Letters to the editor: ‘Canada could raise the GST.’ How to fight inflation? Plus other letters to the editor for Oct. 3

plot hole

Re EU promises retaliation for pipeline blasts as Russia denies involvement (29 September): There are reports of Russian submarines near the location and time of three pipeline blasts in the Baltic Sea. NATO and European Union suspect sabotage, but who knows? Accidents happen.

It seems unnecessarily provocative to threaten retaliation. NATO and the EU need only point out that Russian submarines (expensive, beautiful) have a right to be anywhere on the high seas. It would be a pity if accidents happened to three of them.

Roger Doyle Victoria

Oil well

Re Invest For The Future Of Oil Today (Editorial, Sept. 29): Norway’s state-owned company Equinor (formerly Statoil) was founded in 1972. Apparently it is responsible for 70 percent of Norway’s oil and gas production and 67 percent is publicly owned. Industry profit has funded Norway’s enviable social programs and there is much more to be said about them.

Suffice it to say, if the Canadian public had as much say in the Canadian oil and gas industry, I might trust them more. Aside from the ill-advised ownership of the Trans Mountain pipeline, our industry is in the hands of private individuals motivated to enrich themselves and their investors.

That’s a big difference between us and Norway.

Val Endicott Toronto

Go west

When Jason Kenney calls, think twice before you answer (September 28): Columnist Gary Mason highlights Alberta’s “reputation problem” (“the province lacks vibrancy and diversity”) and Danielle Smith’s imminent rise to potential premiership out. He wonders “why would anyone move to the provinces when there is so much uncertainty”.

But for some reason, 2022 so far has seen an influx of more than 15,000 newcomers to Alberta, the highest number in Canada. Many of these people were from Ontario, which seems to indicate that not enough Ontarians keep themselves informed by reading The Globe and Mail.

Herb Schultz Edmonton

Cut it out

Does your financial policy know the year 2022? (Editorial, September 28): The United States, which has no sales tax, can only increase tax rates to curb demand. But Canada, despite suffering from two departments trying to control the economy (Finance and the Bank of Canada), has a better way of containing demand that can be fine-tuned without raising interest rates for borrowers.

Canada could gradually increase GST, which also increases the budget surplus. Win. But it would require thoughtful governance, which seems sorely lacking here.

Kathleen McCroskey Surrey, BC

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On UK Prime Minister defends tax policy amid criticism (30 Sep): I have a simple question for those who oppose tax cuts: who is exercising greater care, attention and spending money most effectively? Ourselves or someone in government?

Johannes Budreski Vancouver

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Re Liz Truss’ tax-cut mini-budget may not be as crazy as it seems (September 28): I echo Warren Buffett, who said in 2011, “I’ve been working with investors for 60 years and I’ve yet to see anyone — not.” once when capital gains rates were 39.9 percent in 1976-77 – shy away from meaningful investment because of tax rate on potential gain. People invest to make money and potential taxes have never put them off.”

Joseph Polito Toronto

crisis point

Regarding the call no parent wants to receive (September 30th): Glad to hear about Jordan Mason’s successful outcome after cancer treatment. It is a tribute to our doctors, nurses and medical workers who provide excellent care to the citizens of our great country every day. I thank them all.

I remember moving to Ontario as a young man in 1979. I paid $708 a year for OHIP premiums. Today, more than 40 years later, I pay $750. In reality, I pay less (I also earn a lot more) and the funds are just as likely to go to charity as they are to hospitals. The results are visible to everyone.

It seems time for a health donation of our own. If we want a well-functioning healthcare system in this country, we have to pay for it.

Andrew Baker Burlington, Ont.

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Regarding BC (September 23) cancer care, which is characterized by long waiting times and staff shortages: The concerns expressed are consistent with what we are hearing from people affected by cancer.

While the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, we knew that pre-COVID-19 people were falling through the cracks and our healthcare system was ill-equipped to meet the future needs of cancer care. The data reflects this.

All governments should make a concerted effort to improve cancer care by allocating more dollars to healthcare, addressing inequalities in access, eliminating pandemic backlogs, investing in cancer prevention, and improving data transparency so we can make informed decisions. There should be better support for health workers, something the BC government has announced it will address with a 70-point strategy.

We know that treating cancer should be a priority. And as people with cancer in British Columbia know, every moment counts. The time to act is now.

Andrea Seal CEO, Canadian Cancer Society; Vancouver

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Re Province Introduces Health System Support Plan (Sep 30): While I am cautiously encouraged by British Columbia’s plan to attract, train and retain new health workers, I wonder where they will live.

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is more than $2,500 (In Vancouver, The Rental Crisis Worsens – Real Estate, Sept. 30). If people can’t afford to live here, why would they want to work here?

These problems go hand in hand.

Diane Sewell Vancouver

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Nowhere do I read about a key problem in hiring and retaining GPs and nurses: insufficient pay.

If the government starts paying us qualified professionals enough to comfortably cover the cost of living in one of the most expensive provinces and shows that they value our services, existing and new GPs and nurses would go on and join the ranks, thereby alleviating staffing shortages , burnout and waiting times – in the short term, not at a later point in time.

Blanka Jurenka MD, North Vancouver

home one

Re Behind The Play (Letters, September 30): I was relieved to learn that “Home Plate Lady” is alive and well. For us TV viewers, she is often more interesting than the Blue Jays or even the commentators.

But now I need to know: who is she?

Ian Thompson Halifax

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Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Provide your name, address and daytime telephone number. Try to limit letters to less than 150 words. Letters can be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by email, click here: [email protected]