Calvert in Trouble
Randy Burton's article in the Star Phoenix highlights the problems that Calvert is facing. He has a high-profile former NDP cabinet minister (Janice MacKinnon) working against him, panning his universal drug plan. He has another former cabinet minister running in this election who could face charges (Glenn Hagel).
Add to that the fact that he is finding it difficult to criticize the plans of the Saskatchewan Party. Take his quote as an example: "They would say to the family of a 15-year-old diabetic child that there is no help for you, unless of course, you want to buy a $74,000 used Mercedes and we'll take the tax off it."
First of all, few people buy used $74,000 car. The people who most often purchase used vehicles are the less well off in society. Secondly, the less well-off in society usually ALREADY receive relief from the government for prescription drugs. This information was given to me from a friend who is a pharmacy student at the U of S: "Special Support is an voluntary drug plan that is available to anyone in the province. Total family drug costs are compared to the total net family income. If drug costs exceed 3.4%, they only pay a percentage co-payment, determined to bring their overall drug cost to 3.4%. This percent discount is automatically applied to all benefit(Formulary)drugs purchased in any Saskatchewan pharmacy, and the government is the first payer. Insurance is then applied, and then if any cost remains,it is out-of-pocket. If they do not currently spend greater than 3.4%, a semi-annual deductible is given and in the event that this cost is reached, a percentage discount is applied (I believe they pay 33% of drug costs until the deductible period renews). This plan has been in place in this province for years."
Come on Lorne, can't you do better? I thought the NDP were master campaigners!
Add to that the fact that he is finding it difficult to criticize the plans of the Saskatchewan Party. Take his quote as an example: "They would say to the family of a 15-year-old diabetic child that there is no help for you, unless of course, you want to buy a $74,000 used Mercedes and we'll take the tax off it."
First of all, few people buy used $74,000 car. The people who most often purchase used vehicles are the less well off in society. Secondly, the less well-off in society usually ALREADY receive relief from the government for prescription drugs. This information was given to me from a friend who is a pharmacy student at the U of S: "Special Support is an voluntary drug plan that is available to anyone in the province. Total family drug costs are compared to the total net family income. If drug costs exceed 3.4%, they only pay a percentage co-payment, determined to bring their overall drug cost to 3.4%. This percent discount is automatically applied to all benefit(Formulary)drugs purchased in any Saskatchewan pharmacy, and the government is the first payer. Insurance is then applied, and then if any cost remains,it is out-of-pocket. If they do not currently spend greater than 3.4%, a semi-annual deductible is given and in the event that this cost is reached, a percentage discount is applied (I believe they pay 33% of drug costs until the deductible period renews). This plan has been in place in this province for years."
Come on Lorne, can't you do better? I thought the NDP were master campaigners!
posted by Saskatory at
9:08 AM
4 Comments:
I don't think anyone has suggested that Hagel might be charged with fraud. Obstruction of justice perhaps, or breach of trust, but no evidence has been adduced to suggest any elements of fraud on the part of Hagel.
I support the SaskParty, but I would implore you to alter your blog to make this point clear.
BTW, Hagel's family won a libel suit in Moose Jaw in 1994 because someone else made allegations in writing that were untrue. Be careful brotha!
By
Anonymous, at 8:51 PM
Thanks. I agree. Perhaps I was overzealous.
By
Saskatory, at 10:20 PM
Come on Lorne, can't you do better? I thought the NDP were master campaigners!
Maybe Calvert has seen internal polls telling him that he's in trouble in his own riding. After all, he's in the same riding that Romanow represented, who was himself toppled in the 1982 electoral massacre.
By
Brian in Calgary, at 1:54 PM
Indeed, he did spend ALL DAY Saturday door knocking in his home riding. He's running scared.
By
Saskatory, at 3:05 PM
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