Letters: Offset rising health care cost through business insurance

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The government of Saskatchewan allocates 40 per cent of its budget towards health care.

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In light of the current health crisis, reducing funding for this crucial sector should not be an option.

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Instead, efforts should be made to increase the efficiency of health-care funding without compromising on quality. Alternative means of funding health care, such as involving businesses in the financing of employee health-care costs, should be explored.

In implementing a government insurance agency that covers all public health costs, and allowing for insurance use in private facilities, businesses could be mandated to pay for the health insurance of their employees.

Exemptions could be made for businesses that are unable to afford the mandate, with the government covering the insurance costs for those not covered by a business.

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The government insurance agency could offer a program for citizens to pay into, which would cover all private health care costs, including dental care and pharmacare, with the cost of that insurance being heavily subsidized.

In return for their contribution, businesses would be eligible for a tax credit if they maintain prices and salaries relative to inflation, supply, and demand, and reasonably maintain employment.

I have drafted a bill outlining a transition to this insurance system and sent it to the health minister’s office. The bill does not propose an immediate mandate, and instead outlines a process for consultation if a mandate is to be considered.

Gradual changes must be made if the health-care crisis is to be sustainably solved.

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Ty Thiessen, Lloydminster

Burkino Faso mosque shooting an act of terrorism

I want to express my horror regarding a heinous act of terrorism that took place in Burkina Faso on Jan. 11.

A mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Burkina Faso was attacked by a militant group who murdered nine worshippers.

There are no words that allow us to properly commiserate with their families: women widowed and not able to see their husbands again; children orphaned and not able to see their fathers again; and parents left with empty arms and unable to hug their sons again.

Murdering innocent people on the basis of religious differences? Humanity has been slayed one more time by fanatics. And the world is quiet.

When and how will this repression end? What legacy are we leaving behind for future generations?

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It is the responsibility of every individual to condemn such brutal acts. Otherwise, humanity will continue to be trampled. The pen is the most powerful weapon to combat evil.

In the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, our motto is: “Love for all and hatred for none.” We believe the only way to counter depravity is through illuminating the world with peace, love and education. Say no to terrorism. Let’s espouse the motto: Love for all, hatred for none.”

Faiqa Naz, Regina

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