I have been following the news concerning raising liquor taxes by $.05 per drink which over a ten year period is estimated to finance a $500 million campaign that will provide services such as affordable housing to the mentally ill across Canadia. I know that this may seem like a big deal to some; people always get all uptight about taxes. My response is this: why not bump it up a notch to $.10 a drink?
A few months ago I probably would have been somewhat interested in this story but not cared too much. I am into my fourth week working at the health region and have had a encountered some eye opening experiences. After attending various meetings (all centered around mental health) I have become more and more interested in mental health within the community. It is quite clear that health care is directed primarily towards acute care, (it is hard to look "upstream" I realize that) but there are countless individuals stuck in limbo, too sick to live a "normal" life, but not necessarily sick enough to be an inpatient. There is nowhere near enough funding for these people, who end up wasting their life away, simply because the money is not there to teach them these skills such as coping strategies and therefore they are caught "downstream".
When will people open their eyes and realize there is an entire care system and acute care is only one small part of it? $500 million will not go far compared to the $15 billion dedicated to mental health each year but it is a start. It would only benefit everybody, why do people seem so blind to that? It's $.10!!! Today I jumped out of my car trying to get to a meeting on time (stupid calgary traffic) and I dropped $.25 and just left it. So, $.05 is nothing to me obviously, but could mean $500 million to aid mental illnesses.
It seems like a no-brainer to me.. Maybe I'll run Prime Minister..
I stand by my $1 billion dollar proposal!
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5 comments:
YOOOOO KATIE.
I disagree with your thoughts on this. I for one am completely against taxes being added anywhere. I mean enough is enough. I know 10 cents may not seem like that much to you, but it isnt about the 10 cents, it is about the government knowing how to properly allocate the money they take from our pockets. You know...10 cents here and 10 cents there can add up, especially when we are trying afford mortgages upwards of 400Gs now adays. I think the GOV has got to stop putting hands in our pockets....There you go....my thought. I thought I post some sort of response cause it seems kinda quiet on here....
Hello Kate,
You blog is so happening, I hear it is the place to be on the internet. I think that often the governement is quick to raise taxes however, I think taxing luxury items to help people how can not provide for themselves is a great idea. I mean if you really need the 5 cents that bad you probably should be spending money on booze to begin with...
PS i would never leave a whole quarter on the ground
Well.. Mateo, normally I would agree with you. I guess I am sensitive to the subject because I have now seen the lack of funding. Alcohol and mental illness pretty much go hand in hand. I mean sure, alcohol may do wonders for you and me, but what about those people who are sick? Why not try to help them out with our stupid dimes and nickels?!
Robin, I will start a jar for you and put my coins in it. It will be my contribution to help the mentally challenged. Just kidding, I love you and wish I could have your children. I have a master plan to kidnap Sid and win your affection..
I am slightly uncomfortable around seriously mentally inhibited individuals....I'm talking like the severely drooling and moaning ones who chase me....so I am all for putting them in houses.
TAKE MY CHANGE!!
Ps. I am not actually an asshole.
Heather, would you really want to put your little brother in a home just because he drools? ... on second thought, maybe that would be best for all..
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