I would like for someone to explain this to me
I would like for someone to explain this to me
As the debate on the Unemployment insurance devastation continues – With good reason – The problematic with illness employment benefits remains unfortunately excluded from the dialogue. Behind this thick mist, no progress has seen at the present time.
The social situation is deteriorating: there is an increase in the wait time of for pretty much everything: medical appointments, treatments, surgeries, access to medications, access to a physician to a specialist, etc. Disorganization prevails at all levels. Not to mention inflation and the continual increase in the cost of living: food, gas, electricity, taxes, decrease in the number of drugs covered by the RAMQ, etc. In short, all the basic needs are affected. According to the Bank of Canada https://bit.ly/1hRbjmK – an amount of $100 in 1971 is now equivalent to 603,43. That represents a 503% increase. Hello?
And meanwhile, sick people continue to be faced with nothing at the end of their meager 15 weeks of sickness benefits. The calculation is simple, after taxes, You will have: $ 360 x 15 = $ 5400. This without distinction on your status, whether you are single or childless or the care of a family of 3 children, you will not receive one cent more.
In resume: remember that the poverty line for a single person is established in: $ 17 251 / year, and that social assistance for a single person is equivalent to: $ 7245 /year.
And then comes this quote, disconnected from reality, which seems straight out of a fairy tale for jaded children:
“The Government of Canada’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long term-prosperity. These changes better align the EI program with the growing economies of the territories and ensure that those living in similar labour market conditions receive similar benefits right across the country. Our government is committed to a national EI program that is fair, flexible and responsive to labour market conditions.”
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism – February 2014
I don’t see how one can speak of prosperity in the long term when the Government outright drops a large part of its population faced with a serious illness. Remember once again that this is a temporary situation for these people. These people aspiring to heal and regain a quality of life, a dignity which, it seems to me, should be part of the basic conditions of Canadians. Remember that very few people will be spared from disease during their life. Nobody wants’ to hear that. However, it is a reality that we cannot deny.
I would like someone to explain to me how it is economically profitable to push thousands of people in bankruptcy, to social assistance, the loss of all their assets and possessions.
I would like someone to explain to me how it is economically profitable to observe the involuntary decline of these people who, for the most part, will never recover financially.
I would like someone to explain to me how it is more cost-effective to corner these people when they may never be able to re-enter the workforce, pay taxes, taxes, employment insurance premiums, benefit from a loan and buying power. In short, drive the economy. This cherished economy in the eyes of our Government.
And meanwhile, I voluntarily forget anything having to do with peoples’ self-esteem, dignity, pride in being useful to society. I forget everything about the collateral damage of disease and poverty: social inequality, isolation, effects on children and links with dropping out of school, on couples. I forget that we have an incredible suicide rate. I forget the problems of homelessness. And I forget… Obviously, it is a language that few elected officials seem to understand at this time.
For the moment, let us remember what happened to the Canadian employment system insurance sickness benefits: frozen in time, established in 1971, outdated or even absurd in the face of the needs and realities of today. Time has stopped.
And while I wait for these answers, I continue to collect signatures to amend this section of stale Act. Together we have already amassed near 600 000 signatures. Please help me to continue this struggle. Thanks for sharing this article and the link to my petition. Thank you for your involvement. And above all, thank you on behalf of all those who do not have the capacity nor the energy to participate in this fight.
Marie-Hélène
