The recurrent question

Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of journalists about CPJ’s poverty work. Despite the short time frame, the context of each of these conversations was unique: the federal election campaign, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and, most recently, the release of the OECD report, “Growing Unequal.” The question that comes up again and again is: why is poverty an issue in Canada? Not a surprising question, sure. After all, CPJ is an organization with a focus on domestic poverty. Still, each time the question has been asked, there has seemed to be an implicit suggestion that it is indeed quite surprising that poverty is a reality for so many in Canada.

Canada. A country that for many years was singled out by the UN as the best country in the world in which to live. Where the “greatest Canadian,” Tommy Douglas, was best known as the father of Medicare. And whose flag is often tagged to the backpacks of young globetrotters, Canadian or not.

Sadly, I think that for many Canadians, the visibility of the poor on our streets has somehow made the issue of poverty invisible. We’ve become so accustomed to walking past people that we don’t even see them anymore. But what happens when we take a step back, when we really think about the numbers: 1 in 10 Canadians living in poverty, more than 400,000 requiring affordable housing, 720,000 depending on food banks. If the numbers don’t have an impact, think about the people behind those numbers. For me, the reality in which we live is shocking. Canada is, after all, the eighth richest nation in the world. And we’ve let one another down.

I recognize that there are important initiatives undertaken by many churches, such as Out of the Cold programs, collections for local food banks and support for community housing. There also many – likely hundreds – of organizations that work with individuals and families in difficult situations. I also know some individuals that regularly invite pan-handlers out for a nice hot lunch. All of this is good. It helps to ease the ache of hunger and loneliness. It offers warmth in a cold, dark world. It treats the symptoms of poverty. It does not, however, address the underlying condition.

So why is poverty an issue in Canada?

Political will. Political leaders, by and large, have opted not to prioritize the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society. And – despite the efforts of innumerable individuals and organizations dedicated to justice and driven by compassion – we have let them get away with it. We have allowed ourselves to be convinced that taxation is bad (“we should cut taxes” / “we should only tax pollution” / “we should only tax large corporations”). We forget, it seems, that it is with our tax dollars that we fund schools, hospitals, and transportation services.

The thing that concerns me most about the global economic crisis is that I think the current instability and uncertainty will be used as an excuse for continued inaction. Just this week, news of the Ontario government’s $500 million deficit and corresponding “scale back on spending” has led to speculation that the province’s poverty reduction plan, set to be revealed in December, will likely be delayed.

The optimist in me would like to think that there may be a silver lining here. Last week’s federal election (and the many issues that Chandra discussed this week) have many people wondering if there isn’t a better way to proceed. Delays and potential cuts to social spending have actually brought the situation of the most vulnerable into the news. Folks are realizing that they too may only be a pay cheque or two away from poverty themselves. And people are asking, “why is poverty an issue in Canada?”

If we want to get the attention of our politicians – and we do – then we need to raise the profile of poverty and inequality among the general public. We need to ask questions, share stories, and frame the issues. We need to build momentum and craft solutions. And, we need continue to call all levels of government to account for what is being done, and left undone, for those who face the day to day reality of life in poverty.

I don’t think this will be easy, but it is necessary. There is no reason for poverty to continue to be an issue in Canada.