Letters to the Editor
Editor , News & Views 409 , 11010 – 142 Street NW , Edmonton , AB T5N 2R1
Email newsandviews @ shaw . ca .
To the editor :
It is extremely disappointing to hear the Premier and others talk incessantly about the need for belt-tightening and cuts . We ’ ve been on this roller coaster too long , and the blame lies with a failed and dysfunctional tax system .
Our provincial GDP per capita is far higher than in any other province . Our 2011 GDP per capita was $ 78,154 compared to the national average of $ 51,109 . Where is all this money ?
Alberta ’ s regressive flat tax system is designed to maximize the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few through the lowest provincial corporate income taxes and the lowest taxes on upper incomes . It ’ s time to demand a review of this system to bring us to a fair and functional tax method that is less dependent on energy revenues and that spreads the tax burden more fairly .
Our system is out of balance and needs to be fixed . I feel betrayed and disappointed .
Neil Evans Edmonton
To the editor :
Having received the news about the big changes for our health , dental and travel insurance , I wish to thank ARTA and the Benefits Committee Chair , Wayne Hampton , for the hard work you have done to make the plan work for us , the members . I am so grateful to have had your support and assurances during my foray into insurance confusion and I know that this change is a big one for ARTA .
Please forward this to your colleague , Wayne Hampton . I know how much work it takes to do this kind of thing . Thank you , thank you , thank you . My retirement just got better !
Cherie Moses Burnaby , BC
* RENEW * RECONNECT * RE-ENERGIZE *
Second Wind Conference
Returns
ARTA branches in the greater Edmonton area are planning another outstanding retired-teacher conference for the fall . Second Wind will be on September 25 , 2013 , at the Chateau Louis Conference Centre ( the same venue as last year ).
Early bird registration will begin in April .
Watch for more information from branch representatives , in newsletters and on the ARTA website .
Reserve that date now , and get ready to RENEW ! RECONNECT ! RE-ENERGIZE !
6 News & Views Spring 2013