By Chandra Pasma | Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 - 3:34PM
4 comments
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 »
A short but fractious parliamentary session ended last week. Rancorous in tone and highlighted by disputes over the democratic rights of Parliament and its committees, the session produced little legislative achievements. However, two examples demonstrate that Canada’s political parties are capable of cooperating effectively when they choose to. A collaborative, consultative approach by parties willing to compromise for the sake of the common good would benefit all Canadians and promote a more vibrant, engaged democracy. The choice is up to parliamentarians themselves. Read more »
By Chandra Pasma | Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 - 3:16PM
1 comment
A Private Member’s bill mandating the creation of a federal poverty elimination strategy was tabled this afternoon in the House of Commons. The bill was presented by Tony Martin of the New Democratic Party and seconded by Mike Savage of the Liberal Party and Yves Lessard of the Bloc Québécois.
Bill C-545 directs the federal government to consultatively develop a federal poverty elimination strategy, creates a new, independent Poverty Commissioner to monitor progress of the strategy, and provides a stronger advisory role for the National Council of Welfare, to be renamed the National Council of Poverty and Social Inclusion. Read more »
The new housing policy is based on the Ontario Human Rights Code against discrimination in housing. The role of the Commission is to illuminate this law so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities under the law. But there is no law protecting the right to access affordable housing in Canada, despite international laws and standards. Read more »
June 11 marks the second anniversary of the Canadian Government’s apology for the Indian Residential Schools. But an apology by itself is not enough. Forgiveness, reconciliation and the restoration of broken relationships requires a change in behaviour: repentance. In recent months, there have been more promises and actions to restore relations with Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada. But is it enough? Taking responsibility for the past can and should inspire significant and lasting change for the future –building a new legacy of change and hope. Read more »
By Rebekah Sears | Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 - 9:56AM
0 comments
Housing is a major concern for many social policy and charity groups across the country, especially those focused on poverty. Canada has been without a national housing strategy since the mid 1990s, making it the only country in the G8 to be without such a strategy. Housing has become the responsibility of provincial and municipal governments who can’t keep up with the demands and needs.
By Rebekah Sears | Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 - 10:06AM
0 comments
Yesterday CPJ launched a new research paper, Bearing the Brunt: How the 2008-2009 Recession Created Poverty for Canadian Families, on Parliament Hill. This paper looks rising economic insecurity and indicators of poverty including Employment Insurance, social assistance, costs of living and food bank usage caused by the latest recession.
By Rebekah Sears | Thursday, April 15th, 2010 - 9:49AM
1 comment
This week Joe, Karri and I attended the Parliament Hill launch of “Poor No More,” the documentary film hosted by Canadian television and film star, Mary Walsh. The film is aimed at exposing the challenges of the working poor in Canada and offering viable government solutions.
A common misconception among Canadians is that if people would just get a job and work hard, they won’t be living in poverty. But this is not the case. As the film illustrates, many low income Canadians are working for companies that pay very low wages, often keeping employees’ hour just below the full-time threshold, even after years of service to the company, where they receive little or no benefits, such as health and dental coverage, and sick or vacation days. 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. 
A short but fractious parliamentary session ended last week. Rancorous in tone and highlighted by disputes over the democratic rights of Parliament and its committees, the session produced little legislative achievements. However, two examples demonstrate that Canada’s political parties are capable of cooperating effectively when they choose to. A collaborative, consultative approach by parties willing to compromise for the sake of the common good would benefit all Canadians and promote a more vibrant, engaged democracy. The choice is up to parliamentarians themselves. 
June 11 marks the second anniversary of the Canadian Government’s apology for the Indian Residential Schools. But an apology by itself is not enough. Forgiveness, reconciliation and the restoration of broken relationships requires a change in behaviour: repentance. In recent months, there have been more promises and actions to restore relations with Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada. But is it enough? Taking responsibility for the past can and should inspire significant and lasting change for the future –building a new legacy of change and hope. 
