Letters, April 17: ‘The energy add-ons are putting us in the poorhouse’ – Calgary Sun
Breadcrumb Trail Links
Publishing date:
KILLER FEESWhen will our provincial politicians understand it is not the actual price per kilowatt of energy, or the price per kilojoule of natural gas that is killing consumers? It is all the add on fees like administration levies and distribution fees; (plus) more that makes gas and electricity so expensive for every homeowner. Then there is GST and carbon tax, or tax on a tax, to make things worse. The UCP will enact a rebate, next winter, should the prices go over a pre-determined price. Again, the base price is not the root of the problem. If gas and electricity was free and consumers had to just pay for all the add ons, heating and lighting a home would still be very pricey. And then there is idiot Justin Trudeau. He only believes the CT is only found at the gas pumps when filling, or on the natural gas bill. He clearly does not understand how the CT can be found and is attached onto every item associated with everyday life. Why? Because Trudeau has not paid for anything out of his own pocket since 2015. And before that is questionable as well. Canadian taxpayers are filling his pantry and fridge, as well as heating and lighting Rideau Cottage. So Trudeau is completely unaware and oblivious to what is going on within Canada. This can be said for a lot of issues, but inflation and cost of living do not exist within the Trudeau household.ROLLY KLAEPATZ(This inflation is making it harder for every Canadian living from paycheque to paycheque, and even worse for those deeper in need.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
AN HONEST DOLLARS.I. Petersen makes a good point. If we want an effective economic system, we need to ensure that it incentivizes good behaviour. If the tax code is set up to encourage laziness by rewarding people who accrue passive income through capital gains, instead of rewarding people who have to work a full week to earn the same income, then it is punishing people who have to work for a living. Its not a lot of effort to invest in a solid index fund that gives good returns, you simply put your money in and you get free money as return on interest for doing literally nothing. This system also creates income inequality because the amount of passive income one gets is proportional to their wealth. People become more wealthy by being wealthy, in a vicious cycle. Meanwhile, a single worker is only able to work for 16 waking hours a day, and their paycheque then gets eaten up by the rising cost of living combined with stagnant wages. Maybe we should adjust capital gains tax to be as high as income taxes, so that the economy supports people who contribute instead of wealthy freeloaders.KEVIN WEBSTER(But it wont go anywhere insinuating people are wealthy freeloaders.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
SOCIALISM FAILSRe: ITS ABOUT CARING, letter, April 10. Thats all fine and dandy, but reality paints a different picture. In fact, communist socialism as defined by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels has never prevailed over the ages. The United Socialist Soviet Republic, or U.S.S.R., is the classic example. When it imploded under Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 the United States of America under Ronald Reagan celebrated the largest victory of the 20th century for capitalism, by winning the Cold War. It was the ultimate showdown between communism and capitalism a.k.a. the free market economy. Socialist communism will never prevail in the long run, as it requires totalitarian dictatorships where their own people are fighting this political system from within, and economic ambitions and personal incentives no longer exist. It is quite possible that the present Russian socialist communism under Vladimir Putin may fail again, as he has too many opponents within his Russia. North Korea, Venezuela and even China will eventually fail because of their socialist communist ambitions.CASPAR PFENNINGER(Just say no to socialism.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
BAD MOVE, WILLJust a comment from an old story now. The academy suspends Will Smith for 10 years and his reputation takes a big dive. He not only embarrasses himself as well as his family but pretty much any of his homies for slapping Chris Rock with a girly man slap and not even get a stagger or head shake from the comedian, who is quite smaller than Smith. Chris Rock showed a great deal of self control and class by brushing off the incident with great professional behaviour and in doing so made Will Smith a real small man in the eyes of Hollywood, but more importantly his friends who may chicken at his slap on Mr. Rock, that will do more damage to his ego than any suspension from Hollywood ever will.KEN UHREN(He really hurt his brand with that behaviour.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
DITCH THE FLUORIDESo Ottawa is going to spend billions on a national dental-care program, specifically aimed at low- and medium-income Canadians. The program is supposed to be up and running by the end of the year for children under 12, by the end of next year for those under 18, seniors and those with disabilities, and fully implemented by 2025. So why is Calgary still moving forward on a multi-million dollar fluoridation program aimed at low- and middle-income residents, when the federal program is supposed to cover everyones needs from cradle to grave? Is this what they call a two-tier health care? Spend millions promising to eradicate cavities at a local level, but just in case that doesnt work out, spend billions more nationally to make sure local failures dont become national failures. Just another example of fiscally responsible local leadership and why your taxes keep climbing.PAUL BAUMBERG(One is purely preventative so you dont need the other so much, no?)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
GO AWAY, GREENIESReally? Groovy Steve Guilbeault, the Green Jesus of Montreal? Quite the promotion for an attention desperate roof-stomper looking to scare the wits out of Colleen Klein. As usual, the save the world pose was just that. No resemblance to the Yeshua I know who was emphatically not about crucifying His neighbours. As long as Greenpeace is ruling the country, Jason Nixons civil disobedience within Confederation action-plan has great merit. In fact, its my kinda war. Where do I sign up? Nobody asked for these tree-humping bozos to shove their religion down our throats. In fact, if were so cranked about getting rid of the premier that got us through a uniquely-terrible situation with at least a few freedoms intact, why arent we getting behind Jason Nixon? Forget the bottom-feeders and swine in the pines.GUY PLECASH(OK.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
SORRY CHARESTSo, Jean Charest says that Pierre Poilievre should resign from the Conservative leadership race. He said Pierre supported the truck convoy, so he is not fit to run. Well, I dont know what show Charest was watching because I saw it differently. Pierre supported the democratic freedom of peaceful assembly. There wasnt any violence in the Ottawa protest. It might have caused disruption but there wasnt any violence. Secondly, wasnt it nice to have someone take the time to go down to the people and see what was happening? Charest should look in his closet. Was he not working for Huawei while our two Michaels were incarcerated in China? Now that looks more of a reason for Charest to resign. Maybe he could simply come up with some unique ideas to boost his popularity rather than hooking on to a very controversial subject. Hes also got that university student protest in Quebec that doesnt look too good on him. So, Ill stand by Pierre and his values. Hes standing by his objectives and values and giving the Canadian people some hope for a better future! We dont need a liberal at the head of the Conservative party. Its time for a change and Jean Charest is not the answer!DIANE BEILNER(Is Canada excited for yesterdays man? Likely not.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
CARBON NIGHTMARERegarding Brian Lilleys article about how Justin Trudeau is a climate hypocrite, it is actually much worse than indicated in the article. In the article, an online carbon calculator is used to determine Trudeaus flying carbon footprint. The online carbon calculators are based on commercial airliners flying at around 95% capacity. Thus for example, if a Boeing 737 MAX were flying from Ottawa to Calgary with 95 passengers (assuming maximum passenger load of 100) the carbon calculator would provide a good value of the carbon emissions of each passenger on that flight. But if the plane was only carrying 30 passengers, then the carbon emissions for each passenger would be about triple and this is generally not reflected in online carbon calculators. Since Trudeau doesnt fly commercially, but instead on government jets, and rarely with 100 people on a plane, Trudeaus carbon footprint is much worse than noted in Brian Lilleys article. The fact that Trudeau is such a blatant climate hypocrite has been previously discussed by engineers in August of 2021. Trudeau truly is the Prince of Privilege in all things that he does, while ordinary Canadians must suffer his follies.S. ALLAN SHELLEY(Yep, a gem.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
RIP VAN CHARESTAfter a 10-year hibernation from Canadian politics, this adept political opportunist has shockingly awoken from a deep sleep. Jean Charest has a checkered history in politics, including a forced resignation after attempting to interfere in the affairs of a Quebec Superior Court judge. He is also a political chameleon, morphing his political colours from a Progressive Conservative cabinet post to a lengthy stint as the provincial leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec. His appalling, unprovoked and unwarranted attack on Pierre Poilievre displays a wanton lack of moral fibre while satiating his voracious appetite for political stardom. Albertans should bear in mind that Jean was an early mover in the fledgling environmental movement years ago, while now professing loudly that he stands firmly on the side of Western Canadian interests. Jean, we did not ask for you, do not want or need you and politely, but firmly, ask that you return to the perpetual slumber from whence you came.DAVID HUGHES(Another career politician who thinks he knows whats best for Canadians.)
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Calgary Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.
Read more:
Letters, April 17: 'The energy add-ons are putting us in the poorhouse' - Calgary Sun
- Colorado's socialist surge shakes up the Democratic establishment - Fox News - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- AOCs ABC Interview and the Fight Over What Socialism Will Mean - Left Voice - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Opinion | Socialism Is the Wrong Answer, but the Questions Are Real - wsj.com - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Maher says Trump further left than Dems citing Intel stake: This is socialism - The Hill - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Capitalism is about incentives. Stopping the stupidity of socialism is a big incentive - Fox News - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Democrats divided over partys future as socialism faces test in Wisconsin - Fox News - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Here Comes the Islamophobia, Racism, and Claims of Socialism - michiganchronicle.com - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Smerconish: Will the Democratic Party become the party of democratic socialism? - CNN - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Veronique de Rugy: Socialism in the open and on the right - UnionLeader.com - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- 'Socialism is a disaster': Bill Ackman says Zohran Mamdani's bad left-wing housing policy is worsening New York's affordability crisis - Fortune - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Opinion | DSA socialism is Peter Pan politics for sandbox revolutionaries - washingtonpost.com - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- What young Wisconsin voters say about the rise of democratic socialism - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Republicans seize on Michigan progressives' wins, but party is split on socialism message - Reuters - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Contributor: Do Republicans realize they're doing socialism out in the open? - Los Angeles Times - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Arthur Brooks: Will Socialism Make You Happy? - thefp.com - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Ten Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Arguments for Socialism and Why Theyre Wrong - Cato Institute - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Opinion | Socialism Is Hereand Its Serious - WSJ - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Rise of the reds: how Americans got the taste for socialism - The Times - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Can You Imagine a Future Where Adults Don't Believe in Socialism? - Reason Magazine - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Opinion | Capitalism or socialism? Heres the real challenge for America. - washingtonpost.com - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Tarrant commissioners thank WWII veteran for defeating socialism at Battle of Iwo Jima - Fort Worth Report - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Their parents fled socialism. Now theyre running to bring it to America - Washington Examiner - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- The GOP Is Warning About Socialism While Quietly Embracing It - Reason Magazine - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Lessons on socialism from someone imprisoned under it - Seattle Red - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Letters: Young people are embracing democratic socialism because they are fed up with corporate greed - Chicago Tribune - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- What does the rise of Democratic Socialism mean for Dems? - LiveNOW from FOX - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Financial expert warns socialism is a 'disaster' for NYC housing - Fox Business - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- The GOP Warns of Socialism While Embracing It - RealClearPolicy - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- Is Socialism Americas Future? Experts Weigh In - The Root - August 7th, 2026 [August 7th, 2026]
- VICTOR JOECKS: The inadequacy of opposing socialism - Las Vegas Review-Journal - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- This is what socialism is really about, Rep. Darrell Issa says - Fox Business - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- Americans are going to realize how destructive socialism is, Rep Brandon Gill says - Fox News - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- Tiffany Criticizes Hongs Campaign Stop, Socialism, Past Tweets - MacIver Institute - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- Trump-backed candidate Michael Alfonso warns GOP is losing the socialism fight - seattlered.com - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- Caldwell: Socialism Is The American Dream Without The America Hustle - Fox News - August 4th, 2026 [August 4th, 2026]
- A voters guide to democratic socialism: It isnt what most people think - Maryland Matters - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- Opinion | Wanted: A voice of reason on socialism - The Washington Post - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- An important contribution by Ernest Mandel to the debate on the transition to socialism - International Viewpoint Online magazine - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- Members of Mamdanis DSA pledge to support and defend China: Survival of Chinese socialism is a crucial matter - nypost.com - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- What Gen Z liberals mean when they say they like socialism - The Up and Up | Rachel Janfaza - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- LETTER: Democratic Socialism isnt an existential threat - Midland Daily News - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- Wynnewood reader challenges op-ed claims about socialism and immigration - Northeast Times - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- Heeding the warnings of past on socialism - Observer Today - - August 1st, 2026 [August 1st, 2026]
- Opinion | Democrats and the Fear of Socialism - The New York Times - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- What is Democratic Socialism? Heres What You Need to Know - Focus on the Family - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Opinion | Socialism and the Young - WSJ - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- The Cuban Countryside in the Twilight of Socialism - The Washington Stand - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- How Democratic Socialism Created Californias Housing Crisis: News Article - Independent Institute - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Socialism Is Whatever You Want It to Be - WSJ - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Is Rhode Island the next test case for socialism? | Opinion - The Providence Journal - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Capitalism, socialism and the future of the United States - news.cgtn.com - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Socialism is a pie in the sky treatment: Byron York - Washington Examiner - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Opinion: American idealism vs. socialism: The war is on our doorstep - The Herald Journal - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Cuban immigrant Jorge Martinez warns against socialism in the US - Fox News - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- David Asman on COVID-19 tipping off rise in socialism: 'Perfect storm' - Fox Business - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- Are Canadians actually obsessed with socialism? Not so fast - The Hub | More Signal. Less Noise. - July 26th, 2026 [July 26th, 2026]
- How American Socialism Changed, and Stormed the Democratic Party - The New York Times - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Saving Socialism: What North Korea Learned from the Collapse of the Soviet Union - Texas National Security Review - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Is democratic socialism really on the rise in the United States? - Northeastern Global News - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- China and DPRK strengthen historic relations with socialism at the core on treaty anniversary - Friends of Socialist China - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Checks and Balance newsletter: The weirdness of American socialism - The Economist - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- 2026 APSA Theme Panel: Anti-Oligarchy: Between Plebeian Constitutionalism and Varieties of Socialism - Political Science Now - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- US Oil & Gas president: Progressive Green New Deal for AI is 'socialism' - Fox Business - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Opinion | Socialism and the Decline of the Black Family - WSJ - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Is participation in elections the road to socialism? - Democratic Left - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Rep. Dan Newhouse reflects on legacy, warns of rising socialism, vows to keep fighting for Washington - 570 KVI - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Letters to the editor, Sunday, July 12: Roots of democratic socialism - Worcester Telegram - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Centring equity in the fight for socialism: A hard lesson from the Human Rights Commission - springmag.ca - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Democratic socialism offers communism with better branding - Washington Times - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Port: What socialism is and what it isn't - InForum - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Tom Tiffany likens fight to end democratic socialism in Wisconsin to the nations fight to end slavery - The Milwaukee Courier - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- A DSA governor? Francesca Hong tests whether socialism can win statewide in Wisconsin - Washington Examiner - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Letter To The Editor: Dave Simpson Is Right About Democratic Socialism - Cowboy State Daily - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Democrats are belatedly standing up to socialism - UnHerd - July 13th, 2026 [July 13th, 2026]
- Dear Fellow Conservatives: Stop Conflating Socialism with Communism. - News of the United States - NOTUS - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]
- A Big Gamble for the Left: Can Socialism Appeal in a Swing State? - The New York Times - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]
- Rebels with a cause: The Black Panther Party and socialism in practice - The Real News Network - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]
- LETTERS: Buyers be wary of socialism; this is disturbing - Colorado Springs Gazette - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]
- Democrats, Stop Taking the Bait: The Socialism Label Fight Is Exactly What the GOP Wants - Daily Kos - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]
- Econ Experts Roast Trump's Walmart Boast as 'Democratic Socialism' On MS NOW, Warns He's Hurting Small Businesses - Yahoo - July 7th, 2026 [July 7th, 2026]