Social deficits and a worldwide pandemic
A recent writer to the Times 91原创 equating budget deficits exclusively with the NDP requires a response, and a dose of reality.
All provinces, as well as the federal government experienced budget deficits as a result of runaway inflation due to the pandemic. This was a reality around the world. People were crying out for support from their governments and this certainly was not unique to jurisdictions where the NDP hold government.
Specifically, in B.C.’s case, the previous B.C. Liberal government left the incoming NDP with dreadful infrastructure and social deficits that required attention both before and after the pandemic.
A shocking backlog of school, hospital and road construction simply had to be addressed. As well, the recruitment of doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals, now being hired in the thousands, is being successfully undertaken.
Well, surprise! These objectively essential things, all cost money.
All governments have a duty to judiciously manage public funds but those of us who believe in a civil society with good public services, agree that this is money well spent.
Dan Rowe
Sidney
Spending comes first, ahead of the economy
It’s become painfully obvious that David Eby, his precursor and the NDP in general have an addiction to overspending.
Too bad they don’t have the same addiction to generating a strong economy to support this spending.
Eby claims he’s going to be more business friendly in the future. He’s got a long way to go to fix this ridiculous current deficit. He might want to start with the forest industry. We’ll see.
Mike Briggs
Comox
Electrical safety at Christmas time
Re: “Kids, be careful with Christmas displays,” letter, Dec. 19.
The writer is rightly concerned about the potential shock hazard of power cords running over wet ground and the risks associated with touching the lights.
In the interests of the safety of both the children and the writer, may I strongly recommend that all the lights be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter technology is designed to detect the smallest current that has gone astray, such as from a bulb through the body of someone standing on wet ground, and if such a current is detected, automatically shuts the power off.
GFCI outlets are commonly used in outside outlets (and bathrooms) and they may be identified because they will have a Test and a Reset button.
Before using, the operation of the outlet should always be checked by pushing the Test button, which should shut off the power, after which the Reset button can be used to restore the power. Several outside outlets may be controlled by the same GFCI circuit although they may not be marked as such.
Use a test light to make sure they also turn off when the main GFCI outlet is tested.
In older homes, the outside outlets may not be similarly protected. In that case I suggest purchasing a GFCI extension cord, available at any hardware store.
The Christmas lights plug into the GFCI extension cord and only that cord should be plugged into the unprotected exterior outlet. Doing so does not negate the advice to the children, but it will give peace of mind.
John Coenraads
Victoria
Lifetime residents should come first
Re: “Health care in B.C. is appalling,” letter, Dec. 18.
The letter made valid points, although one statement needs further review: “Meanwhile poor seniors who have worked hard all their lives and contributed greatly to our province…”
Many of the people our age (retired) who we know have come to B.C. after having spent their working lives paying taxes and “contributing” in a different jurisdiction.
Perhaps ready access to health care should put lifetime B.C. seniors ahead of those parachuting into B.C. for their retirement years.
Ken Allen
Colwood
Colwood health clinic a great new idea
I applaud my neighbours, the City of Colwood, for thinking outside the box re local health care services.
It seems all levels of government have been stuck in the never-ending loop of trying to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions.
The issue has become clear that modern-day GPs don’t want to have the burden of running a business added to challenge of providing health care to their patients.
The concept of running primary care clinics from government-run operations with doctors on salaries (with corresponding benefits) is an excellent option.
The administrative infrastructure is already in place with government-run clinics and takes that “business” (i.e. rent, staff, taxes, etc.) burden off of the practising physician.
I believe it’s a win win win for government and healthcare professionals to provide a much-needed service to a growing sector of the population who have no access to family doctors.
Well done, Colwood. Let’s expand on this novel new approach.
Len Jansen
Langford
Disingenuous Oak Bay missed housing chances
Oak Bay failing to meet housing growth targets is all excuses with nothing valid about it.
Followers of housing construction activity on 91原创 Island can attest to most municipalities dispensing with resistance and just getting with the program. Undoubtedly Oak Bay could have contributed a municipally owned property for someone to put up a four-storey 46-unit affordable housing building. Voila, housing target met.
But Oak Bay has chosen to continue funding its own pet priorities — like having the police service tasked with checking on residential estate properties while homeowners are on vacation.
Joanne Thibault
Victoria
Encourage moving to smaller towns
The B.C. government is calling for increased density in our urban areas. They believe that this will lead to affordable housing, but just look at the cost of housing in any large city.
We know that population growth will increase crime, pollution, traffic congestion, litter, noise, violence and health issues. Why not provide incentives for people to move to small towns? Affordable housing is abundant throughout rural Canada. Small towns are dying and with them, a way of life that prioritizes social connections over amenities.
People are flocking to the cities, but such urbanization is hazardous to everyone’s well-being.
Mary-Anne Neal
Saanichton
Things to remember in pool referendum
Those who are eligible to vote in the Crystal Pool Referendum in February should be aware of the following:
1. Grants, some of which have already been applied for, are dependent on the Referendum being a yes vote.
2. Cost overruns have been budgeted for in the pool replacement budget.
3. Final design will depend on which site Victoria council chooses. Voters’ choice is sought, but is non-binding.
Pauline McCullagh
Victoria
Pedestrians have responsibility, too
Lowering speed limits in Victoria will do nothing to prevent pedestrian car incidents if pedestrians won’t be aware of their surroundings crossing the street.
Take out the ear buds and make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure the approaching driver can actually see you. Many can’t.
John L. Krysa
Oak Bay
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