The People Speak

TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS

I would like to wish the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families a Happy Canada Day! They are on guard for us 24-7, 365 days a year. Happy Canada Day, guys and gals. Stay safe, my friends.

BARBARA SMITH

ELK LAKE, ONT.

(From us, too)

SHAMEFUL DECISION

What has become of the City of Toronto? Over the past week more than 1 million people celebrated their diversity by participating in Pride week. The very reason they could do this was because of the freedoms they have been given by the nation. These freedoms came at the expense of soldiers in two world wars and many other conflicts over the years. These men and women freely gave their lives because of their love of country. Now the mayor and his council have decided not to celebrate the birthday of the very nation that allowed these freedoms. The mayor and his minions should be ashamed of their actions. Why not roll back their raises and fund whatever it costs so the people of this city can enjoy and show the respect this great country deserves.

KEVIN CLARKE

TORONTO

(It's not the money, it's crossing the union that's a problem)

COME BACK, MEL

Mel Lastman: Please come back. Save our city. All is forgiven.

KENNETH T. FOSTER

NORTH YORK

(Desperate times)

CITY HALL STRIKES OUT

Oh Canada! Most of us stand on guard for thee. The exception seems to be Toronto politicians and the city's unions. The Dyke March, Pride Parade and Ribfest are a go but city run (or city licensed) Canada Day events are not. What the hell is wrong with these people? No other country I can think of would ever allow their country's birthday celebrations to be threatened by a strike. Two world wars and the Korean conflict couldn't stop the celebrations in the past, but Toronto is now dealing with a bunch of self-serving hypocrites who don't give a damn about the lowly taxpayers of this city. Shame on all of them.

V. CZAPLINSKI

(Miller's explanations just don't fly on this one)

FLUORESCENT BULBS STUDIED

Re "Fluorescent bulbs risky" (June 29): As more and more Canadians look for ways to become more environmentally friendly, many are turning to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to provide an energy-efficient replacement for traditional incandescent home light bulbs. Most scientific evidence shows ultraviolet radiation levels from fluorescent light sources are not a safety concern for the majority of the population. Nevertheless, Health Canada is currently undertaking a study of the ultraviolet radiation and electric and magnetic field (EMF) emission levels from CFLs. Following the completion of our study, if there is any cause for concern, Health Canada will take timely action by working with the manufacturers or distributors to correct any issues. Health Canada will continue to monitor the scientific literature about the health effects of CFLs, in addition to conducting our own research. Health Canada acknowledges some Canadians may be concerned about the effects of CFLs on human health, particularly those with certain health disorders and skin sensitivities. The research we are conducting will better enable us to take necessary action, if required, to protect both the general public and the small group of people with sensitivities to possible emissions from CFLs. CFLs need to be treated with care during installation, use and disposal, as they do contain a small amount of mercury. There is no risk of harm from this mercury when the lamps are intact. Exposure is possible only when a lamp is broken. If a CFL should break, consumers should follow the Health Canada clean-up procedures to minimize their exposure to mercury. These procedures can be found on Health Canada's website at hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/cfl-afc-eng.php

PAUL GLOVER

ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER

HEALTH CANADA

(CFLs? Excellent! Football season starts today)