Residents of Saskatoon are calling for a radical shift in fiscal policy to address the escalating homelessness crisis, urging politicians to move beyond tax-cut rhetoric and implement a dedicated new levy.
A New Tax for a National Crisis
In a letter to the editor, local resident Ron Halina argues that the problem of homelessness, recently highlighted by the Saskatoon business community at a city hall meeting, is a widespread issue plaguing cities across Canada. He suggests it is time for a dedicated provincial and federal tax used solely for solving the homeless problem.
While acknowledging the solution may seem simplistic for a complex issue, Halina stresses that more resources are desperately needed everywhere. He points out that a network of support services already exists and would benefit immensely from increased funding. To protect low-income Canadians, he proposes the tax could be structured with a mechanism similar to the GST rebate.
"Action is needed now not just talk at election time," Halina writes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Defending a Vital Service for the Blind
The call for social investment comes alongside a defence of an existing, crucial program. For decades, Section 19 of the Canada Post Corporation Act has allowed braille books, learning materials, and essential devices to be mailed at no cost. This is not a mere perk but is described as the backbone of literacy, education, employment, and independence for over 1.5 million Canadians who are blind or have a visual impairment.
Honouring a Saskatchewan Political Icon
In a separate letter, Saskatoon artist Douglas Bentham proposes a lasting tribute to a former premier. He recommends that the transformed and now grand 25th Street in Saskatoon be renamed Roy Romanow Boulevard.
Bentham credits Romanow, along with former finance minister Janis McKinnon, for leading the province out of the damaging Grant Devine era in the 1990s. He portrays Romanow as a leader who tackled seemingly insurmountable problems with determination, "rolling up his sleeves and wading into some seemingly insurmountably difficult corners." Bentham hopes for a formal naming ceremony to honour this "surviving icon" of Saskatchewan politics.
A Warning on AI and Children
The letters section also contained a cautionary note on emerging technology. Another reader warns that AI toys are dispensing inappropriate information to children. The letter suggests it seems inevitable that these platforms could eventually be guilty of hate speech or other violations, opening a "challenging arena" for regulators and parents.
