As workers across Canada continue to struggle to make ends meet, we need to put their families first by supporting strong, stable public services when they need them most.
In Northern communities, the situation is dire, with union members, and indeed all families, witnessing firsthand the impact of the rising cost of living. Rent, groceries, transportation SA国际影视传媒� everything is getting more expensive. But we are not powerless. In the North, the cost of living is disproportionately higher than in the rest of Canada. However, we have the power to address these challenges through collective action to ensure that workers are better equipped to face rising costs. By supporting union solidarity and robust public services, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
Strong public services are the backbone of our society, providing essential support in times of need. We must prioritize investments in public services and infrastructure that directly benefit workers and their families. By doing so, we can tackle the root causes of food insecurity, housing challenges and economic instability. Public spending should focus on providing support where it is needed most. By investing in healthcare, education and childcare, we can build a resilient, thriving community with opportunities for all.
Even with strong public services, the rising cost of living is stretching household budgets to their limits. For many in the North, the sky-high price of groceries is a daily reality. Food insecurity is a significant issue, with families having to make unthinkable choices between essentials like medication and food. However, we have the tools to combat this. By investing in robust food systems and supporting local food production, we can ensure that no one has to choose between their health and their next meal. The pandemic highlighted the need for resilient food systems, and now is the time to build on this momentum.
The pandemic also underscored the fragility of current food systems in Northern communities. Indigenous communities are especially at risk of food insecurity. The lasting effects of colonialism, compounded by climate change, household financial hardship and inadequate food supply distribution systems continue to devastate these communities.
Climate change further complicates traditional food practices. Northern communities rely heavily on subsistence hunting and fishing, but environmental changes are making these practices more challenging. By supporting sustainable hunting and fishing practices, we can help preserve these vital cultural traditions and ensure food security for future generations.
In addition to food insecurity, finding an affordable place to live in the territories, where housing has long been a challenge, is getting even harder. The territories have higher rates of households that don't meet adequacy, accessibility or affordability standards than elsewhere in Canada.
Adequate, reliable housing is a cornerstone of a healthy, prosperous community, essential for both physical and mental well-being. Chronic housing needs in Northern communities continue to degrade the quality of life and are linked to severe health problems. By prioritizing affordable housing projects and addressing these issues, we can ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.
The overall impact of the cost-of-living crisis cannot be understated. Workers who tirelessly kept our communities running throughout the pandemic deserve wages that reflect the rising costs. Unfortunately, wages are not keeping pace with inflation, and the purchasing power of workers is in decline. Compounding things further, workers have less money to spend at local businesses, with the effects impacting whole communities. This is where the power of solidarity comes into play.
Supporting fellow workers is key to creating fair working conditions and ensuring that workers' voices are heard. Unions advocate for fair wages, safe working environments, and benefits that help families thrive. By standing together, we can negotiate better conditions and create a more just and equitable society.
Moreover, public spending must prioritize the workers and families who drive our economy. This means investing in public services and investing in people. We canSA国际影视传媒檛 afford to be complacent. By supporting unionization and maintaining public services, we can make different choices SA国际影视传媒� choices that ensure everyone can afford a good life.
Let's choose to invest in people and communities. By supporting unions and maintaining strong public services, we can create a society where everyone can succeed. By working together, supporting each other, and advocating for strong public services and fair working conditions, we can tackle the things that keep people up at night worrying and make real progress towards economic and social justice.
