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 »
Heading into Election 2011, nobody could have predicted the vastly different political landscape that Canadians would wake to on Tuesday morning. Some were jubilant and others deflated. There was the historic rise of the NDP and the election of the first ever Green MP, the demise of the Liberal Party, and of course, Stephen Harper’s previously elusive majority government.
While it will be some time before we know for certain how this new government will play out, it is clear that things have changed and we are now working within a new context. However, one important factor has not changed: CPJ’s commitment to offer our faithful response to God’s call for love, justice and stewardship. Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 Kathy Vandergrift and Citizens for Public Justice | Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
If you could set the agenda for 2010 during this pause, what would your list of the 20 most important policy concerns include?
CPJ has come up with a list of 20 key policy questions, one for each day. We believe these issues should be debated by MPs, the voice of the people, to set directions for Canada. Read more »
June 11 marks the one-year anniversary of the Government of Canada’s apology to First Nations for the attitudes and policies that led to the Indian Residential Schools.
At this significant moment, several questions arise. What difference has the apology made to the lives of Canada’s First Peoples? Have we changed the way that we, as Canadians and as Christians, engage with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters changed? Have we entered a time when Aboriginal peoples are seen and treated as valued members of Canadian society? Read more »
On February 19, Barack Obama flew into Ottawa for his first presidential trip outside the United States. His host, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is yearning for some of his visitor’s high approval ratings to rub off here at home.
Although such visits are highly controlled and orchestrated affairs, comparisons of the two leaders’ characters, styles and (hopefully) policies will be unavoidable. Most notably, while both leaders have advocated massive spending packages to get their economies growing again, the differences between the ways they stimulate are starkly evident. Read more »
On November 27th, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty rose in the House to deliver the government’s Economic and Fiscal Statement…but then didn’t. Rather than granting reprieve to Canadians struggling with the uncertainty of a gloomy economic scene, the Conservatives announced the government’s intention to end subsidies to political parties, end pay equity bargaining, legislate future salary levels and suspending public servants’ right to strike. While many of the more contentious issues have since been withdrawn, Canadians are still left looking for a stimulus package that will serve, not only to boost the economy, but also respond to the needs of those living in poverty. Read more »
Stephen Harper was quick to move on his campaign pledge to scrap the federal-provincial child care agreements reached by the Martin government. In their place, Harper pledged to “introduce a family support policy that gives parents true choice in child care.” 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? 
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. 
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
