I have often questioned why governments over the last 40 years in P.E.I., did not prepare for senior housing. All the governments who have been in power over the last 50 years knew that many citizens born in the 1940s would need low rental housing.
Some seniors do not have the higher education. Those who were able to choose a vocation often did not have employment that paid higher wages or lifelong benefits. Most seniors did not have government jobs with all the perks. Others did not have the aptitude or financing to be educated for upper class or government positions. The middle class most often were pushed into low-wage jobs with few if any benefits.
People in the lower three classes and middle three classes paid big taxes ... unlike the upper three classes who have avoided full taxes with loopholes and off-shore accounts.
The other side to this issue is the seniors of tomorrow and your everyday hard-working citizens. Governments of late have not prioritized our own citizens regarding housing and so many other things. The various governments have brought thousands of people from other countries who also need housing.
It absolutely amazes me that one family who came to P.E.I. made big news with front-page support while Canadian P.E.I. citizens are being kicked out their apartments with one month’s notice and nowhere to go.
The governments have allowed corporations to take over many properties and land. Most of the people who make decisions in governments have the perks, such as cars, housing, vacations to exotic places and pensions. They were lucky enough to be educated early in life and do not need tips or low rentals to survive.
I want you to think of the people who were not as lucky. It is time you got off your butts and do something for the very people who have fed and clothed you for the best part of your lives with the tax dollar.
Flora Jean Thompson,
Charlottetown
