The Steele report

The recent news that political parties were eligible for funding under the swath of economic programs has caused a sudden reaction in some circles. At first glance it appears political parties are cashing in on public funded programs.

For just a moment before we all cry shame lets put things into perspective.

First of all the program was set up to keep people working. Those in smaller employee workplaces. Those in not for profit institutions and community based workplaces. The parties and they all are part of the application process are eligible due to their status as non-profit organizations.

Break it down one more step. Ordinary staff in not-for-profit organizations don’t make as much as for profit companies in many cases. This situation is not about the parties it is about working people who just happen to be working in a party office.

It is no different than if they were working for United Way or some other organization. There is shock for no reason in my view in that these employees are just a vulnerable as any other economic group we are trying to help. Even more important they meet the requirements for assistance. Think for just a moment, is it alright to dole out money to oil companies and provide loan guarantees to large corporations and deny others assistance because of who they work for?

In the situation we are in, my view is that we should try to save every job we can to stave off an economic depression, it should also be pointed out many ordinary staff jobs are filled with single mothers and those on the mid to lower mid income scale and they are providing a service to society. Because some work for a political party does not mean their contribution to society is of lesser value.

It should also be noted the money is not going to enhance a political war chest it is going to pay to keep people working, one way or another the taxpayer pays in a program for salaries or employment Canada checks to have them stay home as the unemployed. Personally I think we have a lot more to be worried about than the parties participating in a program they are eligible for.

Fred Steele