Urgent Need for Basic Income and Fair Economic Policies

 Urgent Need for Basic Income and Fair Economic Policies

To:
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Elizabeth May, MP, Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Premier David Eby
Canada Revenue Agency
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,

I am writing to urge you to address the urgent and growing economic inequities faced by older Canadians like myself. At nearly 63 years old, I have worked hard throughout my life, yet I find myself unable to secure stable employment, living on less than $300 a month from CPP, and struggling to make ends meet.

My career as a nanny was devastated by COVID-19, and despite relentless efforts to re-enter the workforce, I am faced with systemic barriers like age discrimination and inaccessible employment programs. Programs such as Canada Summer Jobs, which focus on younger workers, exclude older individuals like me who have decades of experience to contribute.

Adding insult to injury, I am now being forced to repay CERB funds that I relied on during a time of crisis, despite having acted in good faith. These clawbacks are devastating to people like me who are already living in poverty. They reflect a system that punishes rather than supports those who need help the most.

Sadly, my story is not unique. Recently, I spoke with a young woman who shared her father’s plight. At 61 years old, having worked in Canada since the 1970s, he too is struggling to find employment. Stories like ours are far too common, and they highlight the urgent need for systemic change.

Canada needs to implement a Basic Income program immediately. This would ensure that all Canadians have the financial stability needed to live with dignity, regardless of age, employment status, or circumstances beyond their control. A Basic Income would:

1. Alleviate poverty for the most vulnerable.
2. Provide security for those displaced by automation, discrimination, or economic downturns.
3. Reduce the administrative costs of current social assistance programs.
4. Foster a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

It is unacceptable that so many Canadians, who have contributed to this country through years of work, are now left behind. Our policies must reflect the values of fairness, inclusion, and compassion that Canada is known for.

I implore you to take immediate action to:

• Implement a Basic Income program to eliminate poverty.
• Halt the CERB clawbacks for those living below the poverty line.
• Address systemic ageism and discrimination in the labor market.

As leaders, you have the responsibility to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. I urge you to listen to the voices of those struggling and take bold action to ensure no one is left behind.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,
Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita