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May 3, 2008
To the editor:
Economists used to say that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” but
the latest StatsCan report tells a different story (25 years, 53 bucks, May 2).
What we’re really seeing is a job market that is listing badly, with wages for
the poorest fifth under water while the richest are higher and dryer than ever
before. Meanwhile, those of us in the middle cling anxiously to the sloping
deck, the waves lapping at our feet.
I wish I could say it was surprising. The 25-year period covered
by the StatsCan study was characterized by privatization of public services, the
negotiation of two free trade agreements, cuts to public services, the gutting
of the Employment Insurance system, and tax cuts – worth tens of billions of
dollars annually – that have disproportionately benefited the wealthy.
This situation did not happen by accident: It happened because
our leaders embraced neo-conservative economics (some more, some less at the
provincial level). Today, the alarm bells are ringing. If Canadians truly want
to remedy the situation, it’s time we elected governments who realize that we’re
all in the same boat.
Sincerely,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union
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