bringing proof of no magic dude in the sky. Just as science has disassembled many old beliefs, Christianity is slowly dying the same death.

If I chose to believe my goldfish was God and then convinced a bunch of others she is factually a God who will save only the believers with heaven and hell and all that stuff, and then wanted to post my facts in government buildings, schools, and other private places, I'm pretty sure no one would want to go along with it, except, with all due respect, the dumb friends who fell prey to my fable. Think, people, think! It's not too late.

PS: Don't pretend Christmas has anything to do with a God of some type. Although, if you choose to believe that, it's your prerogative. You're not hurting anyone. However, the true facts to date prove Christmas is purely a commercial holiday, and usually a fun time to get together with friends and family. It's a short holiday from real life, just like Christianity.

If this letter hurts or offends anyone, I'm truly sorry.  The truth does that sometimes.

Karen Klein, via email

iN RESPONSE to the Dec. 16 newsletter editorial regarding Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigning

I wish I could identify a new leader for the Liberal party. Where are the leaders? Can someone please stand up? — Linda Wilson, via email

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Canadian politics is confusing, and I fear it is somewhat broken. Unlike the U.S., we don't vote for a person, but for a party. Here in BC, we just had a provincial election. Besides the Green party, there were only two parties on the list: Conservative and NDP. I don't like the policies of either one of those parties, so who can I vote for? In a national election, it would be the same issue: I have to vote for a party, not a person. If I even chose to vote for a Liberal, whether Prime Minster Justin Trudeau or someone else, I would not have that choice, since there are only two parties in B.C. So what to do? —  Leanne Topham, via email

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I am glad that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland finally resigned, but she has no credibility with me, nor does anyone of the Liberal regime, nor anyone of the Conservative cabal. The Liberal party might be better with someone else other than Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, as he continues to be a lightning rod for righteous indignation and criticism. I want to see the two federal colonialist parties completely defeated and dissolved for their crimes against humanity. — Patrick Longworth, via email

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Obviously best choice would be Chrystia Freeland. — Janice Crape, via email 

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We would all be better off if the whole Liberal Party would just fold and go away. They are such an embarrassment and have gotten Canada into such a sad state of affairs. Pierre Poilievre is the leader who can bring us out of this horrible mess we are in. Can’t wait for the election. — Elaine Campbell, via email 

Letter to the editor 

Many people deal with high prices by shopping on Red Thursday, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Green Monday and Super Saturday. 

In some ways, living in our materialistic and credit-based society is a greater problem for many people than poverty ever was during The Great Depression of the 1930s.

Gift givers can give their time, talent, or treasure. If one's 'treasure' is lacking, a gift of time or talent, like handmade craft or baking, is often more appreciated than a gift purchased from a store or online. 

Somehow I don't think Jesus of Nazareth, the reason for the Christmas season, wants Christians, or anyone else, going into debt to celebrate his birth in Bethlehem, or just enjoy a winter holiday.

As for 'treasure', Jesus said to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also ... You cannot serve both God and money." 

He also said to give to the needy "in secret", which in other words, is privately. 

In 1972, Stompin' Tom Connors, the Canadian country and folk singer-songwriter, wrote and recorded 'The Consumer' as an ode to bill paying.

The song was the original theme music for CBC television's consumer affairs program, Marketplace. 

The chorus: "Oh yes we are the people running in the race/ Buying up the bargains in the ol' marketplace/ Another sale on something, we'll buy it while it's hot/ And save a lot of money spending money we don't got/ We save a lot of money spending money we don't got".

Boxing Day also sees energetic shoppers flocking to malls and commercial streets in search of bargains. 

If all stores were open on 'Pre-Boxing Day,' Dec. 25, people would be there. 

One of the most popular comic strips of all time, Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes, has been a worldwide favourite since its introduction in 1985. The beloved comic follows the richly imaginative adventures of 6-year-old Calvin and his trusty tiger, Hobbes.

In one comic strip, Calvin writes to Santa:

"Dear Santa, Last year I did not receive the 15,000 items I requested for Christmas. I can only conclude that your secretarial staff must be a bunch of underpaid and woefully unprepared temps, and my letter was misfiled. To avoid a similar disaster this year, just write me a check for five million dollars, and I'll buy the stuff myself." 

David Buckna, via email 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones or call 250-718-2724 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

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