Yet another parable from the mind of a provincial leader has left us to wonder if Islanders get any credit at all for having common sense, logic or any brains of their own for that matter.
In its infinite wisdom government, Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie to be more specific, has decreed new guidelines will be put into place for tanning salon owners, operators and users on PEI.
This doesn’t sit especially well with some operators who are already well versed on the use of tanning beds and have existing guidelines to keep their patrons informed of any dangers of misuse, over use or any use at all.
Currie’s concern that there's a connection between sun beds and cancer is plausible. No one will argue that and the fact that PEI has one of the highest rates of Melanoma in the country is worrisome. Melanoma is the third and most deadly type of skin cancer.
Currie’s campaign is basically aimed at educating Islanders on the potential risks of willingly exposing their bodies to ultraviolet light. But herein lies the question: do we really need to be told? Currie’s Holy Grail amidst a sun-seeking society should offend the parents/guardians of residents under the age of 18 since they would be restricted from using the indoor sun beds. Small businesses should be angered by the political interference and every last Islander should resent the province for down playing their intelligence.
In typical fashion the province tells us what it intends to do. However the motive is eclipsed by the absence of important information such as the number of facilities offering this service on PEI or even an estimated number of people and their average age who use the beds.
The kicker is that government will proceed with its campaign but small businesses will pay the price - yet again.
-----------

Grateful to be back
Sometimes life takes us down a path not of our choosing but one that holds a host of surprises and gives us a fresh look at our daily routines.
The last editorial I wrote was the end of July when what should have been the start of a two-week summer vacation turned into a four-and-a-half month first-hand encounter with the workings of traditional health care in this province.
That's a story all of its own but first things first.
A lot has happened during my time away from the job I've held here for 38 years.
For starters my absence gave me a whole new appreciation for the entire Graphic team from sales to production to my bosses. Their compassion was touching and immensely appreciated. Among those individuals were the people who bring you the news each week. Initially the editorials were written by our Island Farmer editor Andy Walker but my lengthy hiatus eventually put reporter Jonathan Charlton in the editor's seat, a challenge he capably accepted. That meant Charlton's time was divided between going out and getting the stories, editing other's work and writing the editorials. This in turn added to the other reporters, David MacDonald and Charlotte MacAulay's, responsibilities.
A new and brighter light also now shines on my family and circle of friends and others who helped me keep my sanity through this challenge.
I'm back. I'm grateful and very pleased to be here.