Proper medical care starts with a GP
I read with interest the story concerning Dr. Ralph Lapp who was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer.
He said that he had no signs or symptoms of the disease and that an MRI is what “tipped the balance” in his “journey of care.” I’m sure the good doctor would agree that without the PSA test ordered by his “astute” GP, his journey would have had a much different outcome.
Unfortunately, thousands of British Columbians don’t have a family physician to order this simple blood test, never mind a follow-up MRI.
David Hughes
Victoria
Opposition to pipeline will increase
The Trans Mountain pipeline construction must be stopped.
Since construction started, opposition has shot up, especially in Ontario, Quebec and B.C., where the Liberals are holding dozens of ridings by the skin of their teeth.
As costs to taxpayers increase, and resistance on the ground heats up, opposition will increase even further.
The Indigenous-led movement opposing Trans Mountain isn’t going anywhere — and if Justin Trudeau tries to ram the pipeline through, he’ll lose any hope of campaigning on climate or reconciliation in the next election.
Trans Mountain still faces huge legal hurdles.
Indigenous communities have already filed an appeal with the Supreme Court challenging the grounds on which the recent Federal Court decision was made — and we will see more appeals in the coming weeks.
Tom Rooney
Saanich
The cleanest choice is being rejected
I just want some clarity. The Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs want to protect their unceded territory by prohibiting the shipping of one of the cleanest-burning fuels in B.C.
They would rather use oil or propane, fly to Ontario to protest, drive gas- and diesel- burning vehicles. If this keeps up, they will be contributing to the early death of our planet, rather than protecting it.
Shipping this gas to other countries will result in less pollution, but they do not want that.
Frank Enns
Duncan
It's discrimination against the hard-working
Re: “The one per cent who help everyone,” letter, Feb. 22.
I fully support the letter. Almost all of the so-called “one per cent” made their wealth through hard work, taking chances, developing their skills and being a productive and valuable contributor to our society in general and their community in particular.
How dare the elected politicians discriminate against the minority group that already gives so much? When you include federal and provincial taxes, this group earning more than $220,000 already pay over 50% of their personal earnings.
That isn’t even factoring in the taxes that the companies they create have to pay.
Singling out the exceptionally successful is clearly unfair. As the letter suggests, why would the risk-taking community builders keep going when the politicians clearly work to penalize and block their efforts.
Tax everybody fairly on their earnings.
I value and respect anyone who works at something they love, and expects an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.
I respect the person who saves my life on the operating table as well as the person who collects my garbage from my home.
I respect the person who earns more money because their job carries more responsibility in serving and helping others in our community.
Doug Oakley
Victoria
Send us your letters
• Email: letters@timescolonist.com
• Mail: Letters to the editor, Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.
Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for length, legality or clarity.
