In a recent letter, B. Campbell commented on “economic issues around the world” and “our standard of living in Canada.”
I would guess most of those who read the letter would agree they are economically fortunate. However, a look at Canada’s history will help in understanding what we have.
To begin, it is generally understood Canada fared better than some other countries in the most recent recession because of banking policies that were in place long before the current government. The parents of our baby boomers grew up in the Great Depression when a large proportion of Canadians suffered hardship. Many found no work or received low wages, could not feed their families, could not afford to go to a doctor or keep their children in school.
Between 1930 and 1935, Conservative government policies neither “solved” the Depression nor helped people find their own solutions to their poverty.
After the Second World War, a succession of governments realized Canada needed policies that would enable more Canadians to be successful. Those polices are known as the social safety net. The baby boomers had far more opportunities than their parents and, having gained an education, jobs with a living wage and health care. They were able to buy homes and help their own children so much more.
The good fortune we now enjoy had its beginnings in the 20th century.
With the cost of living growing, there is a segment of society that lives below the poverty line. They can’t find affordable housing and jobs with living wages. Current federal economic policies do not help them to get out of poverty. The tax breaks we hear so much about are of greater benefit to those who do not need help.
Those of us who are fortunate can choose to care about those who are not. We can choose to elect a government that would take the actions needed to bring an end to the problem of child poverty.
Janet Pattinson
