Paul Kershaw argues hard work no longer pays off for young adults

Dr. Paul Kershaw, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia and founder of the think tank Generation Squeeze, argues that hard work no longer provides the same economic rewards for young adults as it did for previous generations. Kershaw, alongside Research Co. president Mario Canseco, will participate in the UBC Okanagan Debates to argue that society is not leaving a better world for the next generation.

Kershaw proposes policy reforms to address this generational gap, specifically suggesting that the wealthiest 20 per cent of retirees should accept reduced Old Age Security benefits. He argues that the resulting funds could be used to alleviate senior poverty, reduce rents for young people, and expand student grants.