Via Europe
Re “Europe is flailing, so why would Canada hitch its wagon to the EU?” (April 30): Now that the American dream has turned into the American nightmare, it is no wonder Canadians look to Europe, a continent that has achieved a quality of life that young and underprivileged Canadians can only dream of.
The European Union developed out of primarily Catholic ideas and institutions, a measure of Protestant entrepreneurship and a healthy appreciation of the United States. This combination helped European democracies reconstitute themselves after the Second World War.
If there is even the smallest chance a similar model could help us face our present polycrises, from antisemitism to environmental destruction and wars in the Middle East, it should be explored with determination. How do 27 smaller but equally complex countries hold out together, and without internal trade barriers?
Canada also has much to offer Europe as a multicultural crossroads of people and ideas. There is creative potential here.
Mark Carney is right to pursue it.
Matthijs Kronemeijer Toronto
Against hate
Re “At a time of fascist resurgence, there remains hope for democracy” (April 29): Much thanks to contributor Omer Aziz for his provocative and clear-headed warning on the dangers of fascism, most especially as it appeals to young people.
In Canada, we have also seen the ebbs and flows of unbridled organized hatred as it evolved through now defunct groups such as the neo-Nazi Heritage Front, which riled the fascist roost until CSIS, with the help of community groups including the Canadian Jewish Congress, Indigenous leaders, labour unions and others, helped bring them down.
But we ought not rest on our laurels. Like a disease, fascism looks for new and alternate routes to again grab hold of society’s vulnerable youth and others by providing scapegoats for societal ills.
Be it new immigrants, Indigenous people, Jews or others, we must be constantly vigilant not to permit a “sense of hopelessness” to pervade. We need the promise of democratic values to win out in the end.
Bernie Farber Chair emeritus, Canadian Anti-Hate Network; Thornhill, Ont.
Making plans
Re “A payroll tax cut that should be just a start” (Editorial, May 1): It seems nice that Canada Pension Plan contributions will be reduced from 9.9 per cent to 9.5 per cent.
By comparison, U.S. Social Security contributions are 12.4 per cent on income up to US$184,500, plus a 1.45 per cent U.S. Medicare tax (no limit).
Social Security benefits are much higher than CPP benefits. However, even with an increase in retirement age to 67, non-active investing and contribution holidays mean that Social Security assets are forecast to be depleted by 2035.
The CPP model is effective, though costs should be reduced. By world standards, our contributions and benefits are very modest. We would do well for Canadians by further expanding the CPP.
Tony Hooper Toronto
I am deeply disappointing to see you characterize Canada Pension Plan contributions as a “payroll tax.” That is language usually used by those who denounce all funding for government programs as some hideous tax.
The CPP is the best vehicle to assist Canadians in attaining a measure of retirement income security. CPP premiums go into a well-managed scheme that embodies such stability.
You further promulgate a questionable argument for CPP funds to be invested in various indices to achieve higher returns. For anyone who has been responsible for managing pension funds, the thought of public sector plans directly investing in indexed funds would be ludicrous.
Index funds are fine for many investors not wanting to develop the skills necessary to make complex asset decisions. For large funds with long-term timelines and different appetites for risk, active management is a worthwhile endeavor that generally pays for itself.
Just ask Warren Buffett.
Paul Martin White Rock, B.C.
Campus pressure
Re “Ontario’s Bill 33 raises fears of fresh funding cuts to campus media” (April 29): Historically the student press, with organizations such as Canadian University Press and the support of student unions, has played a most important role in the training of students in journalism and gaining skills and experience in the research and writing of important stories about education, culture, society, the economy and the environment.
Myself, I was the editor in 1968 of The Carillon at the University of Regina. When I think back, I realize the experience was a great learning moment which walked with me over my lifetime. Many, many others who over the years participated likewise in university journalism saw how they grew in skills and motivation, which became part of their lives and contributions to society.
Let us not destroy or weaken such an experience that has served the university and the wider community over many years.
Don Kossick Saskatoon
Priceless
Re “Health Canada approves second drug targeting underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease” (May 4): If initiated in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, donanemab would help many individuals remain and function in their home environments for longer periods of time.
This would modify the ever-increasing demands for expensive long-term care. The only drawback is the drug cost of $47,250 per year. A similar drug was approved last year, but denied by government plans because it costs nearly $30,000 per year.
The Ontario government subsidizes long-term care beds to the tune of about $2,000 to $3,000 per month, as much as $36,000 per year, so the annual cost of the drug would not be much different. However, the happiness quotient for individuals would be immeasurable.
If government’s measuring stick is solely “cost,” I can only wonder whether it would also deny costly life-saving medications or expensive acute hospital care for individuals with end-stage heart disease or terminal cancer.
I hope government makes the right decision.
Michael Gilman MD (retired), Toronto
Take us
Re “If army recruits were seniors, wars might be won or lost (or maybe even forgotten)” (First Person, May 1): Thank you for the humorous, serious and relevant essay.
In my 80s, I meet dozens of guys like me at the gym, while playing pickleball and at the legion. It has crossed my mind that we should be sent to war instead of our kids.
Our grandchildren are the sunshine in our lives. They are young. Youth is too sexy to send off and get killed in some war. War is the embodiment of evil.
Thanks again for the brilliant and entertaining statement of truth.
Hugh McKechnie Sudbury
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