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We should eliminate the return of wine and liquor bottles, let the Blue Box program handle it directly and avoid the middleman. It creates a problem for the independent retailers that have chosen to sell alcoholic beverages.

Don Warren, Belleville, Ont.

If the Beer Store can handle our empties, so can grocery stores

It’s ironic Ontario’s largest grocery chains and a number of independent grocers are threatening to stop selling wine and beer rather than have to set up deposit return programs for empty containers.

I might be dating myself here, but it was not all that long ago that all grocery retailers (both large and small) were required to charge deposits and issue refunds on soft drink bottles. In fact, most of the large chains had special counters where paid staff issued such refunds, usually when people were entering their stores to do their weekly grocery shopping. That was prior to the days when making as much profit as absolutely possible was as important as providing a service to shoppers. Especially those who, like me, always rinse out their beverage containers before returning/disposing of them.

I doubt I’m the only person still alive who remembers this, and I’m sure that with a bit of imagination, space can be found to sort and store these returns, especially in large supermarkets.

After all, if the Beer Store, whose outlets are generally not terribly large, can do it, so can other retailers.

Diana Hooper, North York

Robert Munsch selflessly shines light on difficult topic

It’s tough to be reminded Robert Munsch won’t live forever. But it’s heartening to know his stories will, Sept. 22

Many Canadians across the country expressed shock and sadness at the news famed children’s author Robert Munsch has chosen medical assistance in dying, or MAID, something he says he was approved for shortly after his dementia diagnosis.

I challenge you to think of this in a different way.

We should be thanking Robert Munsch for sharing something so personal this with us. For him to share his choice is so valuable to us all. By sharing part of his story, he has opened the door to a discussion, particularly about choice, about autonomy in our end-of-life planning and about the need for advance requests in MAID legislation.

One of the more poignant moments in the New York Times article was when Munsch acknowledged that while he has not set a date for his death yet, because of his dementia and Parkinson’s diagnosis he may need to do that sooner rather than later, before he loses the capacity and can no longer consent or choose.

Right now, the legislation is clear, you must have capacity to request, be assessed and finally consent to MAID. And that is why we need advance requests to be part of the federal legislation. Advance requests could save a person from choosing to die earlier than necessary. More than 80 per cent of Canadians support advance requests. Quebec already allows them.

It is time to change the law so access to advance requests for MAID are available in every province and territory.

Helen Long, CEO, Dying With Dignity Canada

Don’t blame the U.K. for Trump’s lavish welcome. It’s wise to soothe the beast

Trump enjoys royal pageantry during unprecedented second UK state visit, Sept. 17

There has been widespread disapproval, even revulsion, to Donald Trump’s lavish U.K. reception. He is undoubtedly the most unworthy recipient of such adulation, and only he thinks it was for him. Rather, all participants, probably to their inner distaste, had to toe the line to avoid future financial damage to the U.K. enacted by his cruel tariffs. The king has no power. He must obey his government. So why should the monarchy be admonished for having to play a role in this ridiculous charade?

An astonishingly powerful American president, who is wreaking worldwide havoc, must be carefully managed, flattered and mollified to avoid his wrath. Showing the military pomp and historical grandeur to this ridiculous but lethal man was a clever, though soul-searing, tactic.

Trump’s transparent domination is feared everywhere. Essential freedoms are threatened. Theatrical pomp soothes his limitless ego.

The world must use its strengths to survive him and his lackeys. Please don’t blame the monarchy. Rather, enjoy the pomp and pageantry and secretly smile at how he has been taken in. Fingers crossed for an eventual American recovery.

Carolyn Brown, Toronto

Canada must continue to support the Global Fund

All around the world the fundamentals of liberal democracy are rapidly being discarded. And as governments become increasingly hostile and bellicose, those with less are mockingly to their fate.

What this means internationally is those countries that still stand for higher principles, like Canada, must take on the burdens abandoned by others.

The United Nations’ Global Fund provides basic health services for many hundreds of millions of people and is due for funding replenishment this year. The U.S. and others have withdrawn support for this critical work, so Canada must step forward.

It’s more than just money, it’s about the kind of world we want to live in: one where belligerent governments watch impassively while treatable disease sweeps the world, or one where good people come to the aid of suffering neighbours.

Without a doubt I know which group Canada remains a part.

Nathaniel Poole, Victoria, B.C.

U.S. ambassador should save his disappointment for his own country

U.S. ambassador to Canada disappointed by ‘anti-American’ rhetoric, ‘elbows up’, Sept. 18

So Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, is disappointed by Canadians’ anti-American rhetoric. Why would he be surprised by this?

President Donald Trump has consistently insulted Canadians and our prime minister by referring to him as the ‘Governor of Canada.’ He has suggested Canada should become the 51st state. He has betrayed Canada in more ways that one can count.

Yet Pete Hoekstra is disappointed?

Imagine how the citizens of this country feel. Disappointed doesn’t even come close.

Perhaps Hoekstra should take some initiative and attend a class on diplomacy, something his boss is blatantly lacking.

Save your disappointment for your own country Mr. Ambassador.

Denis Williams, Etobicoke