It’s no secret that younger generations are increasingly pessimistic about the future. The rising cost of living, climate change, and budget cuts to health care and education are some of the reasons. Young people often must decide between going to school, racking up tens of thousands of dollars of debt, or entering the workforce immediately, likely into precarious and unsatisfying work, leaving them burned out and overworked.
The old phrase, “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,” is fitting these days. A term that a century ago meant doing something impossible, now means to help oneself without support from others. Today, both meanings are applied. Can’t afford rent? Get a second job! Stress over climate disaster? Stop thinking about it!
A Lack of Action
As scientists raise the alarm on climate change, both the Liberal government and Conservative opposition focus on increasing fossil fuel production. Singh and the “socialist” NDP continue to support Trudeau, faking opposition with Tik-Tok dances and epic clapback’s on Twitter! Simply epic, Slay Queen!
Meanwhile, over 40,000 youth become homeless every year in Canada whilst 1.3 million homes are left vacant, many due to speculation.
Education has become unattainable for many students, but there is no end in sight as the government continues to lag behind in funding for education, and schools increase their tuition rates in an effort to gouge their students, especially international students.
An Unaddressed Mental Health Catastrophe
In 2020, Statistics Canada reported that only 40 percent of youth between 15-17 were experiencing good mental health. Youth between 15-24 are far more likely to abuse drugs/alcohol. Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) found in 2016 that suicide accounted for anywhere from 19-29 percent of deaths among those aged 10-24, the second leading cause among that age group.
Support for youth is scarce. Counselling appointments often have a long wait time, and it is difficult to find time to schedule these. And the cost is often prohibitive.
The pandemic only exacerbated the poor mental health of young Canadians. Home prices skyrocketed even further; classrooms went digital. Youth made up much of the “frontline workforce.”
Still, young people faced harassment for supposedly being lazy and selfish. John Horgan, BC Premier, tried to blame young people for the spread of COVID, when they were often doing “essential” work. He said to young people in 2021: “My appeal to you is, do not blow this for the rest of us. Do not blow this for your parents and your neighbours and others who have been working really, really hard, making significant sacrifices so we can get good outcomes for everybody.”
This attitude towards young people amounts to thinking that young people know nothing about sacrifice, nor hard work. You should be grateful that I even descend from the heavens and bless you with my voice. Now bag my groceries and go straight home to isolate!
Socialist Alternative Youth
Socialism is the only solution. Profit must be taken out of education, housing, and health care, making it all free and publicly available. Energy companies must be taken into public ownership and their assets invested in sustainable energies, such as solar and wind. Finally, we must provide mental health services to youth, especially those with barriers to access, such as income and distance.
Young people are the future: we deserve support and a future worth looking forward to. Join Socialist Alternative Youth to help create a bright future for all!
