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I saw the article about Ontario being desperate for nurses. I’m sick and tired of reading stories like this. Maybe you should look at doing a story on why RPN nursing graduates are struggling to find work when Ontario is crying that they don’t have enough nurses.
My daughter graduated as aÌýRegistered Practical Nurse (RPN), with honours, this year. She has been looking for a job as a nurse since Dec. 14, 2024. Her resume has been professionally done, and she includes cover letters with applications. She does everything she should do to get a job. She applies to jobs all over Ontario and does not restrict her job search to our local area. She applies to every nursing department job that comes up.
She keeps a list of all the jobs she has applied for. She is up to 194 applications and only three interviews. All three said they weren’t interested in hiring a “new grad.” She has three more interviews planned, so we are hoping for a different outcome.
Few inÌýher graduating class have jobs. Of those who do, they are in long-term care doing the work of a Personal Support WorkerÌý(PSW), at the pay of a PSW. There is nothing wrong with PSW work except that they trained as RPNs. They could have gotten those PSW jobs with a free six-month PSW course instead of paying for two years of college and the $400ÌýCollege of Nurses of Ontario registration and $395 license test fee.
They complain about a lack of nurses but new graduates struggle to find work.
Kim Hughes, Stoney Creek, ON
Canada is already beholden to a colonial power
Mark Carney tells Donald Trump Canada is ‘not for sale’ in historic meeting at the White House, May 6
Prime Minister Mark Carney was nothing less than brilliant in his carefully measuredÌýdealings with U.S. President Donald Trump. It’s not easy to get through a meeting with Trump and leave with dignity. It was helpful that U.S. Vice-President JD Vance kept his mouth shut. Carney personalized his gentleÌýjibes, as when he said that some places are just not for sale, mentioning Trump’s identity as a real estate magnate, and providing the example of The White House. No one knows how much if anythingÌýwill come from these improvedÌývibes. Trump says one thing one day, and something else on another. Getting King Charles to read the Speech from the Throne may be risky for Carney vis-Ã -vis Quebec, but it reminds the Trump Republicans that we don’t need to be beholden to a colonial power because we already are.
Ron Charach, Toronto
Carney was cool, calm, and assertive while Trump rambled on
Kudos to Susan Delacourt for her candid assessment of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office. Carney’s reaction to Trump’s threats to annex Canada was cool, calm, and assertive. While Trump rambled on, Carney’s fitting response touched on a real estate analogy that drew on Trump’s experience. “As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” Carney told Trump, comparing Canada to the White HouseÌý … Won’t be for sale, ever.” Notably, Carney listened to his advisers, was well prepared, and made the first big step to earn the trust and confidence of Canadians.
ÌýRobert Ariano, Scarborough, ONÌý ÌýÌý
Make ending homelessness an economic priority
In order to bolster the economy, Premier Doug Ford outlined five key priorities to the Prime Minister. Can I recommend a sixth — an end to homelessness? Perhaps not as alluring as a tunnel under highway 401, but much more likely to have a positive effect on the economy and on communities across the province.
TrishÌýPlant, TorontoÌý
NHL hockey is a disgrace
In game one Florida vs. Toronto, Panther Sam Bennett elbowed Maple Leaf goalie Anthony Stolartz in the head. After a few minutes the goalie made it to the bench and threw up. He is under medical care and likely to miss several or all future series games. No penalty to Bennett who has concussed players before. If the NHL does not suspend this player for several games, it proves they concur with on ice thuggery.
David Maki,ÌýToronto
The Treaty of Ghent established the Canada-U. S. boundaries
I wonder if we’ve forgotten about the Treaty of Ghent, a peace agreement in 1814 -1815 between Great Britain and the United States. Most importantly it secured the futures of both Canada and the U.S. establishing boundaries of both countries after the war 1812. It was accepted by an act of both governments: notably today — by the U.S. Congress on Feb. 17, 1815.
I guess in our present situation of hostile annexation intentions from the dis-United States, it would easily be misinterpreted and ignored by the Trump regime. That being said, wouldn’t the Treaty of Ghent have to be repealed by an act of the British Parliament?
Patrick J Mullin, Owen SoundÌý
We need to invest in safer, active transportation — not take it away
Cycling is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle and a crucial mode of transportation for many. In congested cities like Toronto, biking offers a healthier, more environmentally friendly alternative to driving. However, sharing roads with large vehicles poses significant danger to cyclists. Dedicated bike lanes are essential for protecting lives, reducing traffic, and encouraging sustainable transit. The potential removal of bike lanes has sparked fear among residents. Some of my friends and family have been involved in cycling accidents caused by interactions with motor vehicles. Without these lanes, injuries and deaths will inevitably rise.
The Ontario judge’s decision to pause Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove key bike lanes is a win for cyclists. Still, if the government proves lane removal could ease downtown gridlock, this pause may be lifted. That’s deeply concerning. Studies show that protected bike lanes improve safety, reduce congestion, and support public health. Data reveals more than 30,000 emergency visits for cycling injuries in just five years. Removing bike lanes will only worsen those numbers.
The government’s claim that removing bike lanes will reduce traffic is unsubstantiated. Experts, internal documents, and legal arguments all show the opposite . Moreover, eliminating safe infrastructure violates cyclists’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
For the well-being of Torontonians and the environment, we must invest in safer, active transportation — not take it away. If removed, we risk more accidents, car dependence, and a step backward in urban progress. The court must protect bike lanes — for our safety, our city, and our future.
Katherine Ho, Grade 10, Toronto
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