G.A. Teske, a senior living alone in Sherwood Park, writes that despite spending at least $100 weekly on groceries, the $100 rebate from Premier Danielle Smith's affordability plan will barely be noticed. The payment goes to Albertans earning under $225,000 annually, but Teske argues those making $100,000 or more do not need it. She calls the rebates 'Dani Dollars' and says the government does not understand the value of money. She will donate her $100 to a food bank instead.
Rebate criticized as inadequate for those in need
Teske expresses sympathy for AISH recipients, who receive $200 per month, and states she would happily give her rebate to them. She accuses Premier Smith of making a mockery of provincial economics: those who do not need the $100 are laughing, while those who need more continue to struggle. The rebate adds to provincial debt without meaningful help, she says.
Canada's health outcomes called appalling
J.M. McGowan of Edmonton references a Paul Grundy letter on private surgeries and a news article about hospital wait times. McGowan argues Canadians judge programs by intentions rather than outcomes, citing complacency and a failure to ask if policies achieve objectives. He says it is not good enough to simply say everyone is trying their best.
Premier accused of undermining democracy on coal petition
Don Davidson of Edmonton writes that Premier Smith justifies a court battle defending separatists against First Nations claims as upholding democracy and the Citizen Initiative Act. Yet she recently announced that the Water Not Coal petition, which had significant support and was properly obtained, would not appear on the ballot. Davidson notes Smith changed legislation to accommodate separatists when they could not meet constitutional requirements. He says this does not sound like a defence of democracy.
City green spaces described as in disrepair
A letter writer observes that public green spaces along Calgary Trail and Whitemud Drive look like cow pastures, unkempt for the wrong reasons. They argue city crews could easily mow the areas, and calling it 'naturalization' is a stretch. The resources are there but perhaps underutilized.
