The month of January appears to be going by in a haze of snow shovelling, so much so that around my little abode we have no more space to put it until the weather warms up. I don't remember so much snow for a good number of years although the weather experts say the amount we have is normal or even less than normal for the time of year. Don't know where they are living but it's not here in P.A.
The provincial government has decided in its wisdom to give grant money to all the rural ice skating and curling rinks, although originally, if the truth be told, it was money destined for seniors' centres. However, the door does appear to have come open for that department giving the money away to be able to consider seniors' centres as prime providers of recreational, cultural and social programs.
We just have to convince them there is a great need for their help. That particular job has been handed over to SSM. They have the expertise and the means; they just have to go to work and follow through.
Pension amounts, or should I say the lack of pension amounts, seems to be the topic bothering a very large number of seniors across the country. The last increase in the old age security (OAS) for most people was between 0.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent which amounted to very little - not even equal to the increase in one bag of flour at your local grocery store.
It's no wonder seniors are turning up in increasing numbers at their local food banks and share a meal centres. One thing is for sure. The healthy diet recommended by health experts is not going to be available to pensioners existing on OAS and the guaranteed income supplement.
A large number of seniors experience a great deal of difficulty coping with the present economic situation and could quite easily be seen as becoming an endangered species. When wildlife becomes endangered, the government carries out programs to protect and preserve them. Why not human beings? Words such as "protect and preserve" right now carry more meaning in respect to seniors than probably any other time, so why do we have to beg and plead with the minister responsible for seniors to take action. Is he blind? Can he not see? Or does he just not care?
The federal government sends huge amounts of dollars to so many countries seeming to be in danger of being stricken with disease, drought or starvation that they have become oblivious to all those needy people on their own front doorstep.
Old people struggling to make decisions between paying for food, medicine, rent or utilities is not what a lot of seniors thought their "golden years" were going to be. The older seniors had little or no idea, when they were young and bringing up their families, what the present day cost of living was going to be. Even if they did there was really no way most of them had the income to save enough for that eventuality. They paid their taxes and bills, raised their children and supported their community, and they put their trust in the government of the day that promised so much and, in the end, has decided to give them so little.
It's a small consolation but we should issue these words of warning to all those elected politicians and fat cat bureaucrats: "what goes around, comes around.'
Along with a large number of seniors, not only in Saskatchewan but across Canada, I am puzzled about this new movement called Idle No More. Just when I believe I understand it, along comes another person, native or non-native, with a wholly new explanation. Along with seniority comes the skepticism that makes me not able to believe all I am told by politicians and now, unfortunately, first nations' chiefs.
I understand somewhat the dislike of the omnibus bill that covers just about anything and everything. I can agree somewhat with all that is said about the preservation of the environment and the treaties involved and, to some extent, the road blockades and round dances on highways and streets, but not the threats of violence. There is enough violence in this world today and we certainly don't need more.
Peaceful protest with large numbers involved, with a crystal clear message that can be identified with by the population in general, is far better than stone-throwing and attacks on police. Violence for violence's sake is not and never will be supported by the vast majority of Canadians.
February is the month for lovers so hug someone you know, tell someone you love them and smile at everyone else. Happy Valentine's Day to you all.
In the middle of the snowy and cold weather, try to remain active and stay healthy.
