Can privileged politicians really understand the poor & working class to govern fairly?
Some say politicians from privileged backgrounds can never really understand the poor and working class. Is understanding enough or is personal experience necessary? Today we look at whether our own leaders have the empathy to rule with privilege and be fair to all in society.
The problem is Justin Trudeau will never know what middle class means. He just doesn't understand the real challenges that families are facing. Never has. Never will.NDP leader Tom Mulcair
Mr. Trudeau says while he may have have a privileged background, he understands Canadian struggles..... and that his upbringing did instill important values.
I was lucky in my life but I believe, from the way I was raised that it is important to do what one can to serve one's community and give back and that's exactly what I'm doing.Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau
Candidates with posh backgrounds often play down their upper crust biographies, and candidates with humble roots often remind voters how humble they remain.
But is it really true that privileged politicians can't understand the lives and lots of poorer citizens? And can they set good policy for all when they're guided by empathy and understanding, rather than personal experience?
We've gathered a panel today to take on those questions.
- Alison Loat is with the think tank Samara. And she's the co-author of the new book, released this week, Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament Speak Out About Canada's Failing Democracy. We reached her today in St. Catharines, Ontario.
- Kathleen Monk was the founding executive director of the Broadbent Institute in Ottawa, and she was in Ottawa today.
- Terry Fallis is a former Liberal party strategist and a public relations consultant. His political satire The Best Laid Plans was a winner of Canada Reads. He was in Toronto.
What do you think? Can privileged politicians serve the middle and poorer class. Is understanding enough, or do they need the personal experience?
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This segment was produced by The Current's Peter Mitton.