Letters: To the U.S. couple uneasy about visiting Montreal . . .

Montreal Gazette

01-05-2025

Re: ' Trepidation over visit to Montreal ' (Letters, April 30)
I was saddened to read the letter from an American couple expressing trepidation about visiting Montreal to celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary.
To them, I would say two things:
First, please understand that Canadians make a clear distinction between the American people and the American administration. While there is anger, resentment and feelings of betrayal, none of it is directed at the American people. Our feelings toward Americans remain warm and we truly appreciate your support in these trying times.
Second, while there is a language issue in Quebec, it is one mostly between the government and the local anglophone population. While Quebecers are proud of their language and culture, no one reasonably expects tourists to speak French when visiting and everyone certainly understands the important economic benefits that derive from tourism.
So please, come visit, enjoy your anniversary and do not feel uneasy. You are welcome here.
Hal Gilmour, Montreal
Why doesn't Trump come here instead?
Re: ' Trump says he'll meet with Carney at White House ' (NP Montreal, May 1)
I understand it's necessary for Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump to meet soon. I would have hoped, however, that Trump would be coming to our nation's capital instead of the other way around.
Enough of Canada's politicians trotting south. Already that has been done and, embarrassingly, once too often.
Patricia Larson Winston, Montreal
Carney does not 'owe' Quebecers
Re: ' Legault welcomes 'economic prime minster' ' (The Gazette, April 30)
I find Premier François Legault's choice of words on the outcome of the federal election, with Liberal Mark Carney elected as prime minister, questionable at best and irksome at worst.
As a Quebecer and a Canadian voter, I don't believe Carney 'owes one to Quebecers' for having helped him win the election.
Like all Canadian citizens, we Quebecers had the choice to cast our votes with the party we favoured for whatever reasons that mattered to us. What the prime minister owes all Canadians is to fulfil the promises made pre-election to the country as a whole.
Legault is off-base to expect Carney to single out pockets of the populace for some kind of reward simply for having exercised their democratic right to vote for a candidate of their choice.
Goldie Olszynko, Mile End
Insulting words from Bloc leader
Re: ' Blanchet accused of attacks 'from the inside'' ' (The Gazette, April 28)
When all of Canada seems to be in solidarity against tariffs imposed by the U.S., I find it extremely insulting for Bloc Québécois Leader Yves François Blanchet to call Canada 'an artificial country with very little meaning.'
I would ask him if he deposits his 'artificial' paycheques.
Joyce Stempkowsky, N.D.G.
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