Invest in people, not bridges
Times Colonist (Victoria)
February 24, 2009
Comment: Martha McAlister

As our government looks for "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects to invest in, it needs to look no further than the community social services infrastructure.

Not only is it "shovel-ready," but it is probably the single most important area for investment in tough economic times. Investment in social capital has enormous payoffs, both emotionally and economically, that have high returns down the road. While bridges and buildings wear down over time, investing in people and communities has a multiplying effect. Healthier people become the builders of our more secure futures.

We build communities by investing in people and making sure the most vulnerable among us are housed, fed and educated. What better time to build a universal child-care system or support more students to receive post-secondary training?

Rather than reacting with fear, we should be embracing crisis as opportunity; now is the time to be courageous and pursue initiatives that we know will pay off for us all.