The Minimum Wage Law

  This morning, I noticed that Tim Hortons continues to be in trouble because of its’ response to the provincial government’s new minimum wage law.  While I agree that they (Tim Hortons) had to do something, this should not have been a surprise to them, and they should not have been singled-out as the only business to be affected.

  It reminds me of a Toronto Star (1995) comment when Tim Hortons was merged with Wendy’s.  “The spectacle of another great Canadian icon, one more priceless chocolate coconut cream-filled dutchie glazed cruller Timbit of our precious heritage, gone to Yankee burgerfat; burp … and nobody around to pass the Maalox?"

  Then, when it was taken over by Popeyes (Restaurant Brands International) originally known as ‘Chicken on the Run’, you must have heard me screaming as I tore out my hair.

  But I digress.

  Why should there be a minimum wage?  That is the question.  Is a good happy life dependant upon wages?  Really? (Think about that).  Is a millionaire happy with his (her) income?  Most would probably say “No!”  Therefore, if things are to be made legal and relatively fair, why not have a maximum wage?

  Could we not adjust the liberal welfare system such that it provides, generally-speaking, sufficient funds to keep everyone above the poverty level … and set a fair minimum wage slightly above that, ensuring that employment is preferable to welfare.  Not to mention a conservative maximum wage … without percentage calculations (Remember).

  Please voice your thoughts below.

A Piece Of Cardboard

It happened yesterday, and made getting asleep so very difficult that I had to write about it this morning … to someone.

Leaving the local Superstore, I was confronted by a woman sitting on a low wall looking quite sad.  She was colourfully well-dressed, complete with a hijab, and seemed healthy.  I was surprised, not so much by the Islamic dress, but by a an old piece of cardboard that she was holding tightly in front of her, upon which was written, “I AM POOR GIVE ME MONEY”.  I experienced the proverbial ‘double-take’ … and walked away.

That’s why I had difficulty sleeping — not because of the hijab (known to be worn by some Christians also) but because she was a Muslim and, therefore, without a doubt, a refugee … and ... I walked away.

I needed answers.  Why, on a cold November day, did she need to sit outside the Superstore, apparently ignored by most people?  Why didn’t she visit the local mosque and talk to a charitable imam.  The government gives welfare cheques to all refugees, why is it insufficient (It is greater than my pension)?  Does she have a husband who demands more money?

So many embarrassing questions that need to be addressed.

NB.  It must be noted that, personally, I have some acceptance of Canada’s refugee policies … it is illegal immigrants that make me extremely angry (whatever their ethnic origin).  Just saying.