Liberals vs The Opposition

Growing up, my family was always staunchly conservative. We valued hard work, independence, and traditional values. However, since taking on a caregiver role for my autistic brother five years ago, my political views have undergone a shift where I now find myself supporting the Liberal party.

Caring for someone with autism is an around-the-clock job. My brother requires constant supervision, help with daily tasks, and emotional support. I quickly came to appreciate how much the Canadian social programs we rely on lighten my load as a caregiver.

We get financial assistance for my brother's in-home support, which allows me to continue working to contribute to our household. The publicly-funded healthcare system covers many of his specialized therapies and medications. Disability tax credits take some pressure off our finances as well.

interacting with other families in the autism community also opened my eyes. I saw firsthand the tremendous struggles of those without access to the same social safety nets. The stress on parents and caregivers in those situations was immense. I realized how privileged we were to live in a country with universal healthcare, robust disability supports, and a strong social welfare system overall.

At the same time, it's frustrating to see much of the opposition criticize "handouts" without understanding realities like mine. Caring for someone with complex needs is a full-time job that is impossible without support. I've come to have much more empathy for social progress and inclusion initiatives.

While fiscal responsibility still matters, I've realized the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality just doesn't apply in many cases. With autism rates rising, we need to prioritize understanding, community support systems, and care for the vulnerable. That means electing leaders who share these compassionate values over partisan bickering.

This journey makes me wonder, what life experiences might shift others to support progressive policies like I now do as a Liberal supporter?