Fence can’t keep dogs in, or let owners out
I have been reading the letters for and against the Dallas Road dog fence and, as I am not a dog owner, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
I walked there early in the morning and I literally laughed out loud. In the space of five minutes, four little dogs ran under the fence to visit with their leashed buddies on the paved walkway.
One owner frantically tried to call her dog back to the off-leash area, but the dog was way more interested in his new friends. The woman couldn’t get out of the area to retrieve her dog as the fence was too high for her to climb and the opening was on the other side.
Then, two minutes later, a large dog jumped over the fence to investigate the long grass. I am not sure how long it took these two owners to retrieve their dogs.
It seems to me that the fence can’t keep the dogs in and it can’t let the owners out, so what is the point?
Jenni Hopkyns
Oak Bay
Cost of living raises only fuel inflation
One of the arguments the government unions are using to justify their desire for automatic cost of living increases is that they want the same as the politicians have instituted for themselves.
The politicians have to rescind this inflationary provision for themselves before it’s too late. They must eliminate the union argument by example.
Do the math. Cost of living goes up. Wages go up automatically. Taxes go up to compensate. Inflation goes up. Cost of living goes up. Pretty soon we’ll need to take wheelbarrows of money to the grocery store. With rates of taxation nearing their limits, politicians may soon have to cut taxes in order to get re-elected.
Unions must have to justify their wage increases according to the circumstances of the day.
They should not be immune from the sickness they have caused.
Don Boult
Saanich
Road stand thieves are discouraging
It sure is disheartening if in one day two-thirds of your produce disappears without being paid for. I do not know how other road stands are doing, but I know of one person who decided to close hers, having a major problem with thieving.
I want to thank my honest costumers and urge the others to please be more considerate. Growing vegetables still involves a lot of work from seeding, weeding, watering, harvesting, weighing and bagging.
Marjolyn Winkel
Lochside Trail, Central Saanich
Two insurance firms? Plan to deal with both
Re: “ICBC remains a muddle to this driver,” letter, Aug. 19.
The writer had concerns about reporting his claim to ICBC and to his private insurer.
The process for reporting a claim hasn’t changed and is unrelated to ICBC’s new enhanced care model.
Anyone who chooses to purchase optional insurance with a private insurer will have to work with the private insurer and ICBC.
This ensures access to all of the insurance coverage the person is entitled to, as more than one insurance policy could apply to the same claim.
Deanna Richardson
Director of Claims Operations
ICBC
Education funds do not support schools
Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside’s latest “let’s just throw some money at the situation to appease the masses” is disingenuous, and it reeks of politicking rather than support for students in our schools.
Whiteside should be aware that schools already provide school supplies and field trip funding for many students, so that no child is left behind. She would know this, as it’s outlined in current legislation that she’s responsible to uphold.
I’m curious why school districts like Victoria’s are slashing their budgets at the expense of kids by cancelling music programs, and/or other enrichment programs in schools, but the province can find $60 million to throw at the issue? Did they cut a branch from the magical money tree to make that occur?
Wouldn’t it be more advantageous to use the funding to help support all kids? Like supporting music programs in all schools. Or maybe establishing art programs? Rugby and/or choir groups in our schools?
Lifetime friendships, creating memories and learning something new go a lot further than pencil crayons or a box of tissues.
Tara Houle
North Saanich
Third-world care is better than you think
Re: “Access to health care in Victoria is at a third-world level,” commentary, Aug. 31.
The letter-writer makes valid observations about the sorry state of our health system, but I take exception to the “third-world level” label.
I have visited many countries that are routinely grouped within this description, but it may surprise them to know that, in many instances, health systems there are not only adequate, but in many ways superior to what we have here.
Much better access, often face-to-face interaction with a professional, and affordable care.
It would be better advised to label the system for what it is — broken and ineffective, for example — instead of reverting to a hackneyed pejorative.
Hans Pellikaan
Saanich
Nothing will be done to help health care
Re: “Access to health care in Victoria is at a third-world level,” commentary, Aug. 31.
A very, very good commentary, and from a recent arrival, no less. Sadly, it’s useless because nothing will be done. Our provincial politicians are lemmings, following Horgan off The Cliff Of Quitters.
God help us all.
T.L. Pedneault-Peasland
Victoria
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