Readers share their thoughts on the OAS, prime ministerial portraits, separatist sentiment, the new EV rebates, plus much more

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Re: ‘We don’t need it’: Seniors call for reduced Old Age Security payments — Rahim Mohamed, Feb. 3

I am a fortunate senior who could live without the scaled back amount I receive for Old Age Security. My thoughts are as follows. I would be happy to have the option to opt out on what I am eligible for in lieu of a small tax break for the donation. This would be a voluntary action, which is always a better politically, and which collectively could make a difference.

Luella Iseppon, Niagara Falls

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I would like to congratulate the retirees quoted in this article for being financially “comfortable.” This is an enviable position that many seniors will never attain — especially single ones. Not every senior has an indexed defined benefits pension plan.

The Old Age Security is funded solely by taxes and is not an invested program as CPP has become. Instead of eliminating the program for “comfortable” seniors, how about the government making OAS a designated fund that is invested to make money. Seniors who don’t want their payments could give them to the charity of their choice. This would be a far better use of the money than returning it to the government.

Valerie Boyd, Woodbridge, Ont.

Re: Stephen Harper’s portrait is loaded with secrets and clues. Here are some you likely missed — Chris Knight, Feb. 4

Although I did see photographs of Stephen Harper’s official portrait, I hope to view it in person one day. Like Vermeer, Rembrandt and Caravaggio, artist Phil Richards managed to include many meaningful, though subtle, messages in the portrait. As well, his use of chiaroscuro or, “light and shadow,” was also subtle, but helped to present his subject as someone who truly is one of Canada’s greatest prime ministers.

When his successor’s portrait is painted, for an accurate depiction of Justin Trudeau and his term as prime minister, the appointed artist could paint Trudeau in a clown costume with matching makeup, or perhaps in blackface, wearing culturally appropriated Indian party clothing. Either of these treatments would be an accurate portrayal of how Canadians see the person who, through the lens of history, will be remembered as the country’s worst prime minister.

Mary Anne Clarke,........

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