Burnaby NOW • Friday, November 23, 2012 • A07
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Time to make changes now continued from page 6
However, the conditions have now progressed to the point that even the biggest ostrich can no longer pretend that it isn’t happening. Second, they asserted that it wasn’t human-caused, and they are still trying this. However, all of the good analysis shows that it is in fact human-caused, although lay people actually do need to put in some mental effort to understand the analysis. Third, they assert that it’s too expensive to change our environmentally destructive practices. This is also untrue. The costs of inaction on climate change far outweigh the costs of setting up sustainable societies. However, the costs of inaction on climate change are paid by the 99 per cent, and the profits of inaction on climate change are collected by the one per cent, and of course the one per cent want us to believe that their profits are far more important than our costs. Victor Finberg, Burnaby
Fee increase surprises
Dear Editor:
It will be three years since the new garbage pickup has been in service on Nov. 23, 2009; this will be roughly 150 weeks, less the official holidays. During this period, we have placed our garbage container (the smallest available) curbside only 10 times. We are proud of our composting and recycling effort but lately it’s been mentioned that our garbage collection fees are going up. What to do, what to do? The Gauthiers, Burnaby
Sad to see changes
Dear Editor:
With regret and sadness, after all these
years, Save-On-Foods at Station Square at McKay Avenue, is closing on Dec. 29 owing to extensive construction. A central, convenient location – grocery, meat department and deli plus a beautiful floral area with a courteous and friendly staff. A great loss for most seniors, who will have to make difficult choices. However, with great appreciation, a pharmacy area will be made available in the area. The comradeship at Tim Hortons will be missed. Last, but not least friendly Sam’s Lottery with cheerful Mary and Eunice – I will miss you – to enjoy a coffee and play a few games. Rose Bernard, Burnaby
Taxes of great concern The fact that people discuss their ability to pay taxes, property or any other, is a sign of great concern. Taxes are set by the strength of an economy in the free market society. The ability to pay taxes without being forced into other drastic measures like deferring other payments – food, medication, property tax, etc. – is the key issue. Canada used to be a country in which people did not have to worry about losing their homes because of high property taxes. It is a quality of life issue and a human rights one. In my opinion, the academic world needs to teach a new type of economyresponsibility subject. If one keeps making the same mistakes, then what is the moral of the story? We should solve problems without constantly blaming others and finding unimaginable shortcuts. At the end of the day, the results never lie. Attila Peter, Burnaby
Hospital: Trust will be gone continued from page 6
There was blatant political manipulation of a process that many in Burnaby took in good faith and it is particularly disrespectful to those who took the time to make submissions to the committee, and to some committee members themselves who took part in the process in good faith. Unfortunately, since the credibility of the committee is destroyed, so is the credibility of the report. There may be some information in it that can be of use, perhaps some of the
Sterling silver charms from $30
Dear Editor:
content of what I am sure were valuable submissions. But we certainly can’t trust any of the conclusions or recommendations, given the overt political manipulation. I am shocked that local MLAs Richard T. Lee and Harry Bloy were part of this. Citizens should be able to trust that their elected representatives live up to the very highest standards of integrity. In this case, they have not. For the future, I hope that the continued planning of the Fraser Health
Authority, apart from this tainted committee, is legitimate. Unfortunately it will now be hard to know given that this political scheme reaches right to the premier’s office. The people of Burnaby need an independent, unbiased, evidence-based evaluation of the state of Burnaby Hospital, and of how to address the health care needs of their community. They deserve no less. Kathy Corrigan is the NDP MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake.
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