Letter to the Editor by Rick Carpenter published: Power up.
The Globe and Mail published this morning (09 April 2025) a letter from Rick Carpenter (CACOR member). Bravo, Rick! [From John Hollins]
Re “Meanwhile in Europe” (Letters, April 2): A letter-writer encapsulates the way ahead for Canada’s transition to sustainable energy. Importantly, he includes linking our electric power grid across Canada.
This draws on the strong incentive provided by our neighbour to improve Canada’s self-reliance and the resilience of our grid. Canadians can benefit from a joined-up national grid that harnesses electricity generated by diverse sources including, significantly, solar, and wind from across at least five time zones.
If a major Canadian project linking our nation is in the works, let this be it. A trans-Canada electricity grid would rank among our most enduring and valuable investments in the future of our country from coast to coast, and perhaps eventually, to coast.
F.S. Carpenter Ottawa
[The link above includes several letters, but this is the one of interest to which Rick was adding his thoughts. Ed.]
Meanwhile in Europe
Re “German automakers have the most to lose as Trump tariffs hit. Their share prices say as much” (Report on Business, March 28): Almost every auto industry observer is pessimistic about Germany’s future, with Chinese electric vehicle competition and U.S. tariffs looming. But [sic] in the larger picture, Germany and Europe are rearming heavily.
There is little unused arms industry capacity. But which industry is most easily adaptable to arms manufacturing? It is the auto industry, from plants to labour. I don’t think it would take long for Germany’s industry to start retooling.
It was no accident that during the Second World War, consumers could not buy new cars: the auto manufacturers were otherwise occupied.
Manuel Mertin Dean emeritus, Mount Royal University; Calgary
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