Letters: Article missed full impact of carbon tax in Sask.
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I read with interest the article from Gary Storey stating we are better off financially with the carbon tax where he argues the amount received exceeds the amount consumers pay.
He only compares the rebate with gasoline consumed. He fails to also include the amounts consumers pay for the increase in all purchases including groceries, home heating, etc. (In Saskatchewan, we have been given a reprieve on home heating by the Saskatchewan Party).
Using groceries as an example, the farmer pays the tax on his input costs, he pays when he harvests, he pays when he delivers the crop. The railway pays when it is delivered to the manufacturing processor, who in turn pays to run his plant. The finished product is then shipped and tax is paid to the retailer.
The point here is the tax is added and compounded on each step of the way and the same holds true for all other industries. Unfortunately, these steps cannot be quantified, but they certainly add to the final cost which costs the consumer. We don’t even break even on the rebate versus tax.
Bob Aebig, Saskatoon
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Tax break for disabled an empty gesture
Premier Scott Moe controls the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program, which administers the monthly payments to the disabled of the province.
The current monthly payment sits at $1,129 and has some small provisions for additions depending on the disabled person’s affliction. So I will round up to $1,200 monthly. Could you live on that in present-day Saskatchewan? Think about that while you enjoy your Christmas presents.
Premier Moe’s recently revealed affordability bill promises to raise tax credits 25 per cent for disabled people in the province. Imagine that, a tax credit for people who don’t get enough financial assistance to even pay taxes.
Some people would call that being tone deaf to the needs of the disabled. I, and the Ghost of Christmas Present, call it unnecessary cruelty. What do you think?
Bob Toso, Saskatoon
Grocery store gesture reflects giving season
Christmas in 2024 came early to me. I am writing to inform you that the true meaning of Christmas sharing and giving is alive and well. I speak from a recent personal experience.
On a late Saturday November afternoon, I needed some groceries. I went to the Co-op grocery store on Attridge Drive. I filled my Co-op shopping cart quickly and went to a cashier who I knew. There was a pleasant man around 40 years of age ahead of me.
I prepared to pay for my groceries when this man said my bill was paid for. No other explanation was given, except his warm smile. I was astounded and surprised by this man’s generosity. It touched me, to say the least. His kindness and generosity prompted me to tell other Co-op staff members what just happened.
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I’m writing to tell your newspaper readers that the generous hearts of people are still kind, warm and giving. May God bless you, young man, whoever you and wherever you are for your gesture.
George Parchomchuk, Saskatoon
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