The Editor:
I take great issue with the perspectives outlined in a July 22 Letter to the Editor (Letter: Homeownership is earned, especially in Port Moody).
The letter seems to conflate several issues into one message that owning a home – even in today’s reality of skyrocketing prices - is something that any individual has the ability to work hard at and achieve.
While the writer speaks from their own experience in life, they do not acknowledge the experience of others.
“Working hard” simply isn’t enough to own a home in Port Moody.
The reality is there is not always a direct correlation between working hard and how much money someone makes.
Some of the hardest working individuals are often the lowest paid. Think front-line workers. Think physical labour. Think of a single mother working two part-time jobs to feed her kids. Is putting food on the table each day not out there "earning it”?
The reality is the deck is not stacked the same for everyone. We do not all start out in the same place and we do not all face the same challenges. Say you own a home purchased 50 years ago worth $3 million today - you have benefited from opportunities (e.g. housing prices in line with wages) the current generation does not have.
To say anyone today can “go out and earn it” does not account for the complex social and economic factors that have resulted in an extremely inequitable world. I strongly feel the role of government is to correct these inequities so everyone truly does have a chance to build a high quality of life.
If you own a house I am sure hard work and sacrifice played a role. But likely your personal history, family circumstances and a bit of luck also helped you out.
This is your privilege. Privilege is not laziness. Privilege is not that you have done something wrong.
However, it is wrong to not take a moment to acknowledge your own privilege. We need to respect all people who are working hard, not just homeowners.
- Haven Lurbiecki, Port Moody
