This First Person column is the experience of Crystal MacCormac, who lives in Charlottetown with her husband. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
It’s grocery day again. I take my time, inspecting each item before putting it in my cart, mindful of the many people around me doing the exact same thing. We’re all checking to see where the products we’re buying were produced.
As a proud, “elbows up” Canadian, I want nothing more than to embrace the Buy Canadian movement in response to the current trade war with the United States, but I can’t always afford to.
Inflation hit our house hard. Where once I would have considered myself middle class, I now consider us a low-income household. My husband’s and my yearly salaries have not changed much in the past 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 that I have quickly re-learned the low-income dance from when we were first married and figured out where I can cut costs, but I wish I didn’t have to.
When I plan my grocery trips each week, I have to make sure we’re not spending more than we can afford. Often, that means putting those Canadian products back on the shelf in favour of cheaper items produced anywhere but the U.S., if I can make it work. Things like fresh meat, fruits and vegetables are often more expensive, and my budget allows for very little, if any, wiggle room.
That’s why this federal election is more personal than any other election I’ve ever voted in. Because on April 28, I’m not just casting a vote for me. I’m doing this for my family, my friends, my fellow Islanders and for all Canadians.
Never before have I spent my days reading and watching, taking in so much information. The learning curve has been steep. I have learned names I would have never heard and listened to podcasts that I would never have paid attention to before. Who I vote for has never felt more important. It could very well be the most important political decision I have ever made.
The major federal parties running candidates on P.E.I. — the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Green Party and People’s Party of Canada — have all promised to address the higher cost of living if they form the next government.
I haven’t quite made up my mind yet, but I’m leaning toward a vote for the Liberals or NDP.
I feel that a leader with Mark Carney’s background in economics could be what we need to bring us back to a sustainable, stable economy.
Their promise to shave one percentage point off the lowest income tax bracket might not sound like much, but for us, it could mean being able to support more Canadian businesses and buy more Canadian products.
They’ve also promised to cut the GST on all homes up to $1 million for first-time home buyers. We had been making plans to purchase our first home, so saving the GST on that purchase could bring that dream back into reality. If we go for a small home at $350,000, that’s over $17,00 in savings.
The Liberal platform, when it comes to the cost of living, currently seems focused almost solely on tax breaks, so I’m going to continue watching to see what else they add to their list of promises.
As for the NDP, what stands out to me is their promise to remove the GST from some monthly necessities like internet and energy. That could free up a bit of money to help us make it from pay cheque to pay cheque with a little more ease.
They’ve 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 he can work each week. These increases could allow us to live with less concern for our future and may even allow us to invest in our retirement.
We already have improved access to my husband’s diabetic medication and supplies here in P.E.I., but the NDP is promising to further expand pharmacare. Getting help with his heart medications would be a game-changer as there are times when we have to cut in other areas so we can afford his life-saving treatments.
Also, their promise to increase coverage for dental care would mean we could finally have regular dental visits, instead of only being able to go when it’s an absolute necessity.
My hope is that between now and April 28, I will have the information I need to cast a vote I can be proud of, one based on the love I have for my country and fellow Canadians. I want to vote for a party that will make the best decisions for all of us, not just for myself or for just a select few.
I want a leader who will help Canadians in all different life circumstances and a leader who will put the needs of the people first and foremost. I want a leader that will support average, everyday Canadians like me so that I can, in turn, support Canadian businesses without worrying about my budget.
Are you an Islander with a compelling personal story that can bring understanding or help others? We want to hear from you. Here’s more info on how to pitch to CBC P.E.I.
What’s the one issue that matters the most to you in this federal election? CBC News will publish a range of perspectives from voters who share the personal experience shaping their choice at the ballot box. Read more First Person columns related to the election here.
