Now only they can verify my wondering, but to me the article gives the impression that the provincial government is spending too much on taxpayers ... and that it’s bad.
Personally, I would rather the government spend my money on me, than on a subsidy for big oil or something similar.
"From a purely financial standpoint, prevention costs less than crisis response" ~~ Teri Westerby
When people are lifted up through things like
income supports, housing programs, childcare, healthcare, and education, the
benefits don’t stop with the people receiving the support. They ripple outward
and shape the entire community.
When fewer people are struggling just to survive,
communities are safer. Crime goes down, emergency services aren’t overwhelmed,
and public spaces feel more stable and welcoming. That benefits everyone who
lives, works, and raises families there, whether they’ve ever accessed a
program or not.
When people have money to meet basic needs, they
spend it locally. That keeps small businesses open, supports jobs, and
strengthens local economies. Social supports don’t disappear into a void, they
circulate through grocery stores, landlords, childcare providers, tradespeople,
and service workers.
Health outcomes improve too. People with stable
housing, food, and income are healthier, both physically and mentally. That
means fewer ER visits, less strain on hospitals, and lower healthcare costs
overall, including for people with private insurance.
Schools work better when kids aren’t hungry or
stressed by instability at home. Classrooms are calmer, learning improves, and
teachers can focus on education instead of crisis management. Even families who
don’t rely on supports benefit from stronger school environments.
From a purely financial standpoint, prevention
costs less than crisis response. It’s cheaper to prevent homelessness than to
manage it. It’s cheaper to fund mental health care than incarceration. It’s
cheaper to support families early than to pay later through healthcare,
policing, and emergency systems. That saves public money over time.
There’s also a long-term effect. Kids who grow up
with stability are healthier adults, more likely to work, contribute, and need
fewer supports later. That strengthens the future workforce and tax base for
everyone.
At the community level, societies with strong
social supports have higher trust, less polarization, and more resilience
during economic downturns or emergencies. People feel safer, more connected,
and less fearful of falling through the cracks.
So, this isn’t about “paying for other people.”
It’s about building systems that make communities safer, healthier, more
affordable, and more stable for everyone.
A society, with a strong foundation,
benefits even those who never need to stand on it.
Mr. Teri Westerby is a Political Educator, Coming Out Coach, and Governance Strategist focused on turning civic confusion into clarity.
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