Letters: Debunking misconceptions of impartial dwelling amenities

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My spouse and I moved right into a senior impartial dwelling facility three months in the past. The earlier misconceptions that we had about impartial dwelling evaporated fairly rapidly.

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I can safely say that almost all of individuals assume that these kind of amenities are for individuals who have aged-out or require 24-hour care. This stigma couldn’t be farther from the reality. Sure, there are amenities for individuals who want that diploma of care however it’s not the case with impartial dwelling amenities.

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Impartial dwelling is simply that. You come and go as you please with all the advantages of a secure and safe, high quality dwelling facility, together with high quality meals served by pleasant employees and suite cleansing on a weekly foundation, with recent mattress linens and towels equipped.

We reside in a secured newer constructing with stunning grounds, nice employees and a day by day exercise itinerary that matches the actions on a cruise ship. Our freedom has not been restricted within the least and we’re free from the day by day mundane duties similar to cooking, condominium/home cleansing and the day by day and yearly maintenance of yard and constructing upkeep. To not point out now not having to pay taxes, utility payments and the ever-increasing value of energy/gasoline payments.

Richard Klymok, Excessive River

Cheers for Smith’s stance on COVID

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An ideal column by Rob Breakenridge commending Danielle Smith for her stance and push again on governmental overreach relating to previous COVID restrictions.

It’s refreshing to have a pacesetter who stands up for her convictions as a substitute of blindly following these caught up within the mass hysteria. The complete COVID scenario was misinformed and mismanaged from the start, and a pacesetter who stepped as much as query any and all restrictions to our rights and freedoms and promote a return to normalcy must be applauded.

You bought my vote Danielle. Preserve the religion.

Barry Jackson, Millet

Election decisions disappointing

I’m unhappy that many individuals left their conscience on the door earlier than voting within the election.

Ignoring the inaccurate statements of the UCP chief or the hateful feedback of candidates is pure folly. We deserve considerate, conscious and smart management at this crucial time in our historical past.

I’m wondering if short-term greed gained the day?

John Pentland, Calgary

Calgary response gained’t deter Smith

Premier Danielle Smith has little question despatched a observe of appreciation for the nice and cozy, congratulatory acknowledgment she acquired from Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on the UCP win.

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Gondek is seemingly ready to “work” with the Smith authorities; she desires a gathering rapidly. However forward of that assembly, Gondek apparently felt it essential to set the stage.

She is anxious about “a small however loud faction of Albertans who’re espousing views that don’t align with these of the broader society.” Moreover, Gondek had this to say: “There isn’t a room for hate in a metropolis or province slowly recovering from financial recession. Homophobic, misogynistic, transphobic, and racist views can’t be tolerated.”

That definitely units the priorities for transferring ahead.

As for the remainder of metropolis council, views on the UCP win are diverse. Coun. Dan McLean is optimistic concerning the prospect of extra enterprise, extra police and compassionate look after the unhoused with mental-health and habit points. Coun. Courtney Walcott is decidedly unenthusiastic. Whereas he’s ready to maintain working with the province, he’s involved about Alberta’s “mannequin of care.” (The present mannequin of extra medicine and secure injection websites is, in spite of everything, “massively profitable”).

In the meantime, the long run for Calgary and this province appears to be like decidedly brighter than it will have underneath a Rachel Notley-led NDP authorities. I’ve little question Smith will work with Gondek and her followers with the identical intelligence, dedication and good humour she applies to a number of different challenges.

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Barbara Jessiman

Gasoline worth hikes unfair

If I purchased a garden chair yesterday, I really feel good if the value was proper. But when I purchase an an identical chair from the identical retailer at the next worth as we speak, I ought to object. It was in the identical warehouse and may have been bought on the identical worth.

If I see a chocolate bar in my native retailer raised in worth the following day, the storekeeper will be charged with gouging. A brand new worth sticker over an outdated one is identical.

Nonetheless, gasoline costs are leaping once more. There could have been no new deliveries of pricey gas however, sadly, there is no such thing as a price ticket on the liquid itself. It’s the identical gas as yesterday.

Can I insist on the gas left over from yesterday at yesterday’s worth? Even when a brand new bulk supply has arrived, can I ask to obtain yesterday’s gas as a substitute of the brand new stuff?

It appears not. As prospects, why we’re being cheated?

Peter Willott

No sensible choice in Alberta politics

I spoiled my poll, once more. This time my decisions had been extremists on the left and the fitting.

I want an affordable possibility within the center. No Peter Lougheed for us anymore, eh?

Alberta received a nasty import from the U.S. — right-wing lunacy.

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What’s a voter to do?

Phil Kube, Canmore

Tax {dollars} properly spent?

I acquired my 2023 property tax invoice together with the report on what metropolis tax {dollars} assist. The second doc outlined how my tax {dollars} are divided among the many many companies the town supplies, together with fireplace, police 311, playgrounds, parks, and so on.

The doc extols that Calgary is taken into account probably the most livable cities on the planet.

Sadly, I famous there have been three lacking areas. Calgary has so many pot holes that it’s going to take years to get all of them mounted. In Calgary, it takes as much as a yr to get our road lights repaired. And the park behind my home, and possibly different locations, units a report for the variety of dandelions per sq. metre.

John Chandler, Calgary

Taxes aren’t the issue

I take heed to the candidates discuss taxes, taxes, taxes. Taxes are not the issue throughout this spherical of inflationary pressures.

The difficulty is actual wages that don’t sustain with the extent of inflation — beginning with these on the backside of the working ladder, on minimal wages, an straightforward goal for politicians.

We’ve been fed a lie by firms that getting wages to maintain up with inflation is simply improper. That it’s unhealthy for the economic system and they’re struggling to outlive and wage will increase will power them out of enterprise, but they may give excessive raises to their CEOs and improve shareholder dividends whereas the employees starve.

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Respectable wages had been a typical issue within the ’50s and ’60s, and the economic system was booming. Now we’re seeing inflation charges near 10 per cent up to now couple of years. As the price of dwelling is climbing, the push to decrease taxes is getting used as a substitute of the necessity to elevate wages.

Aside from the hidden, $647-million revenue tax improve in Alberta from the de-indexing of deductions that the UCP introduced in in 2020, Albertans’ revenue tax charges have been the identical over the previous few years. The federal revenue tax primary deductions have elevated with the speed of inflation.

As actual wages fall behind in relation to inflation, the federal government income from taxes falls additional, making it tougher for the authorities to pay for highway constructing and upkeep, well being care, police, fireplace and different companies that depend upon taxes.

In Alberta, actual wages have fallen greater than 3.3 per cent, and greater than six per cent in relation to the remaining of Canada, costing us the Alberta Benefit.

Take into consideration what taxes purchase the following time you complain about these pot holes or snow elimination or congested roads or lack of police or fireplace companies. These are your tax {dollars} at work.

Robin Laing, Drugs Hat