And while it is certain that Canada hasn't felt the grief experienced even to our neighbours to the south, the economic strain hasn't left our big beautiful country out of its deplorable grasp. Layoffs are widespread, to the point where I pray for my grocery store to be busy so I don't lose my job. Magazines are disposing of freelancers, auto workers are taking "extended non-paid vacations," houses are sitting idly while their values sink like the stocks on Wall street.
As people lose their jobs, everything is rising in price in order to compensate for the lack of spending. The government has issued some stimuli in their Jan. 26 budget, including some relief to homeowners renovating their homes, taxpayers in the way of broad-based cuts and tax-free savings accounts, workers in new training programs and credit-users in increasing access to credit. But is it enough?
The Conservatives, backed in majority by the Liberals (with zero support from the NDP and Bloc, surprise surprise), are being heavily criticized for sinking into a deficit for the first time in a decade. A deficit that Liberals worked hard to dig Canada out of from the previous government under Jean Chrétien. But how can they avoid going into deficit when so many people are suffering? And are they even going into enough of a deficit?
While I applaud Harper for coming up with a satisfactory budget, I feel sincerely left out. As a student, and even a young Canadian, I don't make enough money to pay taxes in the first place, nor enough to save any money in a tax-free account. I don't even own a home and I already have a credit card that I am struggling to pay off. I know I'm part of a demographic that makes under and survives on less than $20,778, which can be defined as Canada's poverty line. I am safe for now, while I'm in school, I have support from my parents, but when I'm finished I'll be on my own in an industry that probably pays about $30-50 per project.
Harper did a fair job of helping those in the upper classes of Canada, but again, the Conservatives would rather help out the banks and affluent taxpayers in high brackets with the installments of TFSA's, businesses (albeit, small businesses, which is a nice change) and those with enough money for home reno. I am pulling in barely enough to eat anything besides fake macaroni and cheese and 29¢ Mr. Noodles, I won't be making any renovations, sorry.
While I am severely disappointed in Layton's decision to instigate this idiotic excuse for a rebellion (I'm talking about that coalition you may have heard about in November that seems to have disintegrated), I am happy he at least stuck to his word and voted against the budget. While Ignatieff trumped him in the overall, and passed the budget through the Commons, maybe Layton does remember his "kitchen table" nonsense he preached so vociferously in the election prior. Or maybe he is trying to save face after allowing the public a peek at his greed.
I just would like to see some relief for the generation who will ultimately be living with the aftermath of this recession, which is us. If we can't get through school because of soaring tuition costs, and a steep rise in cost of living (especially in Toronto), where is the hope for the future? We will be a poor, uneducated generation because we aren't part of Harper's ideal demographic. I do a lot of complaining, what do I propose Harper does to help my cause?
Well, some money re-inserted into the arts wouldn't hurt, which includes the Canada Magazine Fund. Some serious investments in the auto industry would help a lot, since a great portion of Canadians are/were employed in this sector. Though, invest in companies that make green efforts and technologically advanced efforts. Freeze tuition for one year, or set period of time (NOT permanently) to allow us to catch up with the rising costs, or provide relief in the way of some financial reimbursement for students who attain a clear status, or grants towards textbooks. Invest in green projects in order to generate some more jobs, where the worker training the government initiated already may have some use. Lastly, send me the sum of $1-million so I can buy an endless supply of chicken tenders - the good kind.
I feel sad to grow up during this recession that people are equating to the Great Depression. Only a war isn't going to pull us out of this one. Everywhere I turn, I see the effects of the faltering economy, widespread poverty and gross inequality. We can't hide in our igloos any longer, it is time to face that things may not look up for time to come. So what do I personally plan to do?
Go local. Buy from my local grocers and restaurants, so the money goes into your own community and isn't fed into some wealthy multinational corporation. Yes, McDonald's is cheap, but in the long run you will help yourself buying locally.
Budget well, keep a tight ship and never spend more than you make. This includes trying to pay off any credit that exists, in order to make sure you aren't burdened by debt.
Save money on making your apartment as energy-friendly as possible, turning off lights, using less water and heat, watching less TV, making sure the fridge is closed properly, etc.
Put any money you have saved up and not using into either a TFSA or an RRSP, depending on what you're saving the money for. Long term investments, like for retirement should go in an RRSP, whereas if you're saving for a car or trip or simply when you're released into the wild, then a TFSA.
Stay positive. It's very easy to lose sight of the light in tough times. Constantly remind yourself to look at the world in a positive light, and strive to find good news around the world. If it's not essential to your life, perhaps avoid watching the news on a regular basis, so you don't get overwhelmed with negativity. Anything truly important will make its way to you one way or another.
It looks like we won't be receiving much help from our government, so it is up to us to get through the storm that just hit Canada.
-- the golden girl
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