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3 Comment(s)

As a Fundy Royal constituent, I am all for westward expansion of Fundy National Park.

The boundaries of the park would then contain a complete watershed and, as a province, we would secure a large undeveloped coastal area; something unique on the eastern seaboard.

The expansion of Fundy National Park is a wise move from an ecological standpoint. From a business perspective, an expanded park further secures one anchor of the Fundy Trail and provides a wonderful opportunity for low-environmental impact tourism (a growing niche market). Combine the two arguments, and you have a strong long-run economic argument for expansion.

I don't know exactly who Rob Moore is listening to, but, from the conversations I have had, I have a very hard time believing that he's listening to most of us.

ROB MOIR

Clifton Royal

MP is right to oppose expansion

Thumbs up to MP Rob Moore for his vocal opposition to the expansion of Fundy National Park. Crown land adjacent to the park has been providing recreational and commercial opportunities for New Brunswickers for decades. Expanding the park boundaries would deny access to land that is currently enjoyed by people from across the province.

Too often, policy is developed and forced on residents by a bureaucracy that unfairly values its own agenda over the interests of the people. Outdoor enthusiasts of Fundy-Royal are very fortunate to have Rob Moore in their corner.

RICK THORNE

Sussex

Two moms put on courageous battle

I would like to congratulate Isabelle Haines and Anna Acevedo for their courageous battle. They forced our system of justice to order the authorities to review their politics and procedures regarding student vehicles and the transportation of students.

Even if some people thought they were going too far, a whole community was behind them! Being a mother of two children who used to travel for their hockey and soccer games from 2000-2005, I was concerned about the security of my children at that time. I even wrote a letter regarding their vans which models were banished in the province of Nova Scotia and some U.S. states because of their instability on the road.

At that time, I was also concerned about no seatbelts, all-season tires during winter, inspection of the van, and too much decisions put on coaches' shoulders. My worries were constantly there when my children travelled for sport events, and when the Jan. 12, 2008 accident occurred, I was in a state of shock, sadness and fury at the same time for quite a while.

My heart was silently supporting these women during this intense period, and I thank them for their courageous actions. Prejudices never bent their convictions and at last, their cry for justice was finally heard.

Now, the jury recommendations cannot be swept underneath the rug. I'm confident that because of their actions, our children and grandchildren - and the children and grandchildren of a whole country - will travel more safely in the near future.

LISE LANTEIGNE

Dunlop

Assistants help kids reach potential

I am writing this letter in reference to a letter from Education Minister, Kelly Lamrock on May 15. He implies that we are not flexible in our view on the wage freeze while MLAs are. Does he believe we are too illiterate to have read about the raise in salary they received prior to the budget?

He tried to persuade the teachers union to take on more students, when in a large percentage of classrooms in this province, teachers depend on the support they receive from teacher and library assistants. Is cutting back on these members his way of punishing our teaching staff?

Buying new books may make him feel like he is supporting literacy, though students must learn to read to utilize this resource. Assistants in the classroom are imperative for all children to reach their full potential. The Liberal government preaches about inclusion of all students, while there are many who can't reach their full potential in a regular classroom. They need to be on an individualized program, that in most cases has to be implemented by a teacher's assistant.

I don't understand how he came to the conclusion that the members of the government are sacrificing anything when they were taken care of before many of our union members jobs were slaughtered.

MARY ANNE MORIARTY

St. Martins

Snowmobiling key to winter tourism

The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, 'A Volunteer Organization' (NBFSC) was disappointed by the recent articles that criticized the government of New Brunswick for their financial investments in many tourism sectors.

We believe that the criticisms were not grounded on business principles and/or accurate data.

Winter tourism in New Brunswick is snowmobiling. No other winter sector in N.B. is even measured. As of data provided at the end of 2004, snowmobiling's economic impact in New Brunswick contributed $22 million to the economy from just outside visitations. The contributions from N.B. residents is substantially greater. And these dollars are spread throughout many smaller municipalities and rural communities.

The snowmobile industry in N.B. has seen double-digit growth for the past three seasons. It is volunteers, not the government of New Brunswick who provide residents and tourists with the 7,100-kilometre provincial snowmobile trail system. An attack on the funding for winter tourism is an attack on the hundreds of volunteers.

We are pleased to partner with the government of New Brunswick and the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) who understand returns on and strategic investments. More importantly they are grateful and respectful of the volunteers who allow our province to promote and market true four-season tourism. Join us as we continue to improve, expand and promote New Brunswick as a winter destination.

ROSS ANTWORTH

General Manager, N.B. Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Pope's Mideast visit a success

Some media outlets are reporting that because of Pope Benedict's closing remarks, the Israelis and Palestinians believe his visit was a success and achieved everything they hoped for.

Although there were some who viewed his trip with a measure of skepticism, his final address was able to encapsulate the gist of the 29 other speeches that he gave during the week.

Benedict's visit to the Holocaust Memorial and his meeting with six Holocaust survivors evoked the memory of his earlier visit to the death camp at Auschwitz where so many Jews were brutally exterminated.

Benedict called himself a friend of both the Israelis and Palestinians. In the strongest language of his entire visit, Benedict made an impassioned appeal: No more bloodshed! No more fighting! No more terrorism! No more war! Instead he underscored his sensitivities that all efforts be made to break the vicious circle of violence.

In acknowledging the Palestinian people's right to a sovereign independent homeland in which they could live with dignity and to travel freely, Pope Benedict XVI hoped that a two-state solution becomes a reality and not remain a dream.

Benedict also declared that the State of Israel be universally recognized.

In his final appeal, Benedict called the wall separating Palestinians and Israelis one of the saddest sights he seen during his visit.

With the acceptance by Muslim leaders of his initiative for continued inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Muslins, Pope Benedict XVI clearly is the model of reconciliation the world needs.

TERRY F WHALEN Sr.

Miramichi

Lowe was voice of taxi industry

It is with regret that I read that Gerry Lowe is retiring from the taxi business. This makes two icons that this industry has lost with Paul Ram recently having called it quits.

I have known Gerry for more than 40 years both as the union rep for Canada Post for 30 years and in the taxi industry for about the same number of years.

Gerry has always been the voice of the taxi industry in this city. When Gerald talked, people listened. Fare wars, clean cars, working conditions, he was always in the middle of any controversy involving the drivers. My one regret is that he did not see the medallion system for drivers.

Good luck Gerald.

NORM HUESTIS

Saint John