Letters: Using old buildings for fire fighting practice a bad practice
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In the May 16 edition of the Leader Post, we see another knee-jerk reaction by the provincial government to a whim that we should have volunteer fire firefighters start burning down old buildings in rural Saskatchewan.
Interestingly, presidents of three separate firefighter organizations lament the fact that there was little or no consultation with firefighters, even though there is clearly potential high health risks involved.
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All three presidents are opposed to the new legislation Bill 21, the Construction Codes (Derelict Buildings) Amendment Act.
As is all too common, Minister of Environment Travis Keisig says he will speak to firefighters and municipalities over the next few months. Why wouldn’t the province consult with firefighters before the legislation is law?
Good government would provide common sense and respectful communications with affected stakeholders before legislation is passed. Consultations after the fact means that government knows best. In this case, the firefighters know best. Firefighters at all levels are held in high esteem.
We, the public, stand behind them opposing poorly planned and potentially dangerous legislation.
Lorne Scott, Indian Head
Scott was an environment minister in the Saskatchewan NDP government and was a former reeve for the Rural Municipality of Indian Head.
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A list of 10 demands for Scott Moe
1. Saskatchewan people are Canadians. The Saskatchewan government will not use the notwithstanding clause to deprive us of our constitutional rights.
2. Canada’s treaties and Indigenous rights were in effect long before Saskatchewan became a province. All provincial actions must recognize this.
3. Our planet faces a climate crisis, which demands action. This crisis must take precedence over the desires of fossil fuel companies. Protecting the stranded assets of these companies is not a legitimate policy goal or use of public money.
4. Upon retirement, provincial politicians will be prohibited from taking jobs lobbying for private industries. If their public pensions are inadequate, they should make this case to voters.
5. Saskatchewan will launch a project to fully utilize our solar, wind and geothermal energy and connect these to an interprovincial grid.
6. Saskatchewan will eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by raising its regulations to match those of other provinces that best protect the public interest.
7. Saskatchewan will cease providing all public subsidies to fossil fuel producers and call on the federal government to do the same. These are very profitable companies and do not need public welfare.
8. No pipelines will be built will public money. Public subsidies to existing pipelines will end.
9. Saskatchewan will neither support nor make it easy for separatists to hold referendums.
10. Saskatchewan will be a responsible part of Confederation and stop taking orders from nutbars in Alberta.
Jim Holmes, Regina
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