During the 1930s in Canada people were putting increasing pressure on the Prime Minster and the government to come up with solutions to the economic depression and resulting widespread poverty. While today in Canada, and specifically British Columbia, we have are experiencing a strong economy with low levels of unemployment we also see many of our citizens living in poverty with little or no hope for the future. This brings up the questions how much responsibility should the government take in providing people in poverty the basic necessities of life and how should we as a society care for our fellow citizens?
Your blog response this week is to comment on what you would do if you were in a position of power in the government (federal or provincial) to address the question of poverty in Canada?
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62 comments:
If i was in the position of the government i would try to maybe not supply them with money but supply them with clothing and food and water and at least get the children on the streets settled in a family because they need the most care.
ML
Block B
If I was the PM of Canada, I would open and create new jobs for the people of my country. The new jobs would include building new factories, mills or government buildings. I believe that if the workers work hard enough and dedicate their time to building something that will las for a long time then they should be paid accordingly.......MI BLock B
I believe that the government should have provided some money for those in need of it the most. I also believe that they should have created jobs(bride building etc.) for those in search of work.
Z.W Blk 2
i suppose if i was aimed towards stopping the poverty, i would open up business's. And encourage the people who don't need welfare to get there ***'s off of it...then with this also comes opening up new places for employement, Stricter law for school systems (it'd have to be done), and a law which'd limit the number of births aloud to a family....As to fix such a problem would have to resort to the extreme measurements, all that good stuff...
LG
Block B
If i was in power of Canada, I would help those who need it. Many people who live in poverty don't choose this life. They may have made some bad choices but they should be giving another chance. I would build homes for the less fortunate and supply them with an efficient amount of food and clothing to live healthy.
A.T
Block B
if i were in a position of the gevernment i would give the people clothes and food. i would even give extra to those with children
M.B
block B
october 10 2007 11:25 AM
If I was the Prime Minister Of Canada, I would hlpe those poor people having job. I wouldn't give them something for nothing as Bennet. I will make some contracts with certain companies and let them to hire those low-level people for certain jobs like cleaner, information collecter which doesn't require skilled peopl. I would also reaward for those companies who provided little job for poor people and paid them.
JL.
Block B.
If I was in the position of the government I would try to find/ create jobs by building new factories and social buildings.
M.S. Block B
If i was the prime minister of Canada I would do much as their doing now except I would show the progress to the people and make sure they know whats going on. Our goverment is getting tonnes of money from taxes and I think they should tell us where that money is going and update what progress is going on. WE should make it more public about whats happening with the money out of out pockets instead of it just disappearing.
Shawna Bygrave
block b
If I was in the posiion of the government, I would look and see if new jobs could be created. I would open more places that would supply them with food, and clothing and maybe a small amount of money. All I can really say is that I would do what I could and excerise my power as much as I could to help those in need- especially before the problem grew too big to handle.
SE
Block B
Before the depression, North American governments kept their involvement in the economy to a minimum. This policy was known as laissez-faire. They came under increasing pressure, however by the public to create work programs for the enemployed as well as to provide money to help the poor, the sick, and the elderly. Like the days of the depression, the government needs to provide relief payments to the poor and destitute, assistance programs, such as old age pensions for workers, I believe at least 56 and over, unemployment insurance,and financial assistance for dependent mothers and children. I beieve all people should receive considerable pensions. What I think is also necessary for the government to reduce the number of homeless people by taking detailed measures.
R.D. block 2
I think its so stupid how men leave women who are pregnant and leave them do deal and pay for and work with a child. Now how is that possible. The government just expect you to pay for daycare food and rent and all the other stupid costs of life. There really is no hope. Maybe the government should get off therehigh horses...just because they have money doesnt mean they need to ignore people who dont. I also think welfare is stupid because its just free money for booze and drugs and when someone acually needs the money for their children they can't get it but drug addicts can get on welfare easier than a single motherwith 3 kids....pathetic..i think so.
K.A BLKC
I would try and help people in poverty out as much as i could. I probably wouldn't give money, but try and provide them with a shelter, clothes, and especially food. Maybe setting up new factories or stores would be good for poverty stricken people o get a job.
No matter how small the population of people living in poverty they need to be aided. No matter what the situation everyone deserves a chance for a good life, if they try to have one. Of course only those who want to improve their life, and possibly the lives of their children, can be helped. If this population, who try to improve their quality of life, are aided by the government than the government is doing their job. In a position of power either federal or provincial I would aim to help this population through programs that would get them on their feet so they can have hope for the future.
BG blk3
If I were in the position of the government, I would supply people with basic supplies, such as food, clothing, water, and shelter. I would also make it possible for people to have higher education so that they could get a job and support themselves. Supplying them with money every month does not solve the problem though, as it enables some to spend it on drugs and alcohol.
J.S, Block 3
I would try and help people in poverty out as much as i could. I probably wouldn't give money, but try and provide them with a shelter, clothes, and especially food. Maybe setting up new factories or stores would be good for poverty stricken people o get a job.
S.B.
Block C
if i was in a high position of government i would create new jobs to help the people. also i would try to help the who cannot get jobs because of certain difficulties and help them to build there life. people who are poor dont want to be and helping them would be the most important thing
block 3 S.T.
If I was the Prime Minister of Canada, I would open supply people with food, clothing, and shelter, also get them good jobs. Also give a little extra to people who have big families.
GM
Block C
If i was in the position of the government i would cut people off welfare and force them to get jobs. If you look anywhere they are hiring. Every business needs people to work, but some select people choose not too. But for those who are unable to work, but would like to should get support. because everyone does need help, if they are physically unable.
J.D
Blk 3
If i was in the power of the government, i would help families with the basic supplies of living; monthly allowance for food, clothing for the family, and water. Also create a affordable housing units for extreme poverty striken families or people.
Also create jobs or some sort of way for men or women to bring home some sort of income to help support along with the monthly allowance.
J.K
blk C
In the position of the government I would take control of poverty by holding an anuual meeting with a board of directors to go through different topics such as what the unemployed or welfare peoples may need more of, and how much every action will pay off. The government has a big influence and responsibility and if I were to look after the unemployed I would make sure that they were looked after in any means possible by supplying them with the main necessities(water, food, clothing, shelter, and some play money for toys for children, etc.).
We as a society should be caring for our fellow citizens the way we would want to be treated. There are way too many selfish people nowadays that will refuse to lend a helping hand. People need to be more forgiving and not be scared to be courtious and generous in helping out a neighbor.
D.P. Block 3
If i was in a government position and people in my province or country were facing poverty i would do as much as I could for them. I would try and introduce knew jobs to keep our economy going. I would put new social services programs in place to make sure that those that were trying to find work but couldnt were looked after and I would open shelters so that was no one would go hungry or freeze to dealth.
SBB
Block C
I think that the government should be supporting the people on the streets with more available souces off free education so the street people can better themselves to the point of employment.
I think that the government should be supporting the people on the streets with more available souces off free education so the street people can better themselves to the point of employment.
CM Bolck C
After the war many people including veterans found it difficult to get work. During the war merchants and businessmen lowered the wages and increased the prices on goods, after the war people didn't recieve their normal, pre-war wages. More men were out of jobs because women now worked and worked harder for cheaper prices.Competition was common.People suffered from Influenza which killed more people than the war itself and Tuberculosis was spreading fast.The stock markets crashed overnight leaving millions unemployed and penniless. World trade slowed down, money was nowhere to be found and food became scarce. Many were forced to sell their stocks to come up with a little money, debts had to be paid in full. Many didn't recieve full price for their stocks. The Great Depression was indeed great, and devestating.
M.J.
Block C
Well if i had a position of power and there was wide spread poverty i would start making jobs and maybe lower the age you can work.I would start fixing roads,making buildings,and ect.But i would also lower the job requirements for these jobs so you wouldn't have to have highschool for some jobs.I would also urge Canadians to buy Canadian made products.
J.F
if i was in a position with high power, i would try and supply everyone with not only money, but with food, shelter and clothing. I would try to find jobs for the unemployed, and try to get everyone who lost everything back on their feet. People in poverty don't deserve to be treated and live like crap, they have needs and feeling just like everyone else who has money and jobs.
v.v.
blk c
If i was in position of government and i was dealing with poverty i would cut down wages of those like myself in the government and use it towards building shelter and providing food. I would open more job opportunities to ensure people have jobs. I would open orphangesand homeless shelters were children can go with an opportunity to get adopted and for people to get off the street.
M.W. Block C
If was in the position of the government i would use my authority to open more homeless shelters. Caring for homeless and preparing meals should be considered a job.
I would also give the homeless an opportunity to work. Many cannot get jobs becasue of their apperance, and their position in sociaty.
Providing them with a chance to further theire education would be a good idea too:)
A.Powell
Block C
if i could make the deisions..
i would supply homeless people with nice clothes and good food...
but nooo money.
if you did that..
i think they would be tempted to spend the money that they are given on other things..things that they WANT.. not things that they NEED.
AE
I think that the government should offer less money and instead pay for childcare so the parent can go to school
I think that the government should offer less money and instead pay for childcare so the parent can go to school
M. Hemeryck
If i was a leader of the government and i had to make the decision of what we were goin to do about the increase in poverty i would make a program that would help people that are suffering from poverty with getting a job and help them with money at the beggining of their job but the people would have to really show some inititive before we would help them.
D.C.
if i was the prime minister of canada i would try to help the poverty problem. I wouldnt just give evryone money but i would make sure there was enough shelters for people to stay in . i would make sure there were enough jobs for people. i would also try to help the poverty by setting up food shelters
block c
c.p.
If i was the PM of canada i would create more jobs to keep people of the street. No so much as create more but create a greater oppurtunity for people to support them selves. i do not believe in giving free hand outs. if people are willing to work why not give them jobs? All you hear is about how you need more empolyees in this area of work an that area, so why not take the unemployed an train them in those areas. You accomplish 2 things, more jobs.
M.L
Block 3
If I was in the position of the government I would make strong efforts to overcome as much poverty as I am able to, all while doing so in an effective economically manner and ensure that those suffering from poverty, are receiving the required benefits. Though this is a lot easier said than done, as no government would take on such a challenge. They could honestly care less about those living in poverty, because it has little to do with themselves. Tupac tried to tell people that those who do suffer from everyday poverty will bite back to those who do not donate in the end.
N.G.
Period 2
If i was the prime minister i would
set up homeless shelters they would only have basic living standards but they would be sanitary clean and have food.
I would also have it set up so employers could pick people up from
the shelter and organizers would help people get jobs by having computers supplied to type out resumes and once people are stabalized enough to live on their own I think people would support the shelter If they saw the benifits.
A.Z.C
If i were in a postion of power in the goverment I would not change much of what they are doing now but i do not agree with the fact of certain people gettin special attention over others. I am not talking necessarly about prince george, more about people all over the world. when natrual desasters struck in new orleans and the U.S government was crying for help we came to the rescue. but when something possibly worse happened in Asia, because it was not all over the news, it was not such a big deal and the canadian goverment did not send out as much help, money, and aid. also the fact that certain people do not want to try to get a job or support themselfs, and all they have to do is ask for money, i dont find it fair, I think helping people start off is a great thing or supporting people who have a reason for not being able to pay there bills and meet certain needs is a good reason to give money. but not just anyone who walks into the wefare office. alot of people take advantge of the privalege, and i would make sure the right amount of money is gettin to the right people. also trying to help poor or homeless people get there life started is another good place to put government money, but not puting in thousands of dollers into a drug addict who most likely wont get help.right now i think the government is being to lenent with our money, people who have good jobs and work for there money are having to pay taxes and the sometimes that money goes to people who do not deserve it or abuse it. I would put a tighter grip on the money and check to make sure tax payers money is going to the right people,and the people who check to see if a certain persons need the money or not, would be watched more carefully Mea.B Block 2 ☺
If I was the Prime Minister of Canada, I would set up buildings in every city where those in poverty could stay and get all their basic needs fulfilled, and have the places decently funded. I would also provide them several jobs they could do.
NR
Block B
if i was in the position of goverment i would supply them with food and clothing and help them out with there home and not just give them money cuz then they could spend it on bad stuff
MBM
BLOCK A
if i was in the position of government i would supply them with food and clothing and help them out with there home.
m.mcdonald
If I were in the position of the government, I would try to give as much money as I can to each province per month to pay their unemployed. Or buy the necessities to give their unemployed; such as building shelters for them and giving them meals throughout the day.
I would also try to create jobs for the unemployed. If I couldn't find anything for them to do, I would gather the resources and make them all build buildings for me.
My first concern for the people of Canada would be that they are being fed well and not dying of starvation in the streets.
AM Block 1
If i was a member of the governement i would try to give assistance!...The poor people shouldn't get money because there are a lot people, who would buy alcohol or drugs. I think the best help is give them a home and the basic food and if it is possible(kids in schools and for a good education) and grown-up people to give a job.
M.H
Block A
If i was a person in the government with power I would give people that were poor food, clothing and shelter. Then i would provide them with jobs they could do, so they could start earning a living and not depend on the government all the time. Once they have clothes, food etc. they need to start taking responsibilty for there own lives.
K.C
I would create more jobs for people. But for some people no matter what you do they won't work. I would only go so far to help them out before I gave up and told them to work or I'm not gonna help them.
D.N. Block A
If I was Prime Minister of Canada I would get the people on the streets to build apartments and pay them to do it. When the apartment is done they could stay in it for free. I would get the children in a group home or in a foster home. I would give families clothes and set up more soup kitchens. I also believe you shouldn't get something for nothing, so I would set up something for people to do for money.
JS
block A
1-i would want the power of the entire country
2-I would sell would distribute the countrys money between the provinces.
3-I would make everyone have the same amount of money and no one would be aloud being richer. those who were would have to share their wealth with others.
4-I would appoint people in whom i trusted to supervise the different provinces and have'em report to me on the provinces state
5- I would tell people to go to work because it is the only way we would get the country to work again
6-I would ask The united kingdome for financial assistance
7-I would impose a free trade law between countries
8-hope for the best
bex
the way i woud help people in povertyis i would give them food shelter clothes and education
I think that I would make little odd jobs around the country or province or city or whatever for people to do and then pay them for it. And ... give them random stuff like clothes and food, etc that they REALLY extremely need at that second.
Blk 1
MU
the way i woud help people in poverty is i would give them food shelter clothes and education
TF blk A
If I was prime minister I would try to help the homeless and feeed the starving i would start a campain to try and make a difference that most people dont even try to accomplish. Alot of the citizems on the street arent cared for and they need the help the most. AK
i think it all depends on the person who needs the help. there are types of people who try there hardest to get everything accomplished and who really try to feed there family and live well, and others who never bothered to fniish school, and just gave up, who never bothered to try hard to get a job. they just gave up. those are the people i believe who just need to learn there lesson. they need to try harder to find success. if i was prime minister yes i would help the needy, the ones who have tried there hardest to get help and cant. some people just need to learn the hard way
B.M. BLOCK2
if i was in power, i will help all those who in poverty.i will give them clothing,shelter,food and all that they need in order to survive. give them equal rights, keeping them from discrimination. create or look jobs for them,and treat them
if i was in power, i will help all those who in poverty.i will give them clothing,shelter,food and all that they need in order to survive. give them equal rights, keeping them from discrimination. create or look jobs for them,and treat them well. i will do my best to support them.
L.G
period 2
i would probably provide more money then they do now for people in poverty. Not everyone who is in poverty did it on purpose sometimes you can't find jobs and so you can't make money. AND it doesnt help that everyhting is so expensive either. but yeaa i would give them jobs so they can at least make money to buy food and clothes and have a home for there family.
LG Block 3
If i was P.M.of Canada i would help those who acre actualy in need.There are some people out there who are actualy in need of help and then there are some who just choose to be lazy.I beleive that if there are workers who do hard labour and work very hard for a living they should make just as much if not more than people such as doctors and what not
CB
Block C
If I were in the position government, I would at least supply families with food and clothing...the basic things you need to survive. Canada wanted to have more people in thier country, but yet, they were just letting people die due to poverty. The children should for sure have been given a place to stay and food to eat because I think they are the most important.
LS
Block B
mr lewis..
you need to stop using big words...
pleease.
or at least explain them.
Honestly,
Bennett did basicly all you can do, raise hopes, give what you can, and hope that it all works out for the best.
Personally I think he did the right thing in trying all that. I'd do it too. One thing though, I wouldn't have made all those promises, and I would make it so not all the ties to Britain were dissolved.
SB
The Depression affected everyone. The homeless,the poor, the rich,the young,the old,everyone was starvind and dying. Some began to boil weeds and other normally inedible things to eat.There were a few solutions, like the "New Deal" in America. Canada was promised the same.m It didn't happen. Prime Minister R.B.Bennett was another who tried to decrease the complaints. People sent letters to him asking for help,aid,assistance and money. Being a millionaire, he sent bills along with response letters to the individuals. No one saw what he was doing, he was blamed,rejected and scorned. It wasn't until after his death did they learn of the letters and finally respect him.
M.J.
Block C
"Eradicating poverty should start with an all-out effort to provide every man, woman and child with that which is essential for human well-being and development: education, health care, drinking water, adequate nutrition, housing, and sanitation. Special attention should be given to the most vulnerable groups: children, women, and the elderly, with as the main priority to ensure that children from the earliest ages on receive the care and assistance needed to develop their full physical and mental potential."
I agree with this quote and if I were in a position of power in government I would address the issue of poverty based on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The fundamental rights should apply to everyone, poor or homeless. Financial aid, education and health care should be affordable for every person. Those who cannot afford to send their kids to school should have their way paid. A small portion of property should be given to the homeless, it may cost a few tax payer dollars but in the long run people are safe and off the streets.
CM
Block B
what if i was a person who work for government, i will try to make new system for supply to poor children such as donation or giving them clothes or food or provide medical services.
B.K
Blk A
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