This column in the first person is the experience of Crystal MacCormac, who lives in Charlottetown with her husband. For more information about the first person stories of CBC, please See frequent questions.
It is the day of the edibles again. I take my time, inspecting each article before putting it in my cart, aware of the many people around me doing exactly the same. We are all reviewing to see where the products we are buying were produced.
As proud, “Canadian elbows”, I want nothing more to hug the Canadian Buy movement in response to the current commercial war with the United States, but I can’t always afford.
Inflation hit our house strongly. Where once I would have considered the middle class, I now consider us a low -income home. My husband and my annual salaries have not changed much in the last five years or so, but our expenses have increased significantly: everything, from the cost of food to electricity, internet and even our cellular bill.
I am grateful to have quickly re -learning the low -income dance when we got married for the first time and discover where I can reduce the costs, but I would not have to do it.
When I plan my grocery trips every week, I have to make sure we are not spending more than we can pay. Often, that means putting those Canadian products on the shelf in favor of the cheapest items produced anywhere other than the US, if I can make it work. Things like fresh meat, fruits and vegetables are often more expensive, and my budget allows a very little maneuvering margin, if there is any.
That is why this federal choice is more personal than any other choice in which you have voted. Because on April 28, I’m not only voting for me. I am doing this for my family, my friends, my island companions and for all Canadians.
I had never spent my days reading and observing, taking so much information. The learning curve has been steep. I have learned names that I would never have heard and heard podcasts that I would never have paid attention before. Who vote has never felt more important. It could well be the most important political decision I have taken.
The main federal parties that lead candidates in PEI (the conservatives, liberals, NDP, Green Party and Popular Party of Canada) have promised to address the highest cost of living if they form the next government.
I have not yet decided, but I am leaning for a vote for the liberals or the PND.
I feel that a leader with Mark Carney’s economy history could be what we need to take us back to a sustainable and stable economy.
Your promise a Shave a percentage point at the lowest income tax level It may not seem much, but for us, it could mean being able to support more Canadian businesses and buy more Canadian products.
They have also promised to reduce the GST in all houses up to $ 1 million for housing buyers for the first time. We had been making plans to buy our first house, so keeping the GST in that purchase could return that dream that dream. If we go to a small house at $ 350,000, that is more than $ 17.00 in savings.
The liberal platform, when it comes to the cost of living, Currently it seems focused almost only on tax exemptionsSo I will keep looking to see what else they add to their promises list.
As for the NDP, What highlights me Is it your promise to eliminate the GST of some monthly needs such as the Internet and energy? That could release some money to help us achieve it from the payment check to pay a check with a little more ease.
They have also pledged to double the disability benefit and increase the guaranteed income supplement. My husband has a significant disability that limits the type of work he can do and how many hours can work every week. These increases could allow us to live with less concern for our future and can even allow us to invest in our retirement.
We already have Improved access to my husband’s diabetic medication And supplies here in Pei, but the NDP promises to expand even more Pharmacare. Getting help with your heart medications would be a change of play, since there are times when we have to cut in other areas to pay your treatments to save lives.
Also, Your promise to increase dental care coverage It would mean that we could finally have regular dental visits, instead of just being able to go when it is an absolute need.
My hope is that between now and April 28, I will have the information I need to cast a vote of which I can be proud, one based on the love I have for my country and his Canadian companions. I want to vote for a game that makes the best decisions for all of us, not only for me or only for a few.
I want a leader who helps Canadians in all the circumstances of life and a leader who puts the needs of the people first. I want a leader who supports the average and everyday Canadians like me so that he can, in turn, support Canadian companies without worrying about my budget.
Are you an island with a convincing personal story that can provide understanding or help others? We want to know about you. Here is More information on how to launch CBC PEI
What is the problem that matters most in these federal elections? CBC News will publish a variety of perspectives of voters who share the personal experience that mold their choice at the polls. Read more columns in the first person related to the elections here.
