We’re responsible for our own choices

Re: MLA apologizes for linking ‘Lifestyle’ to health costs, July 24.

Since when does speaking honestly, giving good advice and reminding people that they are responsible for their actions become something to apologize for? Since “political correctness” moved way beyond the boundaries of common sense and rational, honest communication.

Fact 1: Funding for health care doesn’t come from “the government”; it comes from the tax dollars Canadians pay every day and every year. It comes from your neighbour. And the person on the next block, three provinces away, and from every part of Canada.

Fact 2: Health resources are limited. Our tax dollars must also cover education, roads, salaries for the fire and police departments and much more. Fact 3: Lifestyle choices are individual. Therefore, as individuals we are (should be?) responsible for the effects of the choices we make. “Government” already does provide a lot of help via clinics and other services to make healthy changes for those who have perhaps overindulged in food or drink or drugs in their past. For hospital beds and services to be taken up now and demanded in the future by people who choose not to live responsibly is a direct reflection on them, not on the health-care system.

It is Nova Scotia MLA Eddie Orrell who should be apologizing to MLA Hugh MacKay. And please, let’s shut down the “politics of correctness” and just work together. Canada is a good place; it’s up to each one of us to make it even better.

Mira Culham, Ottawa