Unlocking True Happiness: Why Money Can’t Buy Joy, Mr. Poilievre – Insights from The Turner Files

Pierre Poilievre argues that bigger paychecks equal happier lives. He recently said, “Our economy has stagnated for 10 years, while costs are rising faster than paychecks.” He wants to create an Economic Growth Council to boost earnings. But is that really the answer?

This idea sounds nice at first, but it overlooks many real-life challenges. Happiness and well-being go beyond money. Countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland often rank high on the World Happiness Report—not because they focus solely on wealth, but because they invest in their people. They offer universal healthcare, affordable housing, and strong public services. Trust in government and social connections also matter greatly.

In Canada, people want more than just higher salaries. They want affordable housing, quick access to healthcare, and inclusive education. Poilievre’s claims about economic stagnation ignore significant events from the past decade, like a global pandemic and rising inflation driven by corporate decisions.

His solution simplifies a complex situation: it’s the government’s fault; vote Conservative for change. But change doesn’t come from catchphrases. Real improvement happens when we focus on people—building affordable homes, protecting healthcare, and fostering safe communities.

Interestingly, if high income equated to happiness, Poilievre—who has a six-figure government salary—would be the epitome of joy. Instead, he often presents an angry and combative image. This raises a question: if money brings happiness, why is he so frustrated?

Research shows that happiness is linked to connections and security—like seeing children succeed in school and not worrying about basic needs. We narrowly avoided adopting a mindset that views the economy as the end goal instead of a means to foster community and resilience. This should inspire us to advocate for a people-focused approach to politics.

Safety, dignity, and well-being should come first. We deserve more than mere survival—we deserve joy and a society that reflects our humanity.

~ Wilbur Turner is a political strategist and community advocate from Kelowna, BC. He has extensive experience in federal and municipal campaigns and emphasizes civic engagement. His contributions to the community earned him an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of British Columbia. He also writes as QueerGranddad on Substack.

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