Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Canada’s gap between rich and poor is growing, during the best of economic times, at a time when it should be shrinking.

That’s the conclusion of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative’s new report, The Rich and The Rest of Us: The Changing Face of Canada’s Growing Gap by economist Armine Yalnizyan. The richest 10% of families raising children now make 82 times more than the poorest 10% — that’s almost triple what they made a generation ago.

And here’s the thing. The gap is no longer just about the poor being left behind.

• Do you wonder if your family is doing better or worse financially compared to other Canadian families? Visit www.growinggap.ca for the answer.

The majority of families are working more, helping to grow the economy. They’re playing by all the rules, but they’re not getting the payback. 80% of families are running harder to stay in place - and half are falling behind.

The richest 10% are getting the lion’s share of economic growth. Their earnings grew by 30% while most families saw their incomes rise slightly, stay in place, or drop. The richest 10% are literally breaking away from the rest of us.

To read the report, visit www.growinggap.ca or www.policyalternatives.ca.

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The annual CALM Conference, where union members gather to learn more about union communications, will be held from May 12 to 14 at the Red River College in Winnipeg. If you want to create a Local newsletter or website, or to learn how to improve communicating with your members, this conference is for you.

PSAC Locals can attend the conference even if they are not member of CALM. If you register before April 25, registration fees are $320 per person ($295 for members). You can choose up to four different workshops at the conference.

Visit www.calm.ca for more details on the conference. Register now for a great opportunity to meet union members who want to improve their communication skills.

Pierre Lebel, PSAC Communications Officer, CALM President