When we grow up,
how can we afford to live here?
Today, I’m going to tell a story.
The world is changing, though not in the positive direction.
And we are worried about where we will fit in when we are older.
According to Numbeo, the price for a family of four to live in Vancouver is $4898 -- almost $5000, and that is NOT including rent! This is why so many young families are having only one child.
Meanwhile, the average salary in Vancouver is $45000 a year, with many families making much less.
You do the math! Is this sustainable?
The seeming endless oil mines were hoarded, left to generate history-high profits while destroying our only home. Meanwhile, gas prices still skyrocketed, making people’s commutes a lot more difficult. Skytrain (2017-2019, price remained same 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022) and BC Transit raise prices every year, despite the government already pouring millions of dollars in.
The major grocery chains set record high profits while the vast majority of workers make less than 33K a year. All while more Canadians than ever uses Food Bank as their primary source of food, and that data is WITH the dreaded lines and strict restrictions!
Not only gas and food, both a necessity for everyone, rents skyrocketed in major cities!
Beyond the basic necessities, many of us are spending way too much on more advanced needs, like entertainment and research access that costs hundreds a month, healthcare outside insurance coverage, dental care and higher education -- which is why many people are cutting back on these "extras", choosing to not go to college, to skip on dental checks, even to the detriment of their health.
The world is changing, though not in the positive direction.
And we are worried about where we will fit in when we are older.
According to Numbeo, the price for a family of four to live in Vancouver is $4898 -- almost $5000, and that is NOT including rent! This is why so many young families are having only one child.
Meanwhile, the average salary in Vancouver is $45000 a year, with many families making much less.
You do the math! Is this sustainable?
The seeming endless oil mines were hoarded, left to generate history-high profits while destroying our only home. Meanwhile, gas prices still skyrocketed, making people’s commutes a lot more difficult. Skytrain (2017-2019, price remained same 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022) and BC Transit raise prices every year, despite the government already pouring millions of dollars in.
The major grocery chains set record high profits while the vast majority of workers make less than 33K a year. All while more Canadians than ever uses Food Bank as their primary source of food, and that data is WITH the dreaded lines and strict restrictions!
Not only gas and food, both a necessity for everyone, rents skyrocketed in major cities!
Beyond the basic necessities, many of us are spending way too much on more advanced needs, like entertainment and research access that costs hundreds a month, healthcare outside insurance coverage, dental care and higher education -- which is why many people are cutting back on these "extras", choosing to not go to college, to skip on dental checks, even to the detriment of their health.
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In Vancouver, many areas have been overtaken by the homeless, which receive only limited help from the government. They need supports, not only to fix their housing situation, but also to help them regain their mental health. And the situation is getting worse... the number of homeless has increased drastically all over B.C. the past ten years, and this is an issue that people need to face.
But it's not only the homeless that are facing hard times. |
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We all are.
So, what can we do?
We can't do ANYTHING. We are just kids! Remember?
BUT YOU can!
You can vote for people who actually have a plan to help the homeless - to provide not only shelter, but transition homes, mental health assistance and follow-up support, so that they can live decent lives and integrate back into our community.
You can support politicians who would pass regulations for short-term rental, so that people with lower income can actually afford to rent a home, and plans that offer subsidies for first-time home owners.
You can support businesses that treat their employees fairly and pay them a THRIVING wage.
You can vote for people who are interested in redistributing the wealth and making this city more affordable.
You can pressure the government to control price increases and to work towards lower inflation and price costs.
You can also donate to places such as Aunt Leah's Place, which supports kids in foster care, so that they don't end up homeless too! They do a great job.
So, what can we do?
We can't do ANYTHING. We are just kids! Remember?
BUT YOU can!
You can vote for people who actually have a plan to help the homeless - to provide not only shelter, but transition homes, mental health assistance and follow-up support, so that they can live decent lives and integrate back into our community.
You can support politicians who would pass regulations for short-term rental, so that people with lower income can actually afford to rent a home, and plans that offer subsidies for first-time home owners.
You can support businesses that treat their employees fairly and pay them a THRIVING wage.
You can vote for people who are interested in redistributing the wealth and making this city more affordable.
You can pressure the government to control price increases and to work towards lower inflation and price costs.
You can also donate to places such as Aunt Leah's Place, which supports kids in foster care, so that they don't end up homeless too! They do a great job.
