I am pleased to read that MP Brent Rathgeber is listening to his constituents about federal budget priorities.
Wherever my friends and I go to the Legion, the hospital, the skating rinks, the churches, the curling rink, the local seniors’ centre or an Oilers game, the concern everyone seems to have is with the CBC’s high subsidy and the salaries of Peter Mansbridge and others. Personally, I want to know what taxpayers are paying for the inane comments of Don Cherry.
No one apparently is talking about the appalling level of child poverty in this country, the deplorable living conditions on native reserves or the crying need for major infrastructure spending. No one is questioning billions of dollars in tax giveaways to corporations. We wouldn’t have such a deficit if we quit giving away tax dollars.
No one is questioning the $130,000-plus base annual salaries paid to rubber stamp senators (Harper recently adding seven more hungry Tory mouths to feed) All they are talking about is the CBC!
I have a small contribution to make for the MP’s consideration. Perhaps MPs should start buying economical Air Canada flight passes rather than flying business class to and from Ottawa. Apart from saving money, they may actually talk to constituents rather than their business and political buddies.
Budget restraint should begin at home.
Bryan Corbett, St. Albert
