The Fourth Estate

Year Published:  1977  
Pages:  20pp  
Inactive Serial

Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX394

This newspaper, sub-titled Canada's National Press Journal, monitors political and economic voices and trends across Canada. In addition, it gleans newspaper articles or parts of articles from small local newspapers throughout Canada.

Abstract:  This newspaper, sub-titled Canada's National Press Journal, monitors political and economic voices and trends across Canada. In addition it gleans newspaper articles or parts of articles from small local newspapers throughout Canada.
The feature article in the summer issue explodes popular and media myths surrounding the unemployment issue in Canada. The article begins by stating that the total unemployed population in Canada (including hidden unemployed) number 1.5 million. It outlines the social costs and shows that the substantially reduced buying power of the unemployed ripples through the whole economy. Less money in circulation puts a damper on economic recovery and opens up the further possibility of further job cutbacks. The press has been strong in promoting the idea that jobs exist but workers are becoming too choosy about the kind of job they are willing to do. However the latest government statistics refute this argument and support the fact that job vacancies are on the decrease. Another popular argument surrounding this issue is that unemployment is high because people are lazy and UIC benefits are too easy. Yet an Economic Council of Canada study shows that Canadians are strongly motivated to work and regard work as the principal vehicle to success. The need for UIC is born out of the fact that four out of every five persons who draw benefits are unemployed for reasons beyond their control. The article concludes by stating that any basic solution to unemployment means challenging the assumption that our present economic system is capable of generating full employment. It means recognising that people and their basic needs are a priority over profit. A number of proposals from the NDP and labour groups are listed as well as a "what can we do " section. The newspaper contains an interesting editorial on the future of Canada as well as various public interest stories and anecdotes from across Canada.

Periodical profile published 1977