Spread the pain
Re “Middle-class Canadians could be hit by increases to capital gains tax. Here’s how to prepare” (Report on Business, April 18): The irony of the fact that some people believe only the truly wealthy have been hit by new capital-gains taxes.
It will affect every single cottage owner across the country and every doctor, lawyer and small and medium-sized family-owned business. The tax code has far greater implications than blaming the 1 per cent for not paying their fair share.
Keith (Angus) McDonald London, Ont.
Tough climate
Re “We are ignoring potentially valuable climate-change technologies” (Opinion, April 13): When rich nations are hesitant to contribute hundreds of billions of dollars to the least-developed nations for climate mitigation and adaptation, can we really expect those same nations to contribute huge sums to global-scale climate projects?
My fear is that such projects would serve as smokescreens for business-as-usual greenhouse-gas emissions. They will probably be more costly than simply cutting emissions with currently available technology.
The average carbon level is about 425 parts per million. Scientists have cautioned that exceeding 450 ppm may push us past a tipping point into irreversible and self-reinforcing atmospheric warming.
Emissions continue to rise about 3 ppm annually. This explains the importance of the 2030 target.
We should respond effectively to the climate emergency.
Derek Wilson Past appointed member, climate action committee, City of Port Moody, B.C.
Are politicians who advocate that we “should make big polluters pay” naive, ignorant or dishonest? The way I see it, companies affected would simply raise prices, and consumers would pay more without the benefit of rebates.
Ultimately, we all will have to pay to address global warming. The only questions are how and what is the fairest way to do so.
In times of war, political parties put aside partisanship for the good of all. Sadly, rather than do so in the fight against climate change, many choose to use it for political gain.
John Rankin Burlington, Ont.
Political decorum
Re “Conservative MPs display statesmanlike behaviour – not!” (Opinion, April 13): The runway to the next federal election is a long one. Hopefully it will not be one paved with this kind of despicable behaviour.
Wordsmithing of cuts, posturing and gesturing is on vivid parliamentary display as engaged in by Conservative MPs, with the worst behaviour coming from Pierre Poilievre, who would stick out like a sore thumb
