The Tub Unplugged

We don't consider the private lives of journalists much - a good thing because it's called "private" for a reason. I've been fortunate enough, however, to know many in the media who apply their limited spare time to many charitable causes. Brian Lilley, senior correspondent for Sun Media is one of them. I've never met him or shook his hand, but in one of his columns last week he spoke of volunteering at a food bank and a family farm that assist families in need. He's likely the kind of writer I'd feel some kinship with given that I'm still volunteer director of the London Food Bank, now into its 25th year.He correctly ascertains in his article, "Charities Help In Ways Governments Can't," that community associations react quicker to emergencies and are depots of community compassion. Yet I grew troubled as I read his final two lines: "You can give your money to the people who run the country through your taxes, or give your money to the people who make the country run through a donation. My money is with the charity." Interesting play on words there, and partially true.Yet during a decade when there has been more money moving through this country than ever in its history, the gap between the rich and poor is widening, and child poverty is almost at the levels that is was in 1989, when Canadians - governments and citizens - stated they would end the blight by 2000. The lack of affordable housing across the land is leading our cities to the edge of financial crisis. Aboriginal poverty, in everything from health to hunger, remains a stickler. The challenges of those enduring mental health issues are about to become a pandemic across the country. These and so many other developments have all been climbing at the same time as the number of charities being created to assist is increasing.The reality is that this is a big land, with communities spread far apart and a rural climate that is experiencing debilitating poverty moving into its midst. In other words, poverty is increasing despite the extra charitable groups and advocacy organizations. Why? Because in far too many ways governments no longer have the money necessary to build the foundation for solutions. The constant demand for lower taxes, and the competition among parties and politicians to deliver in order to secure the vote, has left the cupboard increasingly bare. The consistent lowering of corporate tax rates over the last two decades has indeed created a greater investment climate, yet it has created a fluid moving of money upwards to the most wealthy instead of spread more equally among Canadian families.Citizens once regarded government as a partner in the expansion of an equitable and just society; now right-wing advocates are pressing average citizens to get government and its representatives out of their way. Every time such initiatives prove successful, more people fall into the clutches of poverty. It's a mindless game.On February 22nd, I've asked Senator Art Eggleton to present the Senate report In From The Margins at a session in London. The place will be full of individuals and organizations who are acknowledging that someone left the tub unplugged. Despite all the economic activity flourishing in this country, someone forgot to plug the holes, to mend the tears in the safety net, and Canada's once proud tradition of equity is feeling the deep pull of water drawing them downward.  In From The Margins is a major report produced by the Senate about how we might begin the process of stemming the tide of escalating poverty and restoring Canada to a sense of balance. The very charities that Brian Lilley calls on us to support will be there in good number. They appreciate the journalist's support, but the reality is that they are losing the battle specifically because governments have bailed on the poverty file. While he calls (rightfully) on all of us to support the charity of our choice, those very charities will be at sessions like the one on the 22nd, pressing for government to get back in the game - ironic.