BIRD TALK

Dear Bird Talk,

I have written to my MPP and voiced my objection to the health care premium recently announced in Ontario and I wanted to pass this along to the CSA.

Seniors on fixed incomes who have been fortunate enough to be able to afford the health care costs while wintering south of the border may have a tougher time this winter with the new Ontario Health Care Premium now in place.

I believe that seniors and all Canadians who look after themselves and rarely use the health care system should be rewarded, not taxed, for doing so. I keep reading articles that 70% of all cancer and heart disease can be prevented through a lifestyle change, and I personally resent having to pay a health care tax for the obese and those who use tobacco and abuse alcohol, who traditionally end up being the biggest users of the health care system. I also believe that all revenues from lotteries and casinos should be solely dedicated to health care costs. If this were done, the new health care tax could likely be discontinued.

Wayne Kloske

Response:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject, Mr. Kloske. We totally agree. It has been the position of the CSA since its inception that snowbirds are healthier Canadians whose lifestyles reduce the burden on our medicare system. Unfortunately, we as snowbirds have had our medicare benefits inside and outside of Canada compromised by the deeds of a few that have elected to take advantage of our system.