Government, budgets and me.

Here in Canada our government operates on a parliamentary form of government, inherited from Britian and adapted to our unique Canadian situation. One aspect of the parliamentary form of government is that the finance minister prepares a budget detailing how it will deal with taxes and the government programs will be supported by the money the government has available to spend. There are lots of programs the governemnt can choose to support, or not, as it deem fit. The government can choose to support environmental projects to support the reduction of global warming (Kyoto), produce tax cuts, provide more money to cities for rapid transit, roads. They can choose to spend money on programs aimed at helping keep troubled youth out of the justice system. The government can also put money into programs aimed at providing affordable housing for low income families and the homeless There is a crying need to build housing for the homeless, yes even here in Canada many persons still have nowhere to hang their hat at the end of the day.

Today I checked a news online forum asking posters to comment on the budget recently presented by our government. I was dismayed by many of the posts I read. Many posters were concerned with what benefit they would receive from the federal budget. Would the government be benefiting them financially with some new program or tax cut. At tax time would they be paying less in taxes. Basically what is in this budget which will directly benefit me.

I am dismayed by these responses. Sure no one wants to pay more taxes or get fewer benefits from government. I want the same things, but this is not the point. I am reasonably well off. I live a comfortable life many in the world, and even in Canada would envy. I am not rich, but I do not lack anything that truly matters. I consider myself part of the comfortable middle calss.

When I read the comments posted about the budget, what leapt out at me were the many posts wondering what is there for me in this budget. When I read an analysis of what our government's spending priorities are in this budget, I am left with a sad, sinking feeling. This present Canadian government has very little in their budget for those members of our society who need our help. There is little for the vulnerable, those who need society's help. Programs are being cut which help children from lower income families in trouble with the law. There is nothing from the government to build affordable housing for low income families and the homeless. Instead there are a few tax cuts for the middle income families and large tax cuts for the wealthy and big business. I consider myself part of the middle income group and I can fend for myself very well without a tax cut (and even would not be hurt if my taxes were to increase). The rich and big business do not need a large tax break. But the low income families, the truly poor, and the homeless do need help. My taxes are NOT going were the need is greatest. Where is the help from the government for the poor struggling families? Where is the funding for programs which work with troubled youth, many from our inner cities? Where is funding to help build affordable housing. I would have more faith in our government if I had seen more help for those least able to help themselves in the government's budget. For many commenting on the recent federal budget, the focus is "Me, me, me!!!" Its what's in it for me. Where is the concern for others beyond ourselves? Where is the concern for those who need our help? Where is the concern for humanity as a whole? Why isn't there less concern for "me" and more concern for others?

After reading the comments posted at this news forum I am left with an empty feeling in the bottom of my stomach.

Sadly I suspect our politicians focus federal budgets on those most likely to vote. The poor and homeless are not a group known to turn out to vote in large numbers. These persons can be ignored.

P.S. If you live with in driving distance of a homeless shelter why not consider giving the shelter a phone call and ask them how you may help them. Its easy. Often they can use coffee and tea, any unused clothing, some food (canned food is good). Support for the food bank is also needed. If the government fails to support the poor, we as individuals can still do our part. We may not be able to have the same impact since we do not have access to the larger amounts of money government funding would potentially provide. Still every small bit each person provides helps.