Canada's social programs, such as pensions and healthcare, were originally based upon the premise that people would work throughout their lives to pay into those programs so the programs would become self-sustaining (though governments use all public accounts to serve themselves first). Healthcare was designed for the 1960s. Technological advances and globalization have changed everything and reduced work opportunities. In 1990, Canada's population was 27.7-million; today, the figure is 36.5-million, a jump of 32%. That 27-year period equates to one generation roughly, and far LESS job security for a population that is forced to grow and rely on more sporadic work in an out-sourcing world. Politicians continue to try to "pick policies", always with an eye to gaining power at any cost. Self-serving power politics guarantees costs exceed budgets. Pay attention to accounts instead of political posturing. What can we afford?