Time to ease lockdown at U.S. border
Since I pay $1,000 annually, I expected a substantial rebate after three months of reduced use during the pandemic. My rebate after review? I get a measly $22 annual reduction . ... Maybe now is the time for a not-for-profit, government-run insurance program. Rene Jacques
So it seems the U.S. border will continue to be closed indefinitely to non-essential traffic.
What purpose will that serve exactly with the automotive industry going back to work?
Now we will have many more people crossing every day with no quarantine measures — transport drivers, hourly workers, engineers and others.
It’s not like the general public is going to be rushing in either direction. There are no restaurants, concerts or major sporting events to attract anyone.
To that end, why can’t non-essential traffic such as people with relatives, kids, grandkids, friends — and in my case a significant other — be allowed to cross?
With proper hygiene, social distancing and a specific destination to go, there should be no reason to not allow travel.
There are no tourist attractions open on either side. When I came home from the U.S. last time I gladly did my two weeks in quarantine and would do again.
Premier Doug Ford went to his cottage recently and then had relatives over who didn’t live in the same house, even though that was restricted.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau moves across provincial lines daily even though that is also restricted. And let’s not forget about Easter when we were under lockdown but he went to visit his family at the cottage.
Power has privileges, I guess. It seems to be ‘do as I say, and not as I do.’
Rick Heydon, Windsor
Riverfront wrong site for streetcar
Re: Reader letter: Streetcar undesired on the waterfront, by Brenda Weeks-clarke, May 16
I join the countless informed voices who have strongly rejected buildings or structures on the riverfront — in particular this proposed streetcar project that will obstruct the city’s waterfront at the foot of Askin Boulevard.
I have followed numerous public opinion consultations as far back as the 1980s when I was the bank manager of the former TD Bank at the corner of Riverside Drive and Ouellette Avenue.
City council must refer to the Canadian and provincial award-winning plan that is outlined in the “Central Riverfront Implementation Plan” found at www.citywindsor.ca to see design principles clearly set out promoting a ‘Consistent Design Approach” and criteria for “Buildings and Structures.”
Simply stated in this report, the intent of any buildings or structures on the riverfront must “retain clear, unobstructed views from Riverside Drive to the park and river.”
Despite its historical significance, the streetcar simply does not belong on the riverfront.
This project is circumventing all wisdom that has been endorsed by citizens and council over the years.
Suzanne De Froy, Windsor
Little relief on auto insurance rankles
Many U.S. car insurance companies are offering customers rebates due to COVID-19 situation and often say you don’t even have to call them.
My broker told me each company is different here in Canada.
Canadians must call and there are no general rebates, even though most retirees are not driving more than a few kilometres for groceries and medical appointments.
If you are laid off, you can reduce your policy to pleasure only.
I cannot as I am retired. For a retiree who only has one car, if you drive, there is no relief.
So, U.S. companies, in general, seem more concerned about all their customers.
I found an online article recently on what emergency relief insurers in Canada will offer customers. It states, in part, premiums will be adjusted based on usage.
So, I advised my broker how I drive about 10 per cent currently of my normal mileage.
Since I pay $1,000 annually, I expected a substantial rebate after three months of reduced use during the pandemic.
My rebate after review? I get a measly $22 annual reduction.
After years of outrageous company profits, maybe now is the time for a not-for-profit, government-run insurance program. Rene Jacques, Windsor
Supervisors also deserve top-up pay
I would like to thank all the essential workers for continuing to work and playing a vital role in keeping our country moving forward during this COVID-19 pandemic. Also, I would like to congratulate both the federal and provincial governments for working together in promoting the top-up in wages for front-line essential workers.
As Canadians we have grown accustomed to a certain way of life and many of us are guilty of taking things for granted.
I must confess that until the COVID-19 pandemic broke out I never really appreciated the value of supermarket workers until I witness the hard-working employees doing everything they can to keep the shelves stocked when people were in a panic to get supplies.
I think to reward those who put themselves at risk to serve Canadians is the right thing to do.
However, I believe not all front-line essential workers are going to receive this top-up in wages. I know it is hard to properly categorize who is an essential worker and who is not, but there are outstanding questions.
How come supervisors, planners or administrators of such essential operations are not included? Are they not essential, too? They must go to work every day to manage and direct staff.
I think it is fair to say not all supervisors or managers earn huge salaries. These workers also put their lives at risk, so let’s not forget about them.
Kevin Labonte, Windsor