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Re: Oct. 31 editorial called

Gains made are now in jeopardy

It was encouraging to read The Gleaner's Oct. 31 editorial calling attention to New Brunswick's dismal record of funding the operational needs of the University of New Brunswick and other public universities.

The decline in provincial investment began during former Premier Frank McKenna's time and, despite a pause under Bernard Lord, has never been reversed. As even the Shawn Graham government's controversial post-secondary education report acknowledged, this province's support for universities on a per student basis is the second worst in Canada.

Do people realize that UNB has fewer full-time professors and librarians today than it did 30 years ago? And yet it has nearly 80 per cent more students. What must be the impact of this added professorial workload on the quality of the student experience?

UNB attempts to square this circle by employing a large number of contingent teachers, most of them shockingly underpaid and lacking health and pension benefits. None of them has job security.

What UNB and the three other public universities need now is not just realistic funding for day-to-day operations, though they certainly need that. They need from the province a multi-year funding corridor so that they can plan effectively for future as well as present student needs.

David Bell

President Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers

No thanks

Re: H1N1 pandemic

Just a few questions about the so-called H1N1 pandemic:

* Why, if there are priority groups, are certain stations letting whomever comes first get the shot?

* Why, when this was so important to get, are governments not more prepared for it? The drug companies knew it was coming and quite frankly for those who want it, they dropped the ball, so folks have a "waiting period" before the next truck rolls in with the shipment.

* If there are priority groups, and I'm not saying there are, then why is it I just watched the news and the inmates at Dorchester Penitentiary are receiving the vaccine? Tell me that one.

* The government is telling everyone that by Christmas they will have access to the vaccine for everyone, but does everyone know the greatest threat to this pandemic will all but have passed for another year?

No thanks, since there were no trials done, that is, except for you folks who have already received it.

No thanks, since the governments are backtracking and switching up the priority groups like I change my underwear.

No thanks, since the government and the health-care system are putting all their eggs in this vaccine basket, instead of closing schools during the worst part of the pandemic.

I will pass - not that I could get it if I wanted it!

Frank Andrew Drost

Minto, N.B.

There must be absolute certainty

Re: Sale of NB Power

Is the hydro deal between Quebec and New Brunswick a reasonable deal for both provinces?

The $5 billion reduction in our debt is significant to provide future financial flexibility. Industries have a more even playing field to compete on a national and international basis.

The freezing of rates for five years is positive, but presents uncertainty at its expiry date. Alarm bells are ringing when you read that Quebec has received $22 billion compared to $1 billion for Newfoundland from the 1969 Joey Smallwood electrical project on the Churchill River.

What is the current appraised value of our power assets? Why can't our government negotiate a better deal for small business owners?

Why can't we pay the same rates as Quebec citizens immediately on completion of this deal? What is going to prevent them from ignoring us in a crisis situation, for example, their ice storm years ago?

The Graham government decision is momentous and a defining moment in the history of our province. They must be absolutely sure that this deal will ensure a better and brighter future for all of New Brunswickers.

Harold Phalen

Fredericton

Informative, passionate and well-paced

Re: Heritage tour

On Saturday, Oct. 31, I was lucky enough to be one of about 40 New Brunswickers to tour some beautiful Fredericton buildings. Co-sponsored by the City of Fredericton's Heritage and Cultural Affairs Division, the two-hour, free tour was an excellent experience.

Hosted by architect and author John Leroux, the tour was informative, passionate and well-paced.

Thank you, City of Fredericton, for providing free transportation and the services of such a knowledgeable tour guide.

Joan Sickman

Hainesville, N.B.

We're being sold out

Re: Sale of NB Power

Upon reading the letter from Gordon Mowry of Williamsburg, I felt I had to respond as that letter could well have been written by me, except for the fact that I might add a few thoughts.

I feel that, aside from the fact that this was done behind the owners' backs, we are facing a bleak future for NB which started with the Robichaud government and the French language situation.

We are being sold out bit by bit and we will soon belong to Quebec entirely. At that point we are no longer NB - we will have lost our own identity - which has almost happened now.

Won't Quebec be proud to own such a lovely province? And can you blame them? If we had had a leader or two like Sir John A. who could stand up for the people it would never have happened.

I'll not be around to see it, but I pity those who have to bow their heads in shame.

Joyce Morehouse

Doaktown, N.B.

My sympathies for your loss

Re: Sale of NB Power

I would like to extend my condolences to the people of New Brunswick in the death of their beloved province.

I am amazed, in a nauseated manner, that the government would take such an approach without a clear mandate from the people.

However, in saying that, it doesn't surprise me. If the people do not have control over their own land and water resources, they are then slaves both economically and politically to another people and have lost their authority to be masters of their united destiny. That is well proven in any society if the reader cares to examine it.

I hope the people of New Brunswick can organize quickly and stop the insanity of what ensues. However, I do have my doubts that will happen due to the years of oppression already inflicted on the population.

Congratulations to the government of the day. They sold the inheritance of the people for a bowl of soup. You'll be remembered, but not in a positive light.

I'm curious if the papers are signed yet that amalgamate Quebec and New Brunswick as one province. I will never call that province home again. It has fallen from glory and has been on that downward fall for a few years now.

I'm very sad to see this abuse of elected authority perpetuated on the people again. To my fellow New Brunswickers, I extend my sympathies regarding your recent loss.

May God raise up for you leaders that will care about you and the vision the province once had for its people.

In memory of New Brunswick,

Carla Bonnell-Rickard

Timmins, Ont.