Letters: Closing Regina central library unexplained and unjustified

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Another nail in Regina central library’s coffin was hammered in on Tuesday by the Regina Public Library (RPL) board without, as usual, any true public consultation.

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The RPL board approved the moving of library materials to a “temporary” location, ASAP. The reasons given were the same as have been cited throughout the last 10 years — risk of boiler failure, electrical wiring and roof issues.

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Why were these problems allowed to escalate to this point? There are far older buildings currently undergoing renovations. Why is a total rebuild of central library the only solution to its problems? On the RPL website, under “central library renewal,” there is a lengthy list of surveys, polls and assessments from 2008 to 2021.

Funds were obviously available for a new logo, and the Digital Media studio. Last year, a council executive committee was told by the RPL board that $3.2 million had been expended on the central library during the past 10 years.

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We must presume that amount went to projects more vital than the major repairs now necessitating the central library’s demolition. The RPL board seems to have no accountability for its decisions. Sadly, they appear to face little opposition for their proposed removal of a vibrant iconic structure from downtown Regina.

The expression “demolition by neglect” will have no sorrier or more accurate example than Regina central library’s ultimate destruction.

Shawne Arzab, Regina

Politicians need to make laws, not break laws

A criminal is one who has committed a crime. Politicians who support those who break laws are supporting criminals. Some politicians do so blatantly, as per the example of inviting a convicted murderer Colin Thatcher to the legislature for the speech from the throne.

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Others leap in to show support before a court has made a decision, as many did when they supported the occupation of Ottawa and border closures.

There is a prescribed manner in which the legal system should operate: Governments enact laws; courts interpret those laws; and future courts consider whether or not the precedent created obliges them to follow it. If governments are unhappy with the interpretation, they can modify laws.

The system is disrupted when legislators abandon their law-making role and enter into interpretation or, in extreme cases, support law breakers and encourage people to break the law.

We have governments in Saskatchewan and Alberta enacting so-called sovereignty laws that look like attempts to circumvent federal law. In essence, they are creating law and perhaps simultaneously encouraging law breaking.

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Federally, we had the SNC Lavalin case. Next door, we have Premier Danielle Smith, who attempted to intervene in a criminal case. According to former Alberta attorney general Jim Foster, she perhaps committed a crime herself in doing so.

Politicians need to be reminded that their role is creating good law —  not interpreting the law and certainly not encouraging disrespect for or breaking the law. It should go without saying that they are expected to obey the law, themselves.

David Steele, Regina

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