CARDUS Work & Economics

The richest Canadians saved an estimated $5.3 billion over the first two months of pandemic lockdowns. Less spending, travelling, etc. resulted in a lot of saved money. 

So as charities are struggling to make ends meet, and continue to meet the needs of vulnerable Canadians, the question arises: who has the capacity to give right now? 

Brian Dijkema, Vice President of External Affairs at Cardus, joins the Sheldon MacLeod Show to discuss.

(Segment begins at 10:55 mark)

"Canada's charitable sector is in very rough shape," writes Patricia Lovett-Reid in CTV. "Revenues are understandably down while the demand on charities has gone up during the pandemic. Seven in 10 charities, according to think tank Cardus, have laid off 84,000 full-and part-time staff."

"Cardus found that the wealthiest 40 per cent of Canadians are sitting on an estimated $5.3 billion, amassed through lower expenses and less discretionary spending during the pandemic lockdowns. It’s a significant amount that could go a long in way in helping others. Sure, some of this money will find its way back into the economy, once provinces fully re-open. However, some of that money could find itself helping out struggling charities that, in turn, could help others."