Readers weigh in on how to spur economic growth in Canada, how not to treat drug addiction, pro-Hamas press, the Liberals' neglect of our Armed Forces, and more
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Re: Liberals hire Mark Carney to head party’s economic ‘task force’ ahead of election — Catherine Lévesque, Sept. 9
Are the federal Liberals so clueless about how to juice economic growth (especially to benefit the middle class) that they need a new task force led by former Bank of Canada chief Mark Carney?
Here’s some advice on how to light a stick of dynamite for explosive economic growth:
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Cut taxes and let working Canadians keep more of what they earn. That must be the top recommendation from Carney et al to Ottawa.
Secondly, many Canadians born in the post-war generation are now the poster kids for “this is not your father’s retirement” as they continue working well into their sixties and seventies, by choice or financial necessity. However, starting at 72, Canadians must take payments every year from their previously tax-sheltered RRSPs, and this mandatory draw-down likely has the taxman drooling. Mr. Carney: give us one good reason why Ottawa shouldn’t delay those payouts until at least age 75, especially with lifespans increasing. Letting that investment income grow tax-free for longer would boost the ability of middle-class Canadians to take care of themselves in old age, when medical and caregiving expenses pick up speed.
Finally, remind the Liberals about the golden rule that’s rusted out on their watch: live beneath your means. Stop spending taxpayer funds on virtue-signalling projects that play well to a certain base but whose financial benefits middle-class voters have yet to witness.
Dorothy Lipovenko, Westmount, Que.
Re: Now we’re ‘racist’ if we don’t give people free heroin — Full Comment podcast, Sept. 3
As a practising specialist in addiction medicine, having been treating those with Substance Use Disorder since 1997, I have never seen or heard any so ignorant as those who insist that any addiction treatment other than giving addicts more free drugs is “racist” and “colonialist.”
The medical literature is clear that offering opioid-dependent individuals methadone or buprenorphine (Opioid Agonist Therapy) saves lives and when combined with adequate mental health support offers those addicted to these drugs a path to a productive, drug-free life.
Specifically I have had the privilege of treating Indigenous Canadians, who suffer at a greater rate than the general population. First-hand I have seen full-life turnarounds.
Let’s keep our eye on the ball. Offer peer-reviewed treatment and ignore the noise.
Dr. Mark A. Greenberg, Toronto
Re: Does Mélanie Joly know she works for Hamas? — Carson Jerema, Sept. 10
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With the suspension of arm sales to Israel announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, we at least know that the Liberal government has now chosen sides and........