Opinion

Welcome to Sturgis, B.C.

In a Jan. 25 column, Tom Fletcher says the HST is the cure for inequality in British Columbia. But few will agree with such a claim, given that the HST is a $1.9 billion tax shift onto the backs of consumers. According to Statistics Canada, the average household will pay $521 more under the HST.

I am humbled by the attention and accolades directed my way over the past weeks, with regard to my having retired from Shuswap Search and Rescue. Beginning with presentations of plaques/certificates from the RCMP, PEP and regional district in a ceremony held at the SAR Hall on Jan. 19, and then a wonderful team send-off celebration on Jan. 22, all of this organized for my behalf primarily by Roger Meunier, Kathy Drohan and Lisa Giddens.

We live in Calgary but just bought a home in Salmon Arm and will be moving there soon. The recycling program in Calgary is a blue bin for recycle and the black bin is for our garbage. There are no bags on curbs. The trucks are very efficient in picking up both bins, with one driver not two.

In regard to the article on Jan. 19, Recycling letters ignite council comment:

Regarding the Life and Times article by Barb Brouwer on Jan. 19:

Anger is a common emotion.

OK, relax men.