Letters to the Editor, Dec. 8


Colin Craig’s call for the abolition of supply management (“Government milk policy costs consumers dearly,” Dec. 2) is based on an incomplete analysis and understanding of government supports for dairy in Canada and the U.S. In the U.S. and many other countries, dairy production is heavily subsidized, meaning that those consumers pay twice for their milk: Once through their taxes and again at the cash register. Using taxpayer money to subsidize production is less transparent to consumers. The true cost is hidden, unlike in Canada’s supply management system. Furthermore, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. Unlike U.S. milk, Canadian milk is free of the artificial growth hormone rBST, which was never approved for sale in Canada. Canadian milk actually cost about 9% less than the equivalent rBST-free milk in the U.S., according to a 2018 study from Nielsen. This was also the case for dairy products: The average price of butter was 24% lower and the average price of cheddar cheese was 6% lower in Canada, according to the same study. Finally, the quality and consistency of milk can vary significantly! As a result of supply management and proAction, a program which established guidelines related to sustainable milk production on the farm, Canadians actually have consistently high-quality milk. The U.S. does not have an equivalent system. The stability of pricing and supply in Canada is a real advantage for consumers. Deregulation is not the golden ticket he makes it out to be.

Bobby Matheson

Vice-President, Advocacy Dairy Farmers of Canada

(Moooving right along)


I remember the first time I saw the Raptors mascot, I had a good chuckle, but I was satisfied with the concept, and over the years it was very entertaining to watch the Raptors mascot running around the stadium entertaining everybody with its funny antics. The best part, the Raptors won the NBA title in my lifetime, and I am almost 50 years old. However, I cannot say the same about Leafs mascot Carlton the Bear. It has been 20 years since they moved shop to the old post office at Bay and Lake Shore – it’s time for a mascot change. They are no longer at Carlton and Church and the bear should just stay there. Perhaps if the Leafs change their mascot, they may increase their chances of winning the Stanley Cup (we will see).

Jimmy Farrington


(Grin and bear it)


I do hope that with the frequent school shootings in the United States where innocent students are deeply traumatized, they vote for change in their state governments. These students will shortly reach the voting age and hopefully come together to help firm up gun ownership laws in their country by putting into power like-minded candidates who will vote for and pass better gun laws. They can certainly use or take a page or two out of Canada’s gun law book.

Robert J. Moskal


(Sadly gun laws won’t deter criminally minded individuals)


How does the mayor and city council have the audacity to raise my property taxes on the guise of investing in transit and housing? Week after seek I read about problems with the TTC – fare evaders, Presto not working, etc. TCHC is a mess – available units sitting empty, rent arrears of millions of dollars. Should the mayor and the city not get their house in order before they have their hands out for more?

Dan Blayney


(Empty your pockets)

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