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)

Mothers with Mental Illness

Mothers struggling with a mental illness are particularly vulnerable to a widespread set of challenges.  Stigmatization creates seemingly endless barriers to access affordable housing and meaningful employment.  While social assistance provides minimal support, for many, particularly those experiencing domestic violence, the social assistance is inadequate. 

In comparison to the general population, people living with mental illness are also living in poverty.  By strategically freezing or reducing welfare rates, and imposing time limitations for financial support, government personnel propose that these strategies will encourage more people to become self-sufficient by no longer relying on the welfare state (Wilton, 2004).  However, failure to provide people with an adequate standard of living reinforces oppressive walls that leave many mothers with mental illness marginalized and vulnerable to dangerous living conditions.

Stigmatized by mental illness and reliance on social assistance, mothers with mental illness experience minimal success in securing affordable housing.  Discrimination against mental health is compounded by having children, living in poverty, as well as other factors such as race, ethnic identity, and language barriers (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011).  Many mothers were denied housing because their landlord requested disclosure of mental health status and other factors as part of the housing application process (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011).

Mothers with mental illness also experience difficulty finding meaningful employment that provides a sustainable income.  Similar to the challenges experienced in securing affordable housing, obtaining meaningful employment was also hindered by several factors.  Women had to find employment that did not pose threat to their mental health, while also considering issues such as child care, transportation, and personal exhaustion.  As a result, many women with mental illness found it particularly difficult to obtain legal employment (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011).  Feeling limited by unsuccessful attempts to find affordable housing and obtaining employment, many mothers with mental illness were left fending for themselves and their family on the streets as the support from social welfare is not sufficient enough to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, a common experience shared by many women with mental illness living in shelters or on the streets is a history of violence and domestic abuse (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011).  Women in this situation experience a cycle of oppression in which they may find strength to escape domestic violence, but continue to feel trapped in society as they are unable to obtain the financial means to support themselves or their family (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011).  Many women have to choose a life existing between two evils in which they either return to an abusive partner who can provide for the family or be free of violence but struggle financially, risking the apprehension of her children.  The risk of homeless and violence for women with mental illness raises huge concerns and indicates that more attention and support at a policy level needs to be provided.

In order to improve the situation for mothers living with mental illness several supports need to be emplaced.  First, financial supports through social assistance needs to be more easily accessible and must provide an adequate standard of living.  Second, public education and awareness about mental health issues should become a priority in order to reduce or eliminate the discrimination and stigmatization experienced by many. Thirdly, Canada needs to implement “a national housing strategy inclusive of diverse and socially excluded groups” (Benbow, Forchuk, & Ray, 2011, p. 694). Lastly, more support in education, health care, financial support, housing and access to resources such as transportation and child care needs to be provided to women who are experiencing domestic abuse and violence.  With these supports emplaced mothers living with mental illness could attain a higher quality of life for themselves and their children.

Kim

References

Benbow, S., Forchuk, C., & Ray, S. L. (2011).  Mothers with mental illness experiencing homelessness: a critical analysis.  Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 18(8), 687-695. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2011.01720.x/abstract

Wilton, R. (2004). Putting policy into practise? Poverty and people with serious mental illness.  Social Science and Medicine, 58(1), 25-39.  Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/science/article/pii/S0277953603001485

Having a physical disability shouldn't make you any different but...

People living with physical disabilities go through a lot on a daily basis, being unemployed is one (of many) problems that people with disabilities have to face. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 26%, over five times higher than the 5% rate for people without disabilities. (International Disability Rights Monitor, 2004). Even when people with disabilities do have jobs, a lot of the time they don’t get enough hours to be able to be eligible for employment insurance. People not being able to find jobs really take a toll on them emotionally, physically, socially and financially. Men with disabilities, are more likely to be employed then women and I don’t agree with that because I think everyone should be given an equal opportunity to succeed in their lives.

Of course not every person with a physical disability is unemployed, but a lot of work places don’t have the right accommodations to even hire people with physical disabilities. “There is sometimes a failure to recognize the social and economic contributions of people with disabilities and a tendency to see only the disability rather than the person. A lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation can present a further challenge. As a result, persons with disabilities do not always have access to the same opportunities as others, and they are more likely to be socially isolated, have higher rates of unemployment, and live below the poverty line.” (Canadian Heritage)

Canada does provide the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits, which provides a monthly taxable benefit to contributors who are disabled and to their dependent children. But of course it’s not always that easy, there are still eligibility problems and many other factors that make it hard for people living with a physical disability to get the basic money that they need to live day to day.

People who live with a disability have a lot to deal with every day, and it’s not fair to them that they should have to live in poverty just because there not the same as everyone else. People with physical disabilities have a lot on their plate, on top of their medical bills, and other things, they also have to worry about providing for their families and themselves and it’s awfully hard when you have no source of income coming in because you can’t get a job.

-Jessica

References:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/cpp/disability/disabilitypension.shtml (Service Canada)

International Disability Rights Monitor, ‘Regional Report of the Americas’, 2004

http://www.canadianprofessionals.org/about.htm#top

http://culturecanada.gc.ca/pgm/pdp-hrp/canada/abl-eng.cfm

Employment is Difficult for People with Disabilities

Canadians with disabilities encounter many barriers and oppressions to finding employment in the workforce. Some include environmental barriers, financial difficulties and discrimination. Barriers to entering in the work force and low public assistance payments leave some Canadians with disabilities financially marginalized. For some Canadians there is a link between living in poverty and living with a disability (CBC News, 2010). Someone with a disability has a long term physical, mental or health problem and has difficulty in conducting activities of daily living. Some meet the criteria by being told by health professionals they have learning or mental health disabilities (Statistics of Canada, 1995, cited in Dunn, 2003). Government policies appear to be in transition between two paradigms of people with disabilities. The medical paradigm focuses on the expertise of medical and rehabilitation practitioners. People with disabilities are seen as sick and there is a focus on their limitations, inability to perform activities and lack of performance. People are considered patients and there is a focus on categorizing, their functional limitations and giving medical care. There is a focus on institutional care, special programs and a stigma is present towards them (Dunn, 1999, cited in Dunn, 2003). A second paradigm is one based on consumer control and empowerment (Hanes, 2001; Nagler, 1990, cited in Dunn, 2003). It suggests the environment of the disabled contributes to the problem. The focus is on how people with disabilities experience oppression and on how their lives need to be community centered, self directed and functional. Physical and emotional barriers need to be removed (Walters & Ternette, 1994, cited in Dunn, 2003).

For Canadians with disabilities employment can be an obstacle. Many working age Canadians with disabilities are not in the labour force. The greatest groups of people with disabilities to be unemployed are women, Aboriginal peoples and other minorities. People with disabilities are marginalized from the labour force because of discrimination, insufficient public policies and other obstacles such as accessibility (Crawford, 1992, cited in Dunn, 2003). Public policies have segregated this population into sheltered workshops and they have not been able to have equal earning ability and job satisfaction. Some have difficulty obtaining employment and the equipment needed to function adequately in the workplace. Many do not have equal access to training and education for their jobs like people without disabilities. Having a disability brings additional costs and people can have difficulty earning the extra income to meet these needs. The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment because of disability. It helps employers make the workplace more accessible for people with physical disabilities. Initiatives to encourage employers to hire people with disabilities include employment equity by some provinces to keep employers accountable by reporting the number of disabled employees in their workplace and encourage the removal of barriers. Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities emphasises employing people with disabilities by providing services for the disabled worker to train them to gain the required skills. They also provide counselling, education and any equipment needed by the client. Wage subsidies are also provided (Dunn, 2003). Unfortunately the sad reality is the unemployment and underemployment rate of people with disabilities is very high. There are policies needed to support people to have and keep meaningful employment. Many people want inclusion for people with disabilities in well paying jobs as part of the mainstream workforce instead of unemployment or segregation employment sites (Council of Canadians with Disabilities, 1998, cited in Dunn, 2003). People with disabilities can encounter discrimination and many physical barriers in the workplace. Some workplaces are not physically accessible for people with disabilities which create for them a disadvantage to employment.

            There is a connection between poverty and having a disability. In an article People with Disabilities more prone to Poverty Laurie Helgason, a Canadian in a wheel chair expresses her belief that some employers are reluctant to hire people with physical needs. Some employers show discrimination to people with disabilities as they think about the cost to them by involving and employing them. As a result of thinking of the cost instead of the individual the people with disabilities loose out and are unemployed (CBC News, 2010). It is a sad reality to think that if a person did not have a disability they would have a better chance of having and maintaining a job. They are productive people who have something to contribute to society. People who do not have disabilities earn approximately $10, 000 more a year than those with disabilities (CBC News, 2010). Common activities that are a part of others lives are a problem for them.

            People with disabilities can encounter many sources of inequality in terms of employment such as discrimination, lack of physical accessibility, transportation difficulties and problems in having the proper tools and devices to do their job. From a social work perspective this inequality should be challenged because people with disabilities should have equal opportunity for employment. All people should be treated with respect and dignity. As employers and businesses it is important to accept and embrace differences as all people are valuable and can contribute to the workforce. It is important to advocate and promote social justice as people with disabilities are not being treated with the respect that they deserve in terms of employment. The government needs to intervene to encourage initiatives so people with disabilities have equal access to the workforce. People with disabilities need to have a voice and inform others directly how they are affected and what changes need to be made to make employment more accessible. The people most affected need to direct the changes. Employers need to make sure that their businesses are accessible and not discriminatory towards people with disabilities. They should be seen as valuable people who can contribute to the labour market not a cost to a business. Employers need to ensure that people with disabilities have access to proper training, tools, devices and support to do their job well. They should have equal pay for doing jobs that people without disabilities do. It is important to raise awareness to businesses to hire people with disabilities and to eliminate the stigma. It is not right that some are underemployed or unemployed because of their disability. They should have equal opportunity as they are equal citizens with the opportunity to make valuable contributions to the workforce.  

Lori

References

CBC News. (2010, March 25). People with disabilities more prone to poverty. CBC News. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2010/03/25/mb-poverty-helgason.html

Dunn, P. A. (2003). Canadians with disabilities. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 200- 221). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

Trapped inside a World of shortage

 Not being heard is the worst feeling one can get, especially if that individual has some sort of mental illness. Not being taken seriously or even just left alone, nowhere to go and no one to turn too. People with mental illnesses are left in society because they are not “sane”, they are left and trap inside a world of poverty.

 Mental illnesses vary from different types, it can affect anyone at any time. It’s been said that nearly one in five  Canadian adults will personally experience a mental illness during a 1-year period (“Mental Illness”, 2002).  Anyone of different race can experience a mental illness; it’s not as if one group of beings only get mental illnesses. People living with mental illnesses are severely affected by social and economic inequality. Through no fault of their own they face extended and often lifetime unemployment, social exclusion, isolation, relationship distress, poor physical health and lack of hope for the future (Alexander, 2009). This is all because they do not fit society’s norms of functioning “normally”, thus they are ignored and shunned. I think people should put themselves in these individuals’ shoes, see how one would feel if they couldn’t be taken seriously or given the time or day, it would suck... Right?

 In Canada according to the 2006 census there are an estimated 4,635,185 individuals with disabilities. According to the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey 2006, 15% of those individuals had a psychological disability. Of that 15%, 70.8% were unemployed. The median income for a person with disability is $19,199, almost 30% less than someone without a disability with a median income of $27,496 (Alexander, 2009). Because of their mental illness they lose on the opportunity of an education which then puts them under the unemployment rate. Persons with mental illness face several barriers which prevent opportunities for economic advancement. They often encounter difficulty securing adequate education and employment, and face undue discrimination (Alexander, 2009). We live in a country with many resources and opportunities, so why don’t we take full advantage of those and put them to use!

 Dr. Alexander (2009) stated we must work together, all levels of government and all citizens of Canada, to eradicate social injustice caused by stigma and discrimination and support those living in disadvantage to achieve quality of life. In Canada, this has been identified as a longstanding obligation. The federal government has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that income policy measures that improve equity begin without delay. I agree with Dr. Alexander (2009), we should ALL work together, disregard the differences and help our citizens from falling through the cracks and onto a world of poverty. We can achieve this by working together.

 These individuals are trapped inside their minds, we shouldn’t ignore them. There should be more of an effort to help them; more resources, affordable houses and medications. It’s not their fault they have a mental illness and we shouldn’t see it to that. I believe if we make in effort of teaching others how to deal with these individuals, such as what areas to help them in and what should be done to do so. If we can achieve this then I believe we can see better results in the situation.

- Hannah

References:

Alexander, T. (2009, April 2). Poverty Reduction: A Necessary Component of the Federal Government’s Mental Health Strategy for Canadians. Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/data/1/rec_docs/2233_CMHA%20Poverty_Reduction%20-%20HUMA.pdf.

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

Gay Men – Statistically Earn Less Income

Postmodernists advocate to hear the voices of marginalized members of society. “Postmodernists reject all totalizing belief systems or grand narratives that seek to impose some kind of ideal order on society in the interests of society” (Mullaly, 1007, p. 176).  In regards to sexual orientation, postmodernists would strive to eliminate the hierarchal order that ranks heterosexuality as superior in comparison to identification as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ).  In recent years there have been significant improvements in the treatment of GLBTQ as a result of the decriminalization of same sex sexuality, the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, and the protection for gays and lesbians under the Canadian Human Rights Act (O’Neil, 2003).  However, despite these recent improvements, many sexual minorities continue to feel discriminated against in the work place and gay men are earning significantly less income in comparison to heterosexual men.

Despite Canada’s more progressive stance against heterosexism, a recent article in the Toronto Sun revealed that “[a]bout one in 10 GLBTQ workers still find coworkers and employers intolerant of their sexual orientation, and between one-third to half of respondents had experienced some form of discrimination throughout their professional lives” (Toronto Sun, 2011).  Failure to provide supportive policies in agencies that are predominately heterosexual increases the perception of discrimination in the work place (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001).  Discrimination creates an uncomfortable working atmosphere, negatively affecting job satisfaction, commitment to the agency, and satisfaction with promotion opportunities (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001).  Discrimination in the work place has been particularly damaging for gay men who are earning significantly less than heterosexual men.   

A study focusing on sexual orientation and income in Canada revealed that gay men are earning 12% less income then heterosexual men (Carpenter, 2008).  Gay men have higher rates of employment in the arts, cultural, and recreational fields as well as in sales and services (Carpenter, 2008). While the potential earnings in these fields may be less than business or government agencies, the atmosphere is likely to be more inclusive and welcoming to sexual minorities.  Many gay men working in heterosexual dominated agencies feel pressure to conceal their true identity in order to avoid mistreatment and discrimination in the work place. Therefore, although there has been improvement in recent years, gay men are still seen as inferior to heterosexual men, continuing to face discrimination in the work place, and earning less annual income.

The data used to assess the income of gay men in Canada proclaims that 87.9% of self-identified gay men are white and that 37.6% have a bachelor’s degree (Carpenter, 2008). Therefore, it can be concluded that the study is representative of a more privileged gay population.  A study looking at the dual oppression of gay men who are also discriminated against because of their ethnic identity or other factors such as physical or intellectual disabilities would likely expose a more troubling outcome for gay men with many struggling to survive living below the poverty line.

The recent changes in government policies have increased acceptance towards the GLBTQ population in many areas.  However, as analyzed above, discrimination against sexual minorities continues.  To proactively hear the voices of marginalized sexual minorities, policies need to be developed and enforced to ensure sexual minorities receive the same opportunities for employment as the general population and that they are fairly represented in all agencies and fields of employment.  A much stronger emphasis should be placed on creating a safe and welcoming work environment that is free of discrimination and prejudice.  While the statistics above focus on a more privileged gay population consideration must also be afforded to those facing dual oppressions.  A postmodernist attitude needs to be promoted to encourage marginalized groups to speak out and to encourage privileged groups to listen.

Kim

References

Carpenter, C. S. (2008). Sexual orientation, work, and income in Canada.  Canadian Journal of Economics, 41(4), 1239-1261.  Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/doi/10.1111/j.1540-5982.2008.00502.x/pdf

Mullaly, R. (2007).  Feminist, anti-racist, and postmodern critiques.  The new structural social work (3^rd Ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.

O’Neill, B. (2003). Heterosexism: Shaping social policy in relation to gay men and lesbians. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian Social Policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 128-144). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

Ragins, B. R., & Cornwell, J. M. (2001). Pink triangles: Antecedents and consequences of perceived workplace discrimination against gay and lesbian employees.  Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(6), 1244-1361.  Retrieved from

            http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/sp-3.4.2a/ovidweb.cgi

Where are all the jobs?

Canada is often viewed as a place where newcomers can create a better life for themselves and their families and a place where everyone is taken care of; it is known as a country filled with opportunities. The only problem with this idealistic notion is that it isn’t entirely true for all immigrants and refugees. Although there exists a great need for skilled labour in Canada, due to the expansion of the industrial and high-tech fields, there also exists discrimination and prejudice against immigrants (George, 2003, p. 146). Immigrants, although many are highly skilled, can be seen as liabilities to companies; companies may fear that language is a barrier or that the individual does not have enough “Canadian experience” (Trichur, 2011).

The article Productivity woes aggravated by failure to hire new immigrants, describes how various forms of discrimination and prejudice deter many companies from hiring new immigrants, even though they need the skilled labour that many of these immigrants possess. Although there are policies in place that condemn discrimination in hiring practices, there are ways in which companies are able to circumvent these policies, whether they are making the conscious decision to do so or not. Canada is losing out on the skilled labourers it needs to keep the economy running, while new immigrants are suffering due to unjust hiring practices.

Since many skilled immigrants have trouble finding employment once they arrive, due to the hiring practices noted above, this compounded with the costs of immigrating more often than not this puts them below the poverty line. If they are continually turned down from potential job opportunities, then they may become at greater risk for staying in poverty, unable to break the cycle of discrimination. The immigration process for many individuals and families then is not up to the standards they expected when leaving their countries of origin; many end up feeling as though the promises they were made to expect about the opportunities for a better life were false. Too many immigrants may end up being worse off after immigrating, than they were when they left their countries of origin.

There are already social services that provide immigrants and refugees with skill/job training, and while these programs are useful to immigrants who wish to develop new skills, it does not help already skilled immigrants who are searching for a job. I believe that policies directed towards companies that promote the hiring of immigrants need to be created; the creation and implementation of policies that would give companies incentives to hire new immigrants is what is needed. These types of policies would allow new immigrants the opportunity to gain the Canadian experience they would require to succeed in Canada, as well as to ensure they receive the income they require in order to support their families.  

Kirsten

References

George, U. (2003). Immigration and refugee policy in Canada: Past, present, and future. In A. Westhues, Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 145-163). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

Trichur, R. (2011, November 14). Productivity woes aggravated by failure to hire new immigrants. Retrieved from The Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/growth/productivity-woes-aggravated-by-failure-to-hire-new-immigrants/article2220379/

Newcomers to Canada still in poverty

     Immigration is a huge movement that keeps Canada a diverse country. Currently, Manitoba alone attracts 11 000 immigrants a year with this number expecting to rise to 20 000 in 2016 (Rollason, 2009). Immigrants and refugees are often excited about the new life they are about to encounter in our so called peaceful and free country. However, they are not aware of the dreadful costs they will be having to pay for at least the next decade of their life in Canada. When people immigrate to Canada, they tend to bring their immediate family members along as well to stay together.  This is wonderful because it seems kids get to start a new childhood and adults start in new atmospheres in perhaps better circumstances than in their home countries. But do they really? 

     Even though immigrants may be incredibly well educated once they reside in Canada, the language barrier brings new difficulties which restricts immigrants' education to truly be valid here. To most Canadian employers, experience out of Canada may mean absolutely nothing (Gunn, 2009).  From my aunt's experience, I can support this statement because all her medical education from Mexico was not accepted in Canada. Even though my aunt was a certified doctor in Mexico, Canada would not accept her training or credentials because she was an immigrant that was not quite fluent in English yet. This upsets me because when people go out of their way to attend university or college to excel in education, this should be rewarded and not beaten down in other countries. Our government should provide free English classes to the people that are perfect for the job and language is the only barrier. It is not fair that someone who put so much time, effort, and money into their education cannot use it elsewhere. This is part of the reason that immigrants poverty has risen 60% in the last 20 years (Gunn, 2009).  With immigrants not being able to use prior training or education, they find themselves working at lower paying jobs that often prohibit any further opportunity. Even when starting a new job, language skills need to develop first which varies with each individual. Personally, I think this issue has somewhat improved as Canada continues to become more desperate for doctors so we tend to bring and accept them from other countries.

     It has been said that among recent immigrants being a full time student, not in school or working insufficient hours, being self-employed, lone parent families or unattached individuals are at higher risk of poverty (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2007). With the unemployment rate of recent immigrant families rising to 8.8% (Rollason, 2009), immigrants' futures are not looking too hopeful. The effects of this are not only show through physical stress and poverty, but also take toll on the children's future education. An article in the Winnipeg Free Press highlights the life a young immigrant man who had to leave school in Canada to go work just so his family could still eat. How is this any different than what these immigrants were fleeing from? Sure, some immigrants and refugees escape the safety concerns but remain in poverty  (in some cases worse than their recent experiences) for years. The problem for refugees starts with the cost of transportation from their home country to Canada. The amount that refugees have to pay back could add up to thousands and thousands of dollars, averaging out to $10,000 per family (Rollason, 2009). Canada is the only country in the world that charges interest on transportation loans which makes it more expensive and difficult for refugees to repay (Rollason, 2009). Not only does the Canadian government charge refugees for transportation, but also for prior medical tests in order to enter the country (Gunn, 2009).  Considering our medical system we have, I find it hard to believe that the government would ask refugees to repay for necessary medical tests. These tests should be free because they are required to enter the country and are taken for safety precautions.

      I believe that it is ridiculous that Canada expects refugees to repay their transportation fees plus the interest that got built on top of it when most immigrants already spend 60-70% of their incomes on housing costs and necessities of life (Rollason, 2009). Through the words of Jon Gerrard, "It's a frustration for new immigrants. What I've seen is the work ethic of new immigrants is incredible, but we need to help them more with the transition" (Rollason, 2009). This liberal statement seems to sympathize with the fact that newly immigrated people have difficulty getting accustomed to Canadian life. They recognize that there is a struggle and that we must help immigrants to make the move a smooth transition, however it is still up to the immigrants to thrive here, seeing as they have incredible work ethic. This view is very liberal because the government sees themselves as putting out help for immigrants but it is up to them to take advantage of it.

 

     In my opinion, in order to help refugees start a new beginning in Canada the government should not expect a full repayment of transportation plus interest. If anything, the most Canadian government should expect to be paid back is half of the fees but even this is a little unjust. Refugees are in a completely different situation as immigrants because refugees are fleeing a country for their own safety; they really have no choice. Immigrants choose to come to Canada in search of a better life. Therefore, I believe Canada should cut the cost of transportation in half for refugees and completely waiver the costs for medical examinations. Immigrants on the other hand, should still receive aid for the first few months until they have secure income. 

-Dora

References:

Gunn, J. (2009, November 13). Does arrival in Canada doom newcomers to poverty? The Catalyst, 32(3). Retrieved from http://www.cpj.ca/en/content/does-arrival-canada-doom-newcomers-poverty

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. (2007). A Study of Poverty and Working Poverty among Recent Immigrants to Canada. Retrieved from http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/publications_resources/research/categories/inclusion/2007/sp_680_05_07_e/page04.shtml 

Rollason, K. (2009, October 22). Refugees, immigrants in poverty: report. The Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/refugees-immigrants-in-poverty-report-65457597.html