On Monday
(November 5th), the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau, announced:
Cities looking for more federal cash and a more
regular flow of money to tackle poverty are being told that they will be able
to tap into $1.25 billion over the next nine years through the Liberal
government's cornerstone homelessness strategy.
Elsewhere, they claimed that they would pull 2
million people out of poverty by 2030.
Do the math … $1.25 billion over 9 years = $138.9
million annually, and that’s to help 2 million people. It works out to $69.44 per person per year.
That’s enough to buy 8 cans of cat food a month; not the kind of thing to get
people dancing in the streets.
The non-government charities, struggling to help
the homeless and poor, are tired of platitudes and promises. Put up the cash to
allow them to build better facilities, and expand their services, or shut up
and get out of the road. Political posturing won’t grow cattle, grain or
vegetables to feed people who can’t afford groceries.
This government should be put on a strict diet of eating
its own words for the next 14 days. By day 2 they would understand how stupid
it is to believe they can fight hunger and poverty with verbiage.
If the government was to create a separate program
with increased tax credits for people and businesses who contribute to
charities serving the homeless and poor, they could become part of the solution
at low cost and ensure the money goes to help those most in need.
Passing poverty laws is like passing gas – the
momentary relief is offset by the odour.
John Feldsted
Political Consultant
& Strategist
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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