Sister Shannan Little from Lethbridge, Alberta wrote this letter to the editor of the Lethbridge Herald, critisizing the federal government for their reckless cuts to public services.
As the darkness of the Harper Government austerity budget looms upon us, my concern for services to Canadians, protection of the environment, election fraud and basic democratic values turns to despair over the vitriol I see in my community towards public servants.
These people are your neighbours, your family, your community members. These are the people who eat in your restaurants, who purchase homes and cars and computers from your merchants, who have their hair styled and nails done in your salons. These people donate to your charities, volunteer at your events, fundraise for your childs sports program. In fact, according to Economic Development Lethbridge, public sector organizations employ nearly 10,000 people, accounting for 19% of the employed workforce in Lethbridge.
Perceptions of public servants as performing services of no value, of inflated wages, of diamond-encrusted benefit packages, of low work ethic seem to be flourishing. I ask you to inform yourself about the services that are provided and the real effects of job loss. I ask you to apprise yourself on the actual compensation public servants receive (a simple internet search will provide you this information). I urge you to consider the possibility of health benefits and pensions for all, rather than for none. (One may also ponder, if compensation and benefits are so grand, have you applied for a job in public service?)
I ask myself if this reflects the true values and beliefs of Canadians or if we are being intentionally and maliciously manipulated to bitter conflict by this most divisive federal government. I ask you: Do you really feel joy over the loss of employment for these people? Do you wish these people refrain from spending their cash in your business? Do you really think that these cuts in service will not touch your life? We are all affected.
Shannan Little
PSAC Local 30048
Lethbridge AB