Take these actions to stabilize incomes
In order to raise the needed revenue to stabilize the incomes of everyone affected by the consequences of the virus, I would suggest the following measures be taken by the federal government.
Given the enormous bank profits, regulations should be passed to suspend mortgage and all loan payments without penalty; a hiatus of credit card interest when households can only afford the minimum required; immediate legislation reforming the tax code to levy a tax on all individuals and corporations that have holdings in tax havens; tax capital gains comparable to employment income rather than the current 50%; a surtax on bonuses paid to CEOs; removing taxes on small businesses; waiving taxes assessed when withdrawing money from registered plans.
Such measures would demonstrate action speaks louder than words.
David Ramsay
Brentwood Bay
Credit-card interest needs to be lowered
Lots of people have credit, enabling them to pay bills during tight times, but if the COVID-19 issue persists, living off credit gets expensive, with interest rates of near or above 20% a common reality.
I propose the government mandate low or no interest rates on credit card purchases until this issue settles down. This will free up more resources for the government and provide peace of mind to creditors. This one policy could keep the economy moving during this period of chaos.
Bennett Guinn
Victoria
An argument against higher density
So the next time one hears from a council on the urgent need for increased density in housing and population, it may want to reflect upon how those factors remarkably worsen the spread of the coronavirus.
Brian Nimeroski
Sooke
Drivers still running yellows and reds
In these uncertain times it's comforting to know that Victoria drivers will still blow through yellows, reds and crosswalks without a thought about pedestrians, because even in a time when we should all be working together and considering each other, it’s more important for them to get where they’re going than to be courteous and follow the rules of the road.
Eryn Yaromy
Victoria
Prepared for a major quake but not this
For years we have been adequately educated on how to prepare for a major earthquake event in our city. The question now is why were we not prepared for the breakout of a highly contagious virus. Preparedness means having the appropriate first aid kit on hand, enough food for all members of your household, as well as your four-footed cohabitants, including the necessity of having on hand a device to turn off gas or propane at source.
Canadians were caught off guard with COVID-19 and this is having drastic consequences. No better evidence of this is the shortage of protective masks, cleaning supplies , and personal thermometers, along with outright disruption of life.
Thousands, possibly millions, are now confined to house isolation. We have the experience of other virus outbreaks by which to learn by. The question remains why were we not better prepared and on alert for this crisis and the question that begs an answer is what level of government bears the responsibility for leaving the public so sadly ill prepared.
Pamela McColl
Vancouver
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