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
Fred Steele says
I have advocated for a GAI for decades and someday it will happen and future generations won’t think about it. As for seniors getting almost nothing that might be a plus. People think they are getting free money. The truth is they are going to pay it back four times over in national debt interest. Yes this is a war with a virus and a deadly one, Make no mistake we are not done with the first wave and a second one is coming,
What we learn and the actions we take will determine our success rate.
Publisher: Here is what I have learned. Government wants you to know what they want you to know – no more. Government has hundreds even thousand of employees but few are tracking the real facts.
The number of cases and the recovery rate of people 0-70
The death rate of persons 70-100 years in age
Where people are being infected – close quarters – not in the open
Once we realize social distancing works, cleanliness works we should move to a new way of looking after the elderly – private, full of air, no more warehouses and god’s waiting room.
The health department emptied hospitals for capacity. That was ill advised but a gamble.
Total closure of the economy was a mistake – a gamble we will all have to pay for. Let’s learn from our mistakes – work on problem areas but stop gambling. There may well be a second wave – what are we planning on now. Few words from the wise ones.
Pat Hampson says
A program which assists people earning minimum wage who have found a job no matter the organization is a reasonable decision. Maintaining a workforce maintains an economy. The cost is far more palatable than another Depression which will also be inherited by our offspring.
Some will not benefit but that is always the situation when any government attempts to include everyone. The Conservatives were involved in the plan and decisions and also want to be elected as a majority so their posturing is nothing more than political expediency.
Covid19 should be considered a war and failure to react quickly in some countries has guaranteed a situation which almost parallels the 1918 Spanish Influenza. The difference is merely statistical but the virus poses a serious risk irrespective of social status or annual income.
Publisher: But the ads keeping saying – we are in this together. Bullshit – those that benefit do so quietly. Many are unaware of the true facts but honour well paid servants of the people for their sacrifice? Canada needs a GAI – the only level-ler that guarantees people are treated equally in housing, education, medical, human rights.
Pat I really do think you like the status quo – the poor, the renters, the under-employed etc. Its a balance that has worked well for you and many others. May I go on. I do not like all the special tax credits and subsidies presented by government to “some” people. If everyone, a millionaire or a homeless person was given a GAI. All that would stop – everyone could pay 5% percent of their income to support the common good. It is really so simple it will never be done.
Pat Hampson says
Well, Jack, if you want to believe I am happy with the status quo, that is your opinion however you know little about me, my opinions or previous life other than that which I have shared with you.
Published: Gosh darn Pat _ and I thought I knew you as well as most if not the very few. Know what were talking about – I have lost track.
Pat Hampson says
Your comment – ” Pat I really do think you like the status quo – the poor, the renters and the unemployed, it’s a balance which has worked for you…”; took me by surprise because it infers I don’t give a damn about anyone but me and my family.
Publisher: Sorry and I guess I have to repeat myself – the status quo for me or you has worked fairly well for us. I think both of us ”gives a damn” based on our past – but in many ways society is beginning to change or maybe never changed between the haves and the have nots. Our whole education system should be designed to teach students the skills of business and how to improve your life not just in dollars. We must also move away from ‘government can do all’. And that “more taxes” will make everything better.
Pat Hampson says
Thanks for the explanation.
I still consider you a friend even if you sometimes irritate me.
Publisher: The basis of our friendship is built on this irritation. lol
Publisher says
As you know, I as the great left winger who likes a good argument – you the industry man. lol
Fred on your next research job look into the number of persons, small businesses, people who operate a biz like mine, a personal service etc that has received zilch.
Nanna – not a penny but Rev Canada keeps sending the notifications on taxes owing.
Agree big corp bailouts not good, support of employees good – most of which is spent at the grocery store, at the pharmacy. But what about people that need their meds and their food with no bailout. I as a senior to get a one time $300 – whoopee – a weekend drunk/visit to a spa in Revelstoke…someday. Just joking.
Seriously the money keeps flowing each day Trudeau walks out with more monopoly cash and tokens – all based on future credit payable by your grandchildren.
Even the opposition states – what is the plan? or where is Paul Martin when we need him?
Canada should operate as local municipalities do – a balanced budget. In time of war – maybe an exemption could be made. Was Covid19 a war? No so – a minor inconvenience to the millions of super-annuated and secure Canadians.
Ed Schmalz says
Getting back to Fred Steele’s original comment regarding help with wages, perhaps we should measure “need” and good management practices into the equation. Sports teams with multi-million dollar annual salaries for players and exec’s may not have a “need”, they can just improve the bottom line by cutting salaries to a working man’s wage. Does Air Canada need help?–same thing applies–it is questionable . Do the Liberals and Conservatives need help when they have mult-millions in the coffers? No. In this the NDP, who apparently do not have millions and the Bloc come out smelling like roses. Working Canadian women and men should not be required to subsidize the fat cat lifestyle.
Publisher: But But But…. Ed do not all the tax-payers in Canada pay for the super annuated federal employees who get alot more than a senior citizen who worked all his life without a company/government pension? I know, I know, I had a choice – to be a teacher or a radio announcer…. I know I know…….. but I just hate this – “we are all in this together” – oh no we are not all equal.