By Chandra Pasma | Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 - 3:30PM
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Don Drummond had a bit of a strange op-ed in the Toronto Star on Sunday. On the one hand, he acknowledged the debate over the option of corporate tax cuts and called for the impact of cuts to be monitored so that we know whether or not they are actually delivering on their goals. On the other, he reviewed and dismissed all of the arguments against corporate tax cuts as negligible. Read more »
All the political parties like to claim that they are family-friendly and offer policies that support families. One of the most crucial issues confronting Canadian families is early childhood education and care. Currently, only a small percentage of children have access to a regulated childcare space. Costs are prohibitive for many families, who rely on two incomes just to pay all the bills. Meanwhile, the benefits of access to high quality childcare and early learning programs are well-known: children learn better when they learn earlier, and affordable childcare can help to lift families out of poverty and strengthen the economic security of families, especially women. So what do the party platforms offer on childcare? Read more »
CPJ believes that vigorous and sustained action by the federal government is necessary to combat poverty in Canada. Through the Dignity for All campaign, we’ve called for a federal plan for poverty elimination that complements provincial and territorial plans; a federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results and sufficient federal investment in social security for all Canadians. In this look at the party platforms, we look at what the political parties are offering to do on poverty if they form the next government. Read more »
Rooted in issues of early childhood development, gender equality, and poverty, the lack of a national childcare plan is having detrimental effects on many children and their families in Canada. It is clear that what is needed is an affordable, accessible, quality national childcare program based on the best interest of the child. It is crucial that this program be situated within the context of a comprehensive set of family-oriented policies. Read more »
Ontario’s strategy is unique in the sense that its specific goals and targets are focused on one particular area- to reduce child poverty by 25% in 5 years. As a result much of the plan’s focus is on child-tax benefits, child care, early childhood education, and training for children and youth. Education and support for children is seen as a key element to breaking the cycle of poverty. Read more »
By Rebekah Sears | Monday, June 21st, 2010 - 1:13PM
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Last week the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Indian Residential Schools was officially launched in Winnipeg. Those present included Murray Sinclair and the other commissioners, government officials such as the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Chuck Strahl, Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit people from across the country, representatives from the four national churches who ran the schools, and the general public.
This was the first opportunity for many residential school survivors to share their stories with the Canadian public. Emotions were running high for those testifying, as well as those listening. The truth stirred up memories among survivors, and regret among the others. Read more »
By Rebekah Sears | Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 - 3:29PM
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A common criticism of social advocates of income assistance programs like social assistance, disability supports, and child tax benefits is that they are insufficient compared to the costs of living. Instead of helping people out of poverty and difficult situations, such support systems often keep people in poverty because they do not measure up to housing prices, the cost of food, and other costs of living.
Many social advocates and organizations have been calling for an overhaul in these systems to make them more effective, taking into account things like the cost of living, help people get out of poverty, and build sustainable change. The Social Assistance Review Advisory Council called for a review of all major income assistance programs in Ontario, including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support, all provincial child tax benefits, unemployment assistance programs and other social supports. Read more »
Participants included Brenda Murray, director of Policy, Planning and Research with the Department of Community Services, Dr. Ulrich vom Hagen, Coordinator of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and Tamarack’s Mark Cabaj. The discussion covered the roots and formation of the plan, the goals and targets, as well as implementation strategies. Read more »
By Rebekah Sears | Thursday, April 29th, 2010 - 1:22PM
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UPDATE:
The Senate report, In from the Margins, passed in the Senate last week! This means that the government has to respond within 150 days to the over 70 recommendations made by the Subcommittee on Cities.
But it is still important to contact our Members of Parliament and Senators about the importance of taking strong action to eliminate poverty in Canada, for the sake of dignity for all Canadians, and for the sake of our economy. See the Parliamentary website for a list of current MPs, and please continue to use the Talking Points below to get the message through to your MP. Read more »
CPJ believes that vigorous and sustained action by the federal government is necessary to combat poverty in Canada. Through the Dignity for All campaign, we’ve called for a federal plan for poverty elimination that complements provincial and territorial plans; a federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results and sufficient federal investment in social security for all Canadians. In this look at the party platforms, we look at what the political parties are offering to do on poverty if they form the next government. 
