Eleven years past the federal government's deadline of eradicating child poverty by the year 2000, 1 in 10 children continue to live in poverty. Why hasn't more progress been made? Read more »
The Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) has been attracting a lot of attention lately. While the Canadian government has stated its opposition to increased taxation and decided to pursue austerity measures instead, what are the implications for the economy and common good? Read more »
By Simon Lewchuk | Friday, August 26th, 2011 - 12:54PM
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Canadians have been deeply saddened by Jack Layton’s untimely death earlier this week. Here in Ottawa – like in so many other places around the country – we’ve witnessed an outpouring of grief and reflection over this loss.
To be sure, Jack was human. Like you and me, he had his shortcomings. He was far from perfect. Many of us didn’t agree with all that he said or did.
But regardless of your politics or theology, I think we can all admire him for the positive, hopeful vision that he so adeptly articulated and promoted. Jack was for something. And, again, even if you don’t agree with all the things he was for, we must admit that there was something likeable and contagious about his ability to inspire change. Read more »
By Chandra Pasma | Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 - 3:18PM
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With the Conservatives winning a majority government by virtue of 6,102 votes and only 39.6% of votes cast, talk of electoral reform is surfacing once again. In fact, rallies were held across the country on May 14 calling for electoral reform and some form of proportional representation in Canada.
Meanwhile, a referendum in the United Kingdom – a key component of the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal-Democrats – saw Alternative Vote go down to defeat on May 5 with 68% of voters opting in favour of first-past-the-post (FPTP). 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 »
By Rebekah Sears | Thursday, August 5th, 2010 - 12:00PM
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Last week we prepared two brochures for a group of Canadian high school students who were interested in contacting and writing letters to their Members of Parliament about supporting various justice initiatives. Based on legislation currently before the House of Commons, we decided to send them information on poverty elimination and housing.
By Chandra Pasma | Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 - 3:34PM
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Public debate about how to deal with Canada’s $53.8 billion deficit has largely focused on spending cuts. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has explicitly ruled out the possibility of tax increases (except for an increase in EI premiums), while Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has suggested a freeze on continued corporate tax cuts until Canada is in better fiscal shape. The New Democratic Party has consistently called for the repeal of corporate tax cuts to restore government revenue. In April, nearly three-fifths of senior executives polled said they believed some kind of tax increase would be necessary to deal with the deficit. So far, however, there hasn’t been much debate about this option in Canada.
While responding to the deficit and appropriately and sufficiently investing in social security may require a rise in several different taxes, today I want to take a closer look at corporate taxation. 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 »
Refugee policies are complicated, require sensitivity, and stir up much emotion. As a result, it is crucial that the public be involved in the development of such policies to provide various viewpoints and options. But with the recent refugee bill public debate was only held during the amendment process, not in the drafting of the legislation. Eventually all parties and many refugee advocacy organizations accepted the amendments, recognizing that there were some improvements, but still cautious about the prospects for future refugee cases. Read more »
Eleven years past the federal government's deadline of eradicating child poverty by the year 2000, 1 in 10 children continue to live in poverty. Why hasn't more progress been made? 
The Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) has been attracting a lot of attention lately. While the Canadian government has stated its opposition to increased taxation and decided to pursue austerity measures instead, what are the implications for the economy and common good? 
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. 
Refugee policies are complicated, require sensitivity, and stir up much emotion. As a result, it is crucial that the public be involved in the development of such policies to provide various viewpoints and options. But with the recent refugee bill public debate was only held during the amendment process, not in the drafting of the legislation. Eventually all parties and many refugee advocacy organizations accepted the amendments, recognizing that there were some improvements, but still cautious about the prospects for future refugee cases. 
