“What does the governor general actually do, other than travel around the globe at taxpayers’ expense?”
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Re: “Governor General Mary Simon’s inability to speak French causes unease among Liberals” (The Gazette, Sept. 25)
I hope the kerfuffle over Gov. Gen. Mary Simon’s lack of proficiency in French, after three years in her position, will serve as the last straw for this anachronism.
Canada and Britain exchange ambassadors and have ministers of foreign affairs who can together manage any intergovernmental issues below the prime-minister level. What does the governor general actually do, other than travel around the globe at taxpayers’ expense? The governor general’s office soaks up over $50 million annually that could be better spent elsewhere.
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It’s time for the position of governor general in Canada to be dumped into the dustbin of history.
David Grogan, Griffintown
Include tips and taxes in the price
Re: “Have we reached the tipping point on tips?” (The Gazette, Sept. 28)
The Gazette reports that “a 2023 Angus Reid survey found that most Canadians — 59 per cent — would exchange the current tip system for a service-included model with higher wages for servers.”
In the U.K., tipping is rare unless you get such wonderful service that you want to reward it. Go to a pub and you can expect a pint of premium beer to set you back the equivalent of around $8.30, with no tip expected.
In Quebec, you can expect the same pint to cost around $8 before taxes and tip.
There is an extra tax on alcoholic beverages in Quebec. Then the payment machine is shoved in front of you. If you add a 15 per cent tip, you’re now over $10.50. And I doubt the service in a Quebec bar is any better than in a London pub.
I believe servers, customers and restaurant owners would be better served if tips and taxes were included in the price of the item, and salaries of servers and other staff were raised.
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Gary Bernstein, C.D.N.-N.D.G.
Combative tactics counterproductive
Re: “Federal language watchdog urges anglos to fight Legault on English education” (The Gazette, Sept. 26)
With approximately 250 English-speaking attendees asking questions and commenting about our public school system, everyone seemed to agree last week’s two-day conference on English education was a hit. I learned a lot.
The only fly in the ointment, in my view, were the comments by Raymond Théberge, Canada’s commissioner of official languages, regarding school boards. I believe a combative approach is counterproductive, especially when some community members see limited value in the boards.
While the government is building new schools for the English sector, let’s be cool, take a diplomatic approach and use our energies to fight for the needs of students, teachers and support personnel. After all, it’s been said one can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.
Chris Eustace, Pierrefonds
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