Letters to the Editor, Oct. 7, 2022

FAIR SHARE

Re “Trudeau and Freeland bring in luxury tax saying the rich don’t pay their fair share” (Brian Lilley, Sept. 1): Increased taxation that targets the rich reduces inequality, and doing so is not only good for democracy but for a better economy. In a 2015 study, the International Monetary Fund concluded that a reduction in income inequality boosts economic growth. During the golden years of U.S. capitalism from 1953 to 1961, the top marginal tax rate under Republican Dwight Eisenhower was 91%. In Canada, top rates were 84% in 1949 and 80% in 1971. By all means let’s keep the tax rates of working people low, but when the Canadian FIRE sector (finance, insurance and real estate) has increased its 2021 profit margin to 22%, we have an excellent case for the imposition of an excess profits tax. And taxing luxury items to make sure the super-rich pay their fair share is hardly a painful choice for most Canadians.

Larry Kazdan
Vancouver

(Those “super rich” you refer to, will just move asserts out of Canada, if they haven’t already. And let’s be clear, Trudeau’s carbon tax increase will be paid by the majority of people who cannot afford it)

BANK LOGO

Now that the Montreal Canadiens have an RBC logo on their jersey, what gives? Montreal is located in Quebec. Quebec considers themselves a distinct society separate from Canada. “Canadiens” versus “Canadians.” Where is the Bank of Montreal logo?

Rocky Scigliano

(RBC sees value in being one of their sponsors. That’s their choice)

ELEPHANTS HAVE TO STOMP

Re “Trump had his chance and blew it — his supporters deserve better” (Gary Abernathy, Sept. 30): The picture of Donald Trump hugging the American flag has always been my favourite photo of him. Not because I’m a Trump supporter, but it illustrates what an outsider from the typical politician did accomplish during his only term. I like the photo because not only was he an outsider, but an imperfect citizen who loves his country. He appealed to the average American citizen who was fed up with the typical broken promises and continued lies of his opponents. Trump, if anything, along with all his accomplishments of which I won’t start recounting, exposed Washington for all its dishonesty and proved that these people have always taken care of No. 1 — and Trump was not one of them. We should be so lucky to have a leader with half these characteristics and maybe Pierre Poilievre is that man. We all better hope that the U.S. midterms are a big Republican win, otherwise continue watching our investments and stock market dwindle.

Patrick McConnell
Burlington

(Things are looking good for the GOP to take the House, but the Senate may end up status quo)

DO YOUR PART

The major problem with socialist Canada is there are too many people addicted to government handouts and enjoying their life of leisure living off of the hardworking taxpayer’s efforts, those who choose to make a contribution to Canadian society. To lower the high levels of burdensome and punishing taxation, more Canadians have to get off their couches and away from their televisions and start chipping in!

Charles Owen
Welland

(The government needs to stop giving taxpayers‘ money away to people who can work, to stay at home)

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