The latest score: Neoliberalism = 824 Democratic socialism = 7
Okay, I made that up. Democratic socialism hasn’t scored that many points in a long time, at least not on the federal Canadian political scene. In fact the route has been so complete, that even mention of the “s” word in considered a political liability — and so it is, that at its upcoming policy convention the NDP will once again debate whether it should abandon any reference, prominent or otherwise, to democratic “socialism”.
But is this just a clever NDP strategy to avoid drawing attention to the fact that Canada is, in fact, a socialist paradise?
Yes, I’m talking about Canadian social(ist) programs, medicare being the largest and most important. Remember the paradigm — from each according to her or his ability, to each according to his or her need — hey isn’t that the way publicly funded health care works? Ditto for public education, welfare, and a public utilities from water supply to waste collection.
Taken together our governments spend well over 75 per cent per cent of their budgets providing services to Canadians according to their needs, not their ability to pm. And funding for these services comes from a progressive (OK, not entirely progressive) tax system.
So please, no mention of the “s” word, someone might notice!
Photo: Andreas Ivarsson/Flickr
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
