In a recent article posted by the Conservative Party of Canada, the Conservative government states they are putting in a new support system for seriously injured veterans. The new plan, called the "Legacy of Care", is a set of five new initiatives to help the physically disabled veterans.
An article from Kelly Block describes the five initiatives:
"- Barrier-Free transitional housing for injured soldiers undergoing treatment at one of the CF’s seven centres of expertise in rehabilitation
- Support services such as wheelchair accessible transportation to medical appointments, caregiver respite, child care, and the delivery of medical supplies and groceries during rehabilitation
- Up to $100 per day for family or close friends who leave their job to help provide care to the ill or injured soldier
- Improving access to the Canadian Forces Spousal Education Upgrade Program; and,
- Making it easier for seriously ill or injured veterans to access help, information, and individual attention, through enhanced case management support."
Another main concern with these five new initiatives is the concern for the family. Neoconservatives base a lot their beliefs towards the support from the family, according to Mullaly (2007) "even if people become ill and cannot look after themselves ... it is up to the family to look after them in the first instance" (page 83). The article makes a direct statement that this new plan is not only for the veterans themselves, but also for the families affected, "That’s why we are delivering on our commitment to those who have given up so much for Canada, and to the loved ones who put their own lives on hold in order to be caregivers."
The neoconservatives tend to shy away from interfering with personal support as they believe that it is up to the individual to take care of themselves if problems arise. However, in this case they are making notice that the physically disabled veterans are part of the "deserving poor", and are stepping in to offer their assistance.
This new plan also can give many new perspectives towards the Conservative government. One way is it can give hope to other people who are physically disabled in Canada, as the issue is becoming recognized. As soldiers, many other workers face money struggles once returned home, as they aren't making as much money, need extra assistant to get around, and have health care concerns. There is also the problem of the other caregiver in the household having to make sacrifices to their time and during their work to care for the one who is injured. Perhaps other plans geared towards the physically disabled may be revised, or looked upon again?
In another aspect, this new plan can create more anger towards the conservatives. As many people may feel they are also the "deserving poor", even if they haven't fought for our country. They may feel they aren't getting as much notice as other physically disabled people; becoming unnoticed. Also, neoconservatives can get upset because as a result of this plan, taxes may rise. A common goal that all conservatives want, is to limit the amount of taxes Canadians pay.
Either way the government is making some new changes for persons they view as the deserving poor.
-Jessica VL
References:
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Conservative Politcal Party. Conservatives Help Deliver a Legacy of Care for Canada’s Veterans. 28 Sept., 2010. 17 Oct. 2010.<http://www.conservative.ca/press/other_stories/conservatives_help_deliver_a_legacy_of_care_for_canada_s_veterans>
Block, Kelly. A Legacy of Care. 12 Oct., 2010. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://kellyblock.ca/2010/10/12/a-legacy-of-care/ >
This is a very good topic being discussed that conservatives see injured soldiers as “deserving poor”. It is a positive aspect that they are starting to consider not only the injured soldiers, but also the family. As you mentioned, I also think that other physically disabled people may see themselves as also deserving, which like you said this can create anger, and I also think this also may make them feel neglected as they will feel that their physical disability is not as important.
ReplyDeleteOverall, this is a good step that conservatives are starting to change their views in which they see “deserving poor”, hopefully one day they will eliminate this concept of “underserving poor”.
Melanie. F
I also agree that this is a great topic to discuss, especially because I was unaware of this. I think if the Conservative government sticks with their plan, the Legacy of Care, it will be very beneficial to the physically disabled veterans and to their families.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that the Conservatives are classifying disabled soldiers as part of the "deserving poor", but I can't help to imagine how other physically disabled persons will feel like. I imagine that they will feel excluded because they are not veterans. I think that the Legacy of the Care is a great idea (as it will help out the physically disabled veterans and their families); however, I do think that all physically disabled persons, and their families should have the right to have to the Legacy of Care.
The Conservatives are definitely stepping up, and I think that they will receive positive feedback from the physically disabled veterans, and negative feedback from the physically disabled who are not veterans. I hope that with the negative feedback, they adjust their plan, to create fairness for all.
Ashley
Nice analysis, Jessica, about vets with disabilities being considered the deserving poor. Since neoconservatives value law and order so highly, it makes sense that they also value the military and thus prioritize the needs of vets with disabilities. But as you have all pointed out, where does that leave everyone else? Are they any less deserving?
ReplyDeleteYour post points out some of the huge problems with the notion of deserving and undeserving poor. You did a great job presenting the policy and applying your critique. Keep blogging!
Great post Jessica! It was a nice change to hear that the conservative government is contributing some assistance to those who need it. I really liked that you addressed the notion that veterans are seen as "deserving poor" because they faught for our country, while others are not recieving assistance due to the fact that they did not have the chance to make this "patriotic" sacrifice. It's such an interesting topic to explore. It's very clear that the veterens deserve care, but it would be nice if everyone else was entitled to the same resources if they need them.
ReplyDeleteCrystal M.
Great job Jessica and very interesting subject you brought up! As you mentioned and I agree, it's a great plan, and hopefully many others in need of assistance will receive help as well.
ReplyDeleteSarah H
Good policy to blog about! There's benefits and limitations to the Legacy of Care and you pointed it out by questioning the notion of deserving and undeserving poor.
ReplyDelete