Weighing in on duty-free issue
I would like to respond to the article "Duty free hikes criticized locally."
Firstly, the increase in duty-free limits was brought about because Canadian merchants have not reduced the prices of their goods, in spite of the high Canadian dollar.
Secondly, if all working people had the salaries, perks and bonuses of our MPs and MLAs they probably wouldn't shop across the line and would do their shopping locally.
I personally do very little shopping in the U.S. but I understand why families would like to get the best value for their hard-earned dollars.
Helga DawsonCastlegar
Kudos to Rick Hansen
I worked at the G.F. Strong Rehab Centre from 1965 to 1980. I met Rick Hansen there when he was a resident.When he first got there he was 16 years old.At that time we had 50 residents at the centre. We called them residents, not patients because the minimum stay was six months.
Rick became such a determined person that he finished his training in three months. We called him a Super Para.You know about his Man in Motion Tour, now he's coming to Castlegar.
The relay tour will start at Castlewood Village on Sunday, April 22. Castlewood Village is a great place to live for seniors. They have buffets, exercise rooms, hymn sing and Bible study groups, trips to just about everywhere and instant care if you need it.They also have dances and games. When I first got here someone said, "Aren't you going to the movie tonight? It's called 'Seventh Heaven.' I said 'I go to my room and I'm in seventh heaven.'
They are organized by Golden Life management. I am glad the Castlegar part of this tour is starting here.
I hope to meet Rick when he comes to release the fish (sturgeon) at the dam (Keenleyside) on Monday. I am here because of a heart condition. I hope Rick comes to visit here and I hope more people come and discover Castlewood.
Ralph Lemphers Castlegar