To the editor,
If we have learned anything from this COVID-19 pandemic it is that we seem to manage very well despite the efforts of our federal government.
During all of calendar 2021, our federal representatives showed up for work in Ottawa on all of 96 days. For this exemplary dedication to duty, each MP received a base annual salary of $185,600 plus other remuneration for serving on committees, travel expenses, second home expenses and other perks, medical and pension benefits too numerous to mention.
Not to be outdone, our Senate, that body of sober second thought, managed a paltry 77 days in session, earning each member a mere $160,800 per annum plus similar perks and benefits as their MP colleagues.
Meanwhile, front-line health care workers, retail store employees, truckers, police, hotel and restaurant staff, municipal workers et al, managed to show up for work every day (or when allowed) despite the constant threat of exposure.
That we will survive this pandemic is thanks to these dedicated members of society. We, the general public, will be forever in their debt, but maybe it’s time to rethink the exorbitant price of maintaining government that seems very long on costs and very short on service.
Alan McPhee, Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Face adversity bravely
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