The Human Cost of Welfare Cuts in the UK — A letter to Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney

Dear Mr. Poilievre and Mr. Carney, Subject: The Human Cost of Welfare Cuts in the UK – A Call for Awareness and Action I am writing to you as a Canadian citizen with cerebral palsy, a lifelong advocate for disability rights, and a specialist in Disability Studies. My journey has been one of resilience and advocacy, from spearheading two groundbreaking student referendums at McGill University to raise $60,000–$80,000 for disabled student services, to publishing an internationally recognized literary magazine for writers with disabilities during the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. Today, I am compelled to bring to your attention the devastating impact of £5 billion in welfare cuts in the United Kingdom, which have disproportionately affected the sick and disabled. It is estimated that austerity measures have contributed to the deaths of over 300,000 individuals—a staggering and tragic toll. Alarmingly, the Labour government’s proposed policies may exacerbate this crisis, potentially surpassing the harm caused under Chancellor George Osborne’s tenure. As someone who has spent over 13 years campaigning daily on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the welfare crisis, and who continues to engage with the United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva on this issue, I urge you to consider the lessons from the UK’s experience. The erosion of social safety nets not only undermines the dignity and well-being of vulnerable populations but also poses a moral and ethical challenge to societies that value equity and compassion. I believe Canada has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that our policies prioritize the rights and needs of all citizens, including those with disabilities. I would be honored to provide further insights or collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusivity and social justice. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this further. Yours sincerely, Samuel Miller. (Montreal, Quebec)