Letters, Aug. 4: Remedy for inflation could also be worse than affliction

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This inflation enterprise is changing into extra befuddling by the day. Gasoline is thru the roof. Groceries are sky-high. However to the typical home-owner making a month-to-month mortgage cost, a rise of a whole bunch or hundreds of {dollars} yearly dwarfs the distress attributable to the costs of fuel and meals.

Not being notably versed in finance, I’m making an attempt to know this elevated hardship on mortgagees, apparently attributable to the Financial institution of Canada elevating the prime price. I assume, by bringing Canadians to the brink of monetary catastrophe, the thought is that it will lower spending and consequently scale back inflation. Or in different phrases, the dealer we’re, the higher issues will likely be. An fascinating idea.

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One remaining thought. Who advantages from these additional {dollars} Canadians pour into their respective mortgages? The federal government? Social companies? Rebates to Canadians? Don’t assume so. I’ve a sense these additional billions find yourself within the pockets of the banks, those that already rake in billions in income each quarter.

Within the meantime, households proceed to line up at native meals banks or store for these virtually expired groceries, simply to make ends meet. In some way, it doesn’t appear proper.

Norm Woodhouse, Calgary

Well being dietary supplements safer than prescriptions

Well being Canada is proposing to amend the legislation in order that pure merchandise bear the identical rigorous investigation as prescription drugs, however such calls for would make the merchandise too costly. These merchandise are utilized by individuals to remain wholesome in order that they don’t overburden the medical system.

Through the years, there have been only a few circumstances of anyone being harmed by taking dietary supplements. That is in stark distinction to reactions to prescription drugs. The celebrated American medical journal JAMA had an article saying that the third main reason behind loss of life within the U.S. was from medication correctly prescribed and brought.

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The priority about pure merchandise appears unusual when, on the identical time, the federal government is easing up on using arduous medicine.

Our prime minister is making an attempt to regulate what we are saying, what we watch and now additionally what we eat. He ought to be involved with controlling the economic system and never Canadian residents.

Kirsten Bagh, Calgary

CPP change may gain advantage Albertans

Many occasions I’ve agreed with the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.” Nevertheless, in terms of Alberta’s share of CPP, we might depart “administration of the funding funds with CPP” and switch the administration of premiums and funds to Alberta. 

At current, Albertans contribute slightly below $3 billion extra in premiums than we recuperate in pension funds. In different phrases, Albertans are subsidizing different Canadians — and that’s along with the $20 billion or in order that goes to the remainder of Canada (principally Quebec) below the equalization components.

Albertans have been simply plain silly to have allowed this example to have gone on for thus lengthy. Alberta’s demographics and better common incomes have prompted this — our persons are youthful on common, and so they make increased than common incomes. 

So, allow us to discover a approach ahead to maybe scale back Albertan’s CPP premiums by as a lot as one-third, and employer contributions as nicely, whereas on the identical time leaving Alberta’s share of the CPP funding monies safely within the custody of the present CPP funding supervisor.

 Orin Grovum, Calgary