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I write to add illustration to the theme of 'collaboration' between governments, universities and the private sector which pre-dominated the views of commentators in 'R&D a three-way street' (July 21).

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Atlantic Canada's universities work hard at creating a knowledge advantage in our region through research excellence, collaboration and partnerships, such as: Springboard, a university-led, technology transfer and research commercialization network; the Atlantic Rural Centre which focuses on research that will enhance the health and environment of Atlantic Canada; the Atlantic Computational Excellence Network which enables researchers to access the tools and computing resources necessary to conduct high quality research; Atlantic Metropolis Centre, an international forum for research and policy on immigration, diversity and changing cities; the Petroleum Research Atlantic Centre, a private-public partnership to explore ways to build regional R&D capacity in the petroleum sector; the Atlantic Regional Training Centre, a health services research network; and, the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program which carries out research linked to the current and future economic needs of Aboriginal communities across the region.

These university-led models are tackling issues and opportunities critically important to Atlantic Canadians and the future of our region. Our universities have recently undertaken an opportunities analysis to effectively mobilize the national science and technology strategy to Atlantic Canada's advantage.

Working collaboratively, cooperatively and in close partnership, our region's universities, community colleges, private sector, federal laboratories and governments can create a knowledge advantage that will improve our region's national and international competitiveness.

PETER HALPIN

Executive Director, Association of Atlantic Universities, Halifax

Let's shut down greedy scalpers

I'm usually not the type of person to stir up a hornet's nest but after the Saturday I just spent I feel there is a need.

Elton John tickets went on sale for Moncton and Saint John and like many others I got up and was prepared with the phone in hand and computer ready and waiting.

After 12 hours of trying, I failed in my pursuit.

Normally this would not upset me, but the purpose for my pursuit is for my husband, who's stationed in Afghanistan. He has been an Elton John fan for as long as he can remember and I knew seeing him would fulfill a life-long dream. It broke my heart to have to tell him I was unsuccessful in getting any tickets.

After six months of this man risking his life to support our country I had failed because of money hungry, greedy scalpers in our region who swallowed up every ticket they possibly could in the hopes of making a buck.

After scanning Kijiji, EBay and other websites it is apparent people will stop at nothing for the almighty dollar. I could give them what they want and buy their over-priced, poorly situated seats but it goes against every moral I have and also enables them to feel the need to do this the next time a big act comes to the region.

I hope by discussing this topic maybe others will be less apt to pad the pocket books of these money-hungry beasts!

MARCIE CURNEW

Oromocto

Losing Aecon Fabco bad for port, city

I cannot believe the Saint John Port Authority didn't pull out all the stops to land the Aecon Fabco business. The Saint John longshoremen were right. The loss of this business is a terrible loss to the port and the city. Nobody will feel the loss more than the approximately 100 plumbers and pipefitters who won't get the permanent jobs associated with the business. These were not call centre jobs. These were new permanent jobs that would have pumped more than $10 million every year into the Saint John economy as the longshoremen had said. These modules would have been loaded on ships by longshoremen, creating work for their members.

Lessons should be learned about the loss of this business. The port authority should have made Aecon Fabco's business their top priority. They should not have allowed people to discourage Aecon Fabco's choice of any location at the port. They should have aggressively protected Aecon Fabco from having their time and money wasted by people encouraging them to locate at the Lorneville Industrial Park.

An identical fabrication assembly plant is being established in Brewer, Maine. These facilities must be located on waterfront land, as these assemblies measure 15 metres x 30 metres, weigh approximately 800 tons and are transported by ships.

The Saint John Port Authority should learn from their mistakes and organize input from all affected players, so every possible strategy can be pursued.

Port authority officials have a lot to learn about keeping their eyes on the ball.

KEVIN REID

Local 213, Plumbers & Pipefitters

Anglophone says thanks for letter

To Donald Savoie and friends: I want to thank you for the "Open letter to anglophones" (July 19).

As an anglophone in New Brunswick, I have watched and appreciated the valiant efforts made by citizens to save early French immersion, and have had untold number of conversations with friends and acquaintances from all walks of life about this issue. Bilingualism isn't just a concept in New Brunswick, it's a way of life. It is something we cherish culturally, and economically, and it is something we must protect for our children and grandchildren. It amazes me how within a generation, anglophones have been afforded the chance to learn about the francophone culture not only through watching, but by learning and living the bilingual experience. The parents who are now fighting for that chance for their children are a testament to this shift in paradigm in New Brunswick.

I thank you for speaking out in support of bilingualism. I cannot express the gratitude so many of us have for your friendship, your compassion and your courage to speak out on this very important issue. I only hope that this Liberal government will follow the spirit of Louis J. Robichaud and save this key part of our collective culture.

TED SPENCER

Fredericton

Morgantaler not proper recipient

I would like to express my opinion that I believe Henry Morgentaler is not an appropriate recipient of the Order of Canada medal. For many Canadians he does not represent that which is caring and helpful, but rather that which exploits women and executes violence against the precious little ones they carry.

No great award and no amount of deceptive rhetoric will ever make the abortion of a helpless child into something worthy of any respect. If this award is not rescinded, the Order of Canada will be greatly diminished in its meaning, its purpose, and its value.

Out of respect for those who have and who will receive this award and out of concern that the moral integrity of the award be preserved, I have requested that Mr. Harper and Governor General Jean intervene to stop this award from being given to Morgentaler.

TWILA D. GILMORE

Southesk

Back up climate crisis references

May I suggest that whenever a columnist makes reference to a "catastrophic climate change" (Carl Duivenvoorden, July 14), a "climate crisis", or any other apocalyptic reference to what is supposed to happen in the future, the columnist be required to indicate the source of his or her information regarding climate so we can judge whether to believe it. Consider these points:

The global temperature has not warmed for 10 years, and has dropped sharply since a year ago to 1985 levels.

The world has warmed only a little over half a degree since around 1830, the end of the Little Ice age.

Man puts about three per cent of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, while nature puts in 97 per cent (from decaying vegetation, etc.).

The most important greenhouse gas is not carbon dioxide. It is water. As vapor and cloud, water is responsible for up to 95 per cent of the so-called greenhouse effect.

A huge amount of heat energy from the sun evaporates water, which is carried high into the atmosphere, where some heat is radiated into space (to keep the earth cool) and the rest is transported toward the poles to warm the temperate and polar zones.

Carbon dioxide is of marginal importance with respect to climate.

There is no need to restrict its emission nor to consider "carbon sequestration." For what reason did Mr. Duivenvoorden dedicate his whole column to the subject?

IAN L. McQUEEN

Glenwood