CANADA – People around the world are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. From the quickly increasing price of groceries, to steep rents, to ever-rising inflation rates, it feels like those trying to make ends meet cannot catch a break. While it feels like something that has impacted everyone, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister is in hot water over comments about the crisis that many consider “tone-deaf”.
During a recent press conference, Chrystia Freeland, who is both the Deputy Prime Minister and Canada’s Minister of Finance, acknowledged that Canadian families are facing financial challenges and have to cut back on their spending. Freeland then shared that in an attempt to cut her family’s spending, she recently cancelled their Disney+ subscription, saving her $13.99 a month.
“I think Canadians are looking really closely at all of their expenses. I personally, as a mother and a wife, look carefully at my credit card bill once a month and last Sunday I said to the kids ‘You’re older now, you don’t watch Disney anymore, let’s cut that Disney+ subscription,’ so we cut it,” Freeland said.
“It’s only $13.99 a month that we’re saving, but every little bit helps. And I think every mother in Canada is doing that right now,” Freeland continued
Many people took to social media to share how they felt about Freeland’s comments
“A little rich coming from her. She didn’t do anything to reduce spending and lower taxes in the federal budget,” tweeted one person.
“Respectfully Ma’am, we as seniors have reduced to two meals a day, cancelled our cable and have sold many unused items. Things are more desperate than Disney+ for many people,” another concerned Canadian posted to Twitter.
“Boy that extra jug of milk/loaf of bread… no wait, 6 litres of gas in the car… no wait, 3 pairs of sox… oh so many options for this extra $$ surplus!!! The kids will thank me,” someone else pointed out.
While others called on the federal government to do more to help Canadians.
“Dear Chrystia Freeland, If you are telling Canadians to cut their Disney+ subscription to save 13 bucks month due to record high inflation you have failed as a Finance Minister,” shared one person, also calling for Freeland to resign.
“Wow, the government should get with the reality that families who don’t have food, don’t have Disney. Financial advice maybe to quit spending taxpayer dollars and if you truly understood finances and setting a budget Canada would not be carrying such a deficit. Truly disgusted,” said another.
How do you feel about Freeland’s comments? And how would you like to see the government support Canadians through this crisis? Let us know in the comments!
