I am disappointed that almost all of the provincial candidates in Calgary spend more time talking about our province's economic situation than our social infrastructure. A government commitment to reinvest in social programs and to close a major crack in our social infrastructure is desperately needed.
Research shows the income gains made during Alberta's boom have been made almost entirely by the top 40 per cent of income earners. This means the remaining 60 per cent have either maintained or lost financial ground.
Alberta's prosperity has increased the gap between the haves and the have-nots. The inequitable distribution of resources has magnified the impact.
Research and my experiences as a social worker and alderman make it clear our boom has not helped most income earners and disadvantaged populations. It has pushed them deeper into debt and poverty. There is now more homelessness, more working poor, an affordable housing crisis, an employment crisis in non-profit agencies and many other social problems.
Alberta's prosperity should benefit everyone. The only way this can happen is if we have effective social policies and programs. Creating a social infrastructure plan needs to be a priority if every Albertan is to live with dignity. One suggestion is to raise the Family and Community Support Services fund for preventive social services from $67 million per year to $100 million yearly by 2010. Progressive social policies require support from candidates of all stripes.
Alberta deserves political leaders who will not sacrifice quality of life for economic gain.
Joe Ceci,
Calgary
Joe Ceci is alderman for Ward 9.
- - -
Each day, a letter that expresses a view particularly well is featured on Q.
Each month, one outstanding letter will be chosen for a special prize.
© The Calgary Herald 2008
---
