The Toll on People with Mental Illnesses

Truthfully we live in a society where people’s looks and behaviors are based and judge. So for individuals who have some sort of mental illness they are looked down apart and most often ignore because they aren’t per say “normal” and capable to function properly. These individuals are not only left alone but are also stigmatized leading them to dramatically fall through the cracks and into a life of poverty.

It’s been said that one out five Canadians will experience a mental illness (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003). And these mental illnesses vary from different forms, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and also eating disorders (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002).  With a mental illness these individuals are incapable to get proper jobs and an education, which adds up to how they don’t have anything to support themselves or anyone to turn to because initially no one is gonna take them seriously. I find this quite sad because these individuals have nowhere to turn to, and even imagining myself in their shoes where basically you’re getting the “silent treatment” from society is quite unimaginable. “The serious stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses are among the most tragic realities facing people with mental illness in Canada. Arising from superstition, lack of knowledge and empathy, old belief systems, and a tendency to fear and exclude people who are perceived as different, stigma and discrimination have existed throughout history” (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002). From that being said why not we change that perspective we as a society have and instead of judging these individuals help them, and not point the finger to their flaws as a functioning individual, because in the end no one is perfect and who are we to judge that.

 

We live in a country where we are fortunate to have and access education, so why not we educate ourselves in understanding these individuals and stop the inequality. I believe if we did so then the whole stigma and isolation that are place with people living with a mental illness would not exist.

Communication and trying to fit in is a struggle for these individuals and it’s our job to assist them in and lend a helping hand, by that meaning more resources to help each individual’s specific need to the best, and if capable helping them get jobs making them feel like they belong and aren’t just nobody’s wandering the face of this Earth. Because no one likes to feel left along and especially ignored.

- Hannah

References:

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2003). Mental Illness in Canada. Citizens for Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/data/1/rec_docs/155_mental_illnessENG.pdf

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2002). A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada.  Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_1-eng.php

Older Adults in Poverty

Poverty in Canada has been seen in the mix of all different groups of people, seniors being one of these groups. To the surprise of it there are still many seniors in Canada who are living in poverty and falling through the cracks of society.  It’s been said about 5.8% of seniors ages 65 + especially is (Yalnizyan, 2011). Although the poverty rates among seniors have dropped over the years there’s still more we must do to make this not exist completely. The percentage dropping from 29% in 1976 down to 4.7 per cent in 2007(Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).  

 

These senior's income when retired come from 3 sources. “The first source of income is the OAS. Almost all Canadians over the age of 65 receive OAS benefits, which provide an average income of $450 per month. Seniors with low incomes also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in amounts that vary according to marital status and income. Other financial benefits are provided by the provinces and territories to beneficiaries of the GIS, such as drug insurance, access to subsidized housing, etc” ( National Advisory Council On Aging, 2005). However these individuals are still living in poverty, 36% who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement are as well living in poverty (Williams, 2008). This then leaves these individuals to continue working because the funds they are receiving isn’t cutting it for them, so there left to take matters to their own hands and figure it out by themselves. Because in reality no one wants to admit they are poor and in need of more money.

As a country when it comes to poverty rates in Canada we rank the second lowest, the Netherlands being the lowest rate. However we can’t rest our success by this rate (Amdur, n.d.). There’s still more action that needs to take place on this matter. I believe there should be a fund created to help and address seniors when they retire, especially single seniors.  Because they are in desperate need and have a much higher poverty rate than elderly couples and the poverty line is much deeper for them then senior couples. (Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).  

In the end we need to help them and encourage them to not be ashamed to seek out for help because asking for money help isn’t something one should be embarrassed about, even if one is a senior.  As well these individuals could use a break. Everyone should for that matter deserve one and not have to work hard labor their entire lives.

- Hannah

References:

 

Amdur, S. R. (n.d.). Canadian senior poverty is low but rise is worrying. Seniors Daily Online. Retrieved from http://www.seniorsdaily.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1819&Itemid=35

Battle, K., Torjman, S., & Mendelson, M. ( 2011, March 2). A simple way to help Canada’s poorest seniors. The star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/947639--a-simple-way-to-help-canada-s-poorest-seniors

Edgar, W. (2008, February 20). Poverty Among Seniors. Carp. Retrieved from http://www.carp.ca/2008/03/06/poverty-among-seniors/

National Advisory Council on Aging. (2005). Aging in poverty in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Retrieved from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf

Yalnizyan, A. ( 2011, April 2). How to wipe out seniors’ poverty, no extra charge. The Globe And Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/how-to-wipe-out-seniors-poverty-no-extra-charge/article1967092/

The Effects of Colonization on Aboriginal Education

There is an intertwining link between colonization and the adversity experienced by Aboriginal people today.  The ethnocentric attitudes of the early Europeans devalued Aboriginal people and their culture, and consequentially led to devastating and damaging assimilation tactics.  Harsh repercussions for practising spiritual beliefs, the residential school system, and the “60’s Scoop” are just some of the harsh realties experienced by generations of Aboriginal people in Canada (Mawhiney & Hardy, 2009).  The early European tactics that sought out to “civilize” Aboriginal people created generations of suffering and emotional trauma that is directly connected to the struggles faced by many Aboriginal people and communities today.  The interlink between colonization, poverty, and low academic success amongst many Aboriginal youth will be the focus of this blog. 

The structural inequalities experienced by Aboriginal people and communities are strongly impacted, if not directly caused by colonization (Mawhiney & Hardy, 2009).  “First Nations people in Canada live in difficult and impoverished conditions unimaginable to the average person in Canada” (Mawhiney & Hardy, 2009, p. 96).  The Canadian Council on Social Development (2003) reports that Aboriginal people in urban settings are more than twice as likely to live in poverty in comparison to non-Aboriginal people.  Tragically, 68% of Aboriginal children are struggling below the poverty line (Rollason, 2010).   The hardships and suffering associated with poverty are affecting insurmountable numbers of Aboriginal people.  One significant concern is the link between socio-economic status and academic achievement that creates a distressing outcome for many Aboriginal people. 

Socio-economic status has been coined as the most influential factor in determining academic standing (Froese-Germain, 2009; Levin, 2007).  This means that the educational attainment of youth is often critically hindered by low-income family status.  A Winnipeg study revealed that 89% of students passed the Grade 12 English Language Arts exam, however, the success rate diminished quite dramatically to 12% after assessing students whose family received social assistance in the previous two years (Levin, 2007).   The unfortunate reality is that poverty-stricken youth are falling behind more privileged youth in the school system. However, consideration must be given to Aboriginal youth who experience the compounding effects of colonization that goes beyond poverty-stricken communities to include addiction, diminished family ties, crime and violence, and suicide.  The combination of these factors greatly affects the potential for academic success.

Many obstacles associated with poverty alone create strain on academic success. An absence of breakfast in the morning and poor nutrition contributes to an inability to focus in class and higher incidences of illness and missed school days; transportation barriers pose issues for participating in beneficial before and after school programs.  Family demands such as taking care of siblings puts additional stress on youth, obstructing concentration in class, and limiting the time available to finish homework.

Aboriginal youth are disproportionately affected by poverty and Aboriginal students are getting lost in the school system.  Studies reveal that 83% of non-Aboriginal youth are attending school, while only 63% of Aboriginal youth are attending (Canadian Council on Social Development, 2003).  High-school graduation rates are significantly lower than the general Canadian population with nearly 40% of Aboriginal youth not receiving their high school diploma (Levin, 2009).  University success rates also fair disproportionately low in comparison to the general Canadian population, with only 8% of the 25-34 age group of Aboriginal people completing a university degree, while 28% of non-Aboriginal people have (Canadian Council on Social Development, 2003).  These statistics reveal great concern regarding the academic achievement of the Aboriginal population.

Aboriginal academic achievement is hindered by several factors.  The life-long affects originating from residential school experiences continue to haunt generations of Aboriginal people.  These experiences, understandably, have created feelings of distrust towards the current school system.  Although improvements have been made discrimination continues to exist and harm Aboriginal students.  With predominantly white administrators and white teachers, Aboriginal students have difficulty feeling a sense of belonging and inclusion in academic institutions. Positive representations of Aboriginal people and culture are rarely reflected in textbooks or classroom posters and décor.  Levin (2007) writes about how many text-books used today continue to make historical references of Aboriginal people as “savages”.  Failure to address and correct these issues poses significant potential for damaging self-esteem and has created a feeling of isolation amongst Aboriginal students within the school system.

High rates of illness and transiency among Aboriginal populations have posed concern for many Aboriginal students. Poor health and poor school attendance often go hand-in-hand.  Success in the classroom is significantly deterred when students are missing large portions of class content as a result of illness and disease.  Transiency also creates gaps in regular attendance.  Many Aboriginal families are moving frequently back and forth from the reserve to the city or within their home communities (Levin, 2007).  A high rate of transiency creates concern as students attempt to adjust to the difficulty of new environments, teaching styles, and expectations, all of which can create stress for Aboriginal students and present potential threat to academic achievement.

Counteracting the negative affects of poverty and helping Aboriginal students achieve greater academic success is crucial.  Strategies that educate teaching staff about the hardships associated with poverty, address systematic discrimination, and improve classroom structure and performance will help to alleviate some of the consequences of poverty (Froese-Germain, 2009).  However, since poverty substantiates only one segment of the colonization impact, the above strategies will not fully eliminate the academic concerns for Aboriginal students. 

Awareness beyond the impact of poverty as a risk-factor among Aboriginal students needs to be developed.  Aboriginal students are still living the affects of colonization and the continued dominance of European values in society.  Even today, Aboriginal students feel silenced in the classroom (Antone, 2000).  How can anyone learn when they feel devalued, rejected, and isolated?  Reversing the effects of colonization in the school system requires a transformation that incorporates Aboriginal teachings and traditions.  This would include a holistic education plan that teaches the principles of spirituality, physical and emotional development, economic basics, and survival skills (Antone, 2000). Aboriginal voices need to be heard and traditional culture and values needs to be taught and embraced to improve self-identity and improve academic success (Antone, 2000). 

Levin (2007) stresses the importance of acknowledging and embracing Aboriginal people and culture in the classroom.  Teaching resources and materials need to respect diversity and be reflective of Aboriginal people.  School administrators and teachers need to be aware and respectful of Aboriginal history, culture and traditional practises.  Greater emphasis needs to focus on developing a more positive and inclusive climate in the school and classroom for Aboriginal students and their families (Levin, 2007).  Positive connections made with parents and the community are important for building rapport, creating a sense of belonging in the school system, and increasing student success.

                                                                 
Unjust assimilation tactics used historically have created difficult outcomes for Aboriginal people.  As a result, Aboriginal people have endured unwarranted suffering in society and in the school system.  While poverty can be linked to reasons for poor academic achievement among Aboriginal students, the root problem originates in the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people and its consequential effects.  However, with increased support and systematic changes that embrace traditional practises Aboriginal students can achieve greater success.

Kim

References:

Antone, E. M. (2000).  Empowering Aboriginal voice in Aboriginal education.  Canadian Journal of Native Education, 24(2) p. 92-101. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/pqdlink?vinst=PROD&fmt=3&startpage=&vname=PQD&did=75166098&scaling=FULL&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1322535615&clientId=12305

Canadian Council on Social Development. (2003, June 10).  Aboriginal children in poverty in urban communities: Social exclusion and the growing racialization of poverty in Canada.  Retrieved from http://ccsd.ca/pr/2003/aboriginal.htm

Levin, B. (2009, May). Aboriginal education still needs work. In Canada, 90(9) p.689-690. Retrieved from

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e99824fc-4e9b-47b8-ac56-395ce635ee6e%40sessionmgr104&vid=6&hid=111

Levin, B. (2007, September). Schools, poverty and the achievement gap. In Canada, 89(1),pg-75-76.  Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=ce222bf4-4d0f-405a-90dc-5db122cd8c8a%40sessionmgr113&vid=2&hid=111

Froese-Germain, B (2009).  Make child poverty history? Yes we can. Examining the relationship between education and poverty. Our Schools, Our Selves, 18(3). Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e99824fc-4e9b-47b8-ac56-395ce635ee6e%40sessionmgr104&vid=2&hid=111

 Rollason, K. (2010, November 26). Child poverty capital: 68% of aboriginal kids poor, report card states. Winnipeg Free Press.  Retrieved from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/child-poverty-capital-68-of-aboriginal-kids-poor-report-card-states-110781819.html

Liberals Fail to Acknowledge Privilege

This blog will address my thoughts on the quotation below:

Liberals accept inequality of circumstances because of their profound belief in equal opportunity, which means that we are all equal before the law.  No one has any more freedoms or liberties than anyone else.  Everyone has access to education, the job market, health care, social services, and so on.  If a person fails in society it is because he or she did not take advantage of available opportunities” (Mullaly, 2007, p. 98).

Wow! What an optimistic liberal lens.  Through the eyes of the liberals we are all on equal grounds, if we take advantage of the public school system, public healthcare, and apply for jobs in the job market then success in society will be inevitable.  However, the liberals fail to acknowledge the additional challenges faced by those living in poverty that makes access to these opportunities difficult – if not impossible.

Liberals view the world with a privileged perspective.  This privilege is a transparent and unknown advantage given to individuals with a particular race, social class, and gender (McIntosh, 1988).  For example, those growing up in prominent neighborhoods have the class privilege of being surrounded by others who value education and economic success.  They also have the necessary resources available such as a quality schools, financial and emotional support, as well as the ability to participate in positive community events and access museums, libraries, and cultural activities to enhance learning and opportunity.   On the other hand, individuals in low-income communities face dire circumstances that allow privileged groups to gain a head-start in life.

Liberals ascertain the standard of “equal opportunity” without acknowledging how unearned privileges place others at a disadvantage.   Recipients of privilege tend to view their unearned advantages as normal everyday experiences shared by everyone (McIntosh, 1997).  They fail to see the special provisions they acquire for simply belonging to a particular societal group.  Instead of looking at themselves and their advantages, attention is drawn to the shortfalls of others in society.  Representative of the liberal lens, Kazempiur and Sitalli Halli (2011) use social learning theory to explain the multi-generational component of poverty.  Although they remove moral blame from people living in poverty, they fail to acknowledge how society reinforces the transmission of unearned privileges to particular groups while continuing to unfairly oppress others (Silvia Straka, personal communication, November 11, 2011). 

Although, according to Liberalism, we are all equal before the law, children growing up in low income neighborhoods are disadvantaged in society. The structural restraints in low income neighborhoods include poor quality of education and health care, as well as high rates of violence and crime (Kazempiur and Sitalli Halli, 2011).  These structural barriers are unacknowledged by the privileged class, allowing them to make the false assumption that failure in society is caused by the individuals choice not take advantage of the opportunities that are provided to everyone.  The structural and environmental disadvantages in low-income communities make attaining “equal opportunity” unequal.

Liberals need to recognize that people come from different backgrounds and experiences that put others ahead in society while trapping others in poverty.  In my opinion, liberals need to redirect their focus by recognizing and addressing the widening gap between unfair advantages, and truly provide equal opportunities for everyone, based on their need.  Liberals need to see that failure in society is the combined result of structural inequalities, environment and socio-economic status, rather than simply the inability of some individuals to “take advantage of available opportunities”

Kim

References:

Kazempiur, A., & Sitalli Halli, S. (2000).  Neighbourhood poverty in Canadian cities.  The Canadian Journal of Sociology, (25)3, 369-381.  Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/3341647

McIntosh, P. (1988).  White privilege and male privilege:  A personal account of coming to see correspondences through work in women’s studies. Working paper no. 189. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED335262.pdf

Mullaly, R. (2007).  The liberal and neo-liberal paradigms. (3^rd Ed.). The New Structural Social Work (pp. 91-112). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.

Seniors in Poverty

Canada’s population is aging which creates a need for responsive policies, programs and services to serve the large number of seniors. Many elderly have health conditions and need assistance with activities of daily living. They need resources and services to provide for their health and care needs. Currently, families are taking a pivotal role in providing care for their seniors. In the elderly population there are many social differences such as gender, class, abilities, racial and ethnic diversities. These factors affect the quality of their lives. Housing and transportation are also issues for the elderly (Neysmith, 2003).

Seniors are considered to be at risk of poverty as they may not have access to resources necessary to age comfortably and in good health. Living near the poverty line is a reality for a good portion of seniors. Although the economic situation of seniors has improved over time many seniors are living under difficult financial circumstances. Risk factors for poverty among seniors are living alone, visible minorities, immigrants and women over eighty. Since the early 1990’s the income for seniors has levelled out, but the gap between other Canadians’ income and that of seniors is increasing. Approximately seven percent of the elderly live below the low income cut-off. It is higher for unattached seniors and women. A factor causing women to be more likely to live in poverty is because many had lower incomes than men when they were employed. The greater life expectancy of women puts them at risk of using up their savings. Women’s pensions are smaller because of the wage difference between men and women. Women often take time away from the workforce to raise children or care for others which is not financially compensated (National Advisory Council on Aging, 2005). The income of seniors comes predominately from pensions such as the Canadian Pension Plan, employer sponsored pensions, Old Age Security and personal savings (The Special Senate Committee on Aging, 2009).

            There are many potential causes as to why seniors are in poverty. One issue for some is the Guaranteed Income Supplement does not supply adequate income to enable the elderly to be living above the poverty line. A second reason is under subscription. Some seniors are unable or unaware of the need to apply for the Old Age Security Program and public pension plans. As a result they do not receive the benefits and the added income. Another source that leads to poverty in seniors is late applications. If people are late in applying for Canadian Pension Plan they only receive eleven month retroactive benefits. This is unfair because the program is based on employee contributions. A forth contribution to poverty is the high housing costs as this is a major expense for seniors (National Advisory Council on Aging, 2005). When seniors worked their income was lower than it is today and therefore the amount going towards their pension was lower. The increase cost of living puts a strain on their limited fixed income. If seniors have health problems and need to buy drugs this would further put a strain on their income as they may not have the same health benefits as when they worked. Seniors have other expenses in their life such as bills and basic living costs that would put a strain on their financial stability and flexibility.

            Veterans Affairs Canada delivers programs to senior veterans. Veterans are assessed for services and benefits including disability pensions, financial support, homecare, health benefits and services (The Special Senate Committee on Aging, 2009). There mandate is to provide assistance and support the veterans who fought for the country through health and social services, legal assistance and recognition (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011). These services and benefits are designed for veterans and their families needs. The Canadian government is the in the process of changing their financial contribution to support veterans. The New Veterans Affairs Charter is based on the values respect, integrity, service, accountability and teamwork (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011). It is designed to help those who fought in the line of duty by providing financial security and it offers programs for veterans to live independently. The programs are also extended to their families. The pension system provides veterans with a monthly cheque of about $800 a month with some health care benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011).

            There are many different opinions about the New Veterans Charter from the standpoint of senior veterans. The article Veterans across Canada hold protests over planned budget cuts and benefits outlines government cuts to the budget of the Veterans Affairs Canada. Dozens of veterans protested as they see the government is lacking compassion and respect. John Labelle is one who suffers from this budget cut. He is a senior who served for thirty-eight years in the navy. Labelle believes the treatment by the government is unfair. Many believe the government needs to treat them and their families with more respect. Many feel ignored. The Harper government could remove three $300 million or more out of the $3.5 billion budget.  Previously veteran’s benefits were tax free with lifetime pensions. The government promised to add 2 billion to improve the benefits but the money will be distributed among two generations and is taxable. Over the years as this money is spread out it is easy to see the harm and inequality for veteran seniors as they will be left with little money (The Canadian Press, 2011). This could have a significant impact on some of the senior veterans as it is their source of income. It may cause some to be in danger of being in poverty.

            Solutions to this problem could be best addressed by looking at the issue from the perspective of all seniors and specifically veteran seniors. It is important to give the seniors a voice by asking and respectfully listening to them about how this budget cut has affected them. They should be asked what they think the government should do and what could be done to best meet their needs so they do not live in financial danger. The seniors should be heard and they should actively direct and assist implementing the changes to take place. Another thing that needs to be done is there should be more hospital and respite staff available to the seniors to help take care of them. Since some of them may be financially disadvantaged healthcare may be an issue so there needs to be more healthcare workers available to meet their needs. As the seniors suffer financially the family will take a primary role in supporting the elderly. It is important to support and empower the families so they have the resources and the abilities to best take care of the elderly.

Lori

References

National Advisory Council on Aging. (2005). Seniors on the margins: Aging in poverty in Canada. Ottawa. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf

Neysmith, S. (2003). Caring and aging: Exposing the policy issues. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 182-199). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

The Canadian Press. (2011). Veterans across Canada hold protests over planned budget cuts and benefits. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved  November 15, 2011, from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/veterans-across-canada-hold-protests-over-planned-budget-cuts-and-benefits-133287613.html

The Special Senate Committee on Aging. (2009). Canada’s aging population: Seizing the opportunity. Ottawa. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/402/agei/rep/AgingFinalReport-e.pdf

Veterans Affairs Canada. (2011). Mandate, mission, vision and ethics. Retrieved from http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/mandate

Veterans Affairs Canada. (2011). New veterans charter. Retrieved from http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/facts-fait/new-veterans-charter

Fair Equality for All?

 Individuals who have a physical disability have a great amount of obstacles to deal with in their daily lives. They face struggles that we non people with a physical disability take for granted. Because of their disability they find themselves falling below the line. They feel below and “useless” in a way because they can’t match up to others. Based on the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey of 2006, people with disabilities make up 16.5% of the adult population (“As a Matter”, 2011).

 Canadians with disabilities remains one of the largest sectors living on social welfare (“A Disability”, 2011). It’s also been said that over two million Canadian adults with disabilities lack one or more of the educational, workplace, aids, home modification or other supports they need to participate fully in their communities (“From Vision”, 2011). With all those people it sad to see they lack all of those things. According to studies 55% of adults with disabilities are women and 45% are men (“As a Matter”, 2011). Women of disability are also sustained to violence and abuse (“A Disability”, 2011). This comes to show how women are targets in any category, this actually makes me sick to think someone would do harm to a person with a physical disability, one who is so vulnerable and weak.

 Poverty is also associated with living arrangements. For instance, amongst people who live alone, 31% with disabilities live in poverty compared with 21.3% of their counterparts without disabilities. More than half of people with disabilities (53.7%) who live with others but not family members (e.g., in shared living arrangements or rooming/boarding houses) have incomes below the poverty line as compared with 36.3% of their non-disabled counterparts. Some 21.3% of lone parents with disabilities have incomes below the poverty line compared with 18.4% of lone parents without disabilities (“As a Matter”, 2011). These individuals need more accessible resources, customize houses to fit their needs, and that are affordable and works for them. They shouldn’t feel isolated and trapped in a society where there’s nothing they cannot do. I think we should make sure that they feel equal and capable of doing anything they set their minds to.

 For that reason I believe we should encourage and help these individuals in finding ways to live in a society normally and not in poverty.as well helping them in opening windows of opportunities, making them feel as though they are equal and can achieve anything they want despite their physical disability; Because in the end everyone needs a helping hand to help guide them in this world.

- Hannah

References:

As a Matter of Fact: Poverty and Disability in Canada. (2011). Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/socialpolicy/poverty-citizenship/demographic-profile/poverty-disability-canada.

A Disability Rights Analysis of Canada's Record Regarding the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Submission by CCD to the Human Rights Council in Relation to the 2009 Periodic Review of Canada. (2011). Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/humanrights/promoting/periodic-review-2009.

From Vision to Action: Building an Inclusive and Accessible Canada: A National Action Plan. (2011). Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/socialpolicy/actionplan/inclusive-accessible-canada.

Aging in Poverty.

There has been an improvement to the economic situation of Canadian seniors but a large number of seniors still live under difficult economic conditions. Poverty among seniors is not rare, it’s most common in seniors living alone, women over the age of 80, visible minorities and immigrants. Everyone thinks seniors are fine because of retirement plans, but for some people that does not exist. 

Older women tend to have lower incomes because their wages were lower while employed and because they live longer so there is more of a chance of them using up there savings. Women who are divorced or separated have lower retirement income then single women and widows (McDonalad, Robb, 2003).

A good number of seniors are living near the poverty line, so these people can’t access the benefits and they have to try to get by with small budget. Senior revenues come from 3 different places: The Old Age Security Program (OAS), the CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) and private savings. Almost all seniors over the age of 65 receive OAS benefits. CPP benefits come from contribution to a public fund during the working years; this plan also provides benefits in case of disability or death. Seniors with low incomes also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in amounts that vary according to marital status and income.

"Economic security refers to an assured and stable standard of living that provides individuals and families with a level of resources and benefits necessary to participate economically, politically, socially, culturally, and with dignity in their community’s activities. Security goes beyond mere physical survival to encompass a level of resources that promotes social inclusion."

(Personal Security Index, 2002)

Even though there are a lot of ways seniors can get a bit of money, there are also a lot of expenses they must pay, such as: personal care, doctor bills, prescriptions, nursing, etc. Canada needs policies, programs and services to serve the growing number of Canadian seniors. 

-Jessica

Refrences:

McDonald, L. and A. L. Robb. The Economic Legacy of Divorced and Separated Women in Old Age, SEDAP Research Paper No. 104. July 2003.
Online: http://socserv.socsci.mcmaster.ca/sedap/p/sedap104.pdf

http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf (Aging in Poverty in Canada)