FELDSTED: Passing poverty laws is like passing gas – the momentary relief is offset by the odour

On Monday (November 5^th), 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