Readers offer their opinions on COVID-19 tests in Saskatchewan, a columnist’s opinions on the Saskatoon mayoral race and Mayor Charlie Clark on housing.
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The Saskatchewan government paid for millions of COVID tests during the pandemic. As a pharmacist I was disappointed that there was no reporting mechanism for the results.
It would have been so simple, a 1-800 number and/or a website on the box that contained the tests. Most people would have reported their results if this were available. The negative results are just as important as the positive ones.
This would have provided a wealth of data that our researchers would have loved to get their hands on. Instead, we spent millions of dollars on tests and didn’t even make an attempt to collect this valuable data.
We have no real idea of the actual incidence of COVID in Saskatchewan. We can only attest to the ones who either ended up in hospital or who qualified to get a prescription for Paxlovid.
At the current time, the provincial government is no longer providing tests at no charge. A few pharmacies are carrying them, but you have to pay. Did we learn anything from this pandemic? What is the Saskatchewan government’s plan for future pandemics? We need to ask the government about this.
Joan Cochrane, Saskatoon
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Alleged sexism just columnist’s opinion
As an opinion writer, Phil Tank’s comments “One difference this time can be identified as a distinct and ugly tinge of sexism” and “mayoral candidate Cary Tarasoff spoke condescendingly to her” are clearly just his interpretation. Readers, please go watch the recorded video of the chamber debate yourself.
Regarding sexism, I was at the debate in person and did not get that impression. Thinking that I may have missed something, I reviewed the recorded video and transcript. No mention of the words “woman,” “gender” or “sex.”
My husband’s one question to Cynthia Block was actually a sitting councillor being held to account. Any incumbent should expect their decisions, and the thought process that went into reaching those decisions, to be questioned.
Cary asked “The KPMG report on Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) for the (downtown arena district) explicitly said that it would, in fact, create property tax implications for the entire city. Did you understand that as co-chair before you voted to continue further with this program?”
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Block’s response included phrases like “is the theory” and “part of a holistic strategy.” In the end, she stated “there should be zero property tax impact.” I have zero confidence that she understands TIF.
I encourage Saskatoon taxpayers to do their own research.
Sherry Tarasoff, Saskatoon
Kudos to Clark for Poilievre warning
Kudos to Mayor Charlie Clark for publicly identifying what will happen if the Conservative Leader Pierre Poliieve gets to cancel the Housing Accelerator Fund. The support for 1,600 rentals through the Housing Accelerator Fund is an important way to address the housing crisis faced by many.
It is a major need for those who face critical economic and social realities. (An estimated 1,000 people in Saskatoon are homeless right now).
Mayor Clark’s concerns reflect a similar need for critical housing support across Canada. To have mayors across Canada come together to publicly challenge Poilieve’s axe on the Housing Accelerator Fund would demonstrate an alliance of those who realize the support needed now.
Don Kossick, Saskatoon
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