CARP Advocacy Report 2012 at a Glance: The Year in Media

CARP always takes the opportunity to explain that social improvement is not a zero – sum game between the younger and the older – some of the changes CARP members are advocating will not even benefit them – they are hoping to improve retirement security for the next generation and they also want to help them with improved daycare, education or increased job opportunities.

“CARP members want their children and grandchildren to be well looked- after as well. So I don’t think that we should allow governments to play one generation off against the next. There are ways in which we can structure the … spending now so that there is more money to spend on things like day care. But we’re also looking for ways in which people can care for older loved ones at home… There are opportunities to divert demand for the healthcare system in ways that creates savings that can be used to meet those demands.” – Power & Politics, Dec. 21, 2011

“Okay, you’ve convinced me. Now go out there and bring pressure on me.” ! – President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt may have said this decades ago but it remains a steadfast rule of politics. In order to effect any change, you need to be able to apply pressure on the politicians concerned. The media matters because it extends our reach and it is, largely, where public opinion is captured and influenced.

And it lets the decision makers see who else is also seeing and hearing CARP’s message. And if the MPs need any more convincing, CARP members and other Canadians who caught us in the national headlines or the evening newscast will be calling them in the morning.