Dear Editor
I am a senior citizen who has smoked 55 years. I enjoy it and don't intend to quit until I die or go broke at these ridiculous prices.
I watch in disgust as my retirement savings are being legally stolen by greedy politicians. Talk about scams. They say almost every major disease can be attributed to smoking, and what politician doesn't love to hear lobbyists advise raising taxes? I think their statistics are fudged.
The Saskatchewan government raised taxes by $1 a package and I asked my MLA why. He told me it was to keep up with other provinces. When I told him of the difference between Saskatchewan and Alberta prices, the spin was changed to the money being given to cancer and lung associations. I’m guessing these taxes go into general revenue.
I purchased a pack in Saskatchewan for $16 plus 10 per cent tax (tax on taxes). A pack in Alberta is $10 taxes included. In speaking to an aboriginal Canadian I was told they are $8 on the reserve. Equality? I think not. It’s discrimination against a minority.
Oil prices are down, so get ready for another sin tax grab, smokers. If governments cannot keep the books in the black then I suggest they make all taxpayers pay for their mismanagement and poor judgment not a minority group like tobacco users.
So I go to Alberta for my tobacco and I also find I can buy beer that is made in Saskatchewan cheaper there. Go figure.
W. Churchman
Cut Knife
