We have barely turned the page on 2023 when 2024 is already shaping up to be a complex year for a large number of Quebecers. And I must express to you my greatest concern: the well-being of our families.
Quebec families live under the weight of overwhelming financial and emotional stress, exacerbated by a fluctuating and uncertain economy, not to mention growing social challenges. This situation further increases the demand for the accompaniment and support services of Community Family Organizations (OCF), which are now faced with a changing face of vulnerability.
An analysis of the impact of the increase in the cost of living on Quebec families recently carried out for the Fédération québécoise des organisms nationaux Famille (FQOCF) shows that in 2022, more than one in four parents considered their income insufficient. to meet the basic needs of their family (housing, food and clothing). This proportion increases to more than one parent in two among low-income families (53.8%) and it is also higher for parents in single-parent families (43.1%). This situation constitutes an unbearable source of stress for families.
Pressure
The rise in the cost of living, particularly increases in the price of food, transportation, housing and educational childcare, is placing strong pressure on Quebec families. The impact of this pressure is not limited to wallets; it weighs on morale, the mental health of parents and the stability of our homes, while what we once called the “middle class” is more than ever on the verge of extinction.
It is imperative that the government recognizes and supports these transformations. As the National Assembly prepares to resume its work next Tuesday and the Legault government prepares its next budget, it is crucial that the decisions taken by our elected officials take these realities into account.
Every dollar invested in the community should never be seen as an expense; it is above all an investment in the future of our society. OCFs are places of welcome and pillars of strength, education, and support for families who ask for help. Due to their complementarity with the public system, they make it possible to prevent and avoid the worsening of crisis situations, thus reducing the pressure on our health and social services system.
Health and resilience
The health and resilience of our families is directly linked to the health and resilience of our society as a whole. The 280 OCFs spread across the province are on the front line to help our families. However – and I myself witnessed this during a recent tour of the regions of Quebec – the teams on the ground find themselves overwhelmed by a demand which continues to exceed the meager means granted to them, requiring a substantial increase in their government funding to be able to continue to offer their essential services to the thousands of families they support on a daily basis. It is not only a question of funding, but also of recognition of the crucial importance of OCFs in maintaining our social safety net.
We have a duty to ensure that our families are not left behind. The government of Quebec has an important responsibility to assume in this process. It is essential to forge a future where every Quebec family can flourish to their full potential.
To conclude, I hope that the Legault government will place families at the heart of its next budgetary strategy, next March. We also call for a renewed and strengthened commitment to the OCFs of Quebec, so that they can continue their vital mission with Quebec families.
Together, let’s make 2024 the year when the government and communities join forces for the well-being of all families here.
Photo courtesy, FQOCF
Alex Gauthier, Director General of the Quebec Federation of Family Community Organizations (FQOCF) and father of two boys