The documentation middle class means, airing tonight at 8pm on Télé-Québec, paints a disturbing picture of our society amidst a suffocating middle class caught in a spiral of inflation and economic inequality. We spoke to producer and presenter Isabelle Maréchal*.
Q: Is it harder to make ends meet than it used to be, or have we created needs that make it harder?
A: Yes, we created needs for ourselves, but the entire consumer society also creates needs for us. Even if you don’t have one, or are struggling to create one, there’s always a temptation, an enticing offer, a “buy now, pay later”… It’s hard to resist. We are surrounded by illusions. Retiring at 55 is one. Many people are still stuck in the unrealistic idea of sailing around the world in retirement. However, we have to be aware that we have to cut back because the leeway isn’t that great. You can save money, but growing your wealth is difficult.
“We can’t imagine the financial hardship people are having right now, but I’ve decided to open a discussion about solutions” – Isabelle Maréchal
Q: You talk about the difficulty of access to property for the middle class today. Does the big city condemn people to tenant status?
A: The story of Élyse, who makes $80,000 a year, works at a techno company and is a single parent with two kids, speaks volumes. She has an old car and when she wants to own it, she’ll either move or save $200,000 for the down payment required to buy a million dollar semi-detached home in Villeray, her neighborhood. She has been collecting cans for two years and has $40,000. At this rate it will take ten years! At this point, it’s more of a militant gesture. We are there. The people have to speak up and tell the government: We are no longer capable! These middle class people are seen and heard very little in the media. And it’s crazy because I’ve met a lot of them and a lot of them are ashamed to say they can’t do it anymore.
Q: According to your research, is the middle class getting poorer?
A: It is not true that everyone earns a salary that increases every year. At one time wages followed the inflation curve, but this is no longer the case. Average grocery inflation is 11% and many items, even staples, are rising much faster. I’ve seen a quarter of a watermelon for $8.50. Does that mean the whole melon would sell for $35? There are people who are ambitious! According to a study I consulted, a quarter of current inflation is linked to the excessive profits of large Canadian companies. This isn’t said often enough and is one of the problems of the middle class, which makes up half of Quebecers.
Q: What can be done to give the middle class back the funds for their aspirations?
A: Models created after the Silent Revolution will implode. We need another silent revolution that will bring us to new choices or to keep the choices we have made, but by different means. Can we still afford family allowances in 30 years? Can we rethink the framework of the property while respecting the owner and tenants? How do you? I don’t have all the answers, but the documentary offers some ideas. And most importantly, we don’t wait 20 years!
Q: Does pleasure become a sin in today’s economy?
A: I refuse to blame the consumers. We are not slaves to work, we need to feel that we are moving forward in life. The middle class dream has always been symbolized by access to property and it is fading. After that we have a mom who works two jobs and asks, Can I squirt $2000 in my face? can she have fun She also wants her daughter to get the school bag she likes, not the cheapest one. And at the same time we have to explain to our children that we can’t have everything.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
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