FURSTENAU -- A ‘care economy’ is one that places real value in social and material care

The following is a message, I received by email, from BC Green Party MLA, and leadership candidate, Sonia Furstenau ...

While keeping up with the “What We Do To Shine Through” campaign, I’ve been so inspired by the support for our frontline workers, small businesses, and our most vulnerable populations. What an amazing community we have built. 

 

Throughout this crisis, I've been trying to prevent people from falling through the cracks. Our homeless population and victims of domestic abuse have been top-of-mind for me. When we’re asking that people isolate at home, how can we support those who don’t have a home or don’t feel safe at home? 

 

British Columbians have remained strong through the crisis so far, looking after ourselves, our friends, families and communities, despite fear and uncertainty.  

 

Soon, it will be time to turn our attention to recovery. Instead of recreating the past, I say we build a future that holds caring for one another at the centre of everything we do. 

 

A ‘care economy’ is one that places real value in social and material care. This includes care for children, the elderly, and the disabled, health care, education, as well as leisure and other personal services, all of which contribute to nurturing and supporting present and future populations.

 

Through this crisis, we’ve seen that we have the courage and determination to do all of this and more. 

 

Together, let’s build a society and an economy based around care. 

 

Sonia 

 

P.S. What does a care economy look like to you? Reply by email to share your thoughts (info@bcgreens.ca).