"The measure of the development of a civilization is how it treats its weakest link."  

After being away from Canada for a number of years, I found that, over time, we have actually become ‘less civilized’, if you accept the measure described above - I’ve seen universities, due to lack of funding, eliminate their education subject specialties that taught prospective teachers how to support students with intellectual, social/emotional and learning difficulties. Support for those in poverty has been reduced, those with mental health issues are evident on the streets of all major cities. What was assumed to be the responsibilities of government in supporting its population has shifted to ‘charities’. Food Banks, Hospital Charities asking for funds for basic equipment, ambulance services, literacy support, and so on, all are now funded through charities. In my view --- inexcusable in a country that is one of the wealthiest in the world! It seems that the value of individuals is measured against their ability to make a financial contribution to society. Those who are ‘weak links’ in this pursuit of financial gain have little value.