British Columbians losing ground
Times Colonist (Victoria)
12 Sep 2007
Letters -- By: Lisa Dunsmore, Ucluelet

Literacy rates are lowest in countries where people's basic needs aren't being met.

Here in Canada, and especially in British Columbia, we are moving backward.

We've made no progress on child poverty; the number of families living below the poverty line is increasing. We've made no progress on affordable child care.

As an early childhood educator, I know no one wants to -- or can -- pay us a living wage either.

In every sector, wages have been rolled back and benefits clawed away. Some families where one or both parents are employed are still homeless or living in marginal accommodation.

You can't do homework in a car. You can't read to your children if you have to work two or three jobs just to provide for them.

People need a decent standard of living first. Then they can learn to read and write.