POLICY FIX
A blog for progressive Canadians by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba Office
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Still Waiting for the Thaw
PDF version by Lynne Fernandez Just like the ice and snow that refuse to go away this April, the provincial government is frozen into a perennial cycle of cutting revenue and then scrambling to make up for the …
City no longer a player in poverty reduction: Winnipeg falls further behind other cities with proposed budget cuts
PDF version by Kirsten Bernas The City of Winnipeg’s preliminary operating budget (PDF) for 2013 cuts spending on poverty reduction, housing, and neighbourhood initiatives at a time when government leadership and resources are desperately needed to address economic …
2013 Preliminary Operating Budget Fails Tax Fairness Test
PDF version by Lynne Fernandez The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has been analysing the City’s operating budget for several years now. We fully understand the challenges council faces: lack of revenues; a series of federal governments that …
Manitoba Environment Library Closure and Balanced Budget Legislation
by Lynne Fernandez Here at the CCPA we have recently focused on whether the straightjacket imposed by Balanced Budget Legislation (BBL) is good for Manitoba. It is gratifying to note that the British Columbia NDP is asking the …
NDP’s Dix ponders repeal of B.C.’s balanced budget law
NDP’s Dix ponders repeal of B.C.’s balanced buget law,
In a recent blog post we asked the question – Is It Time To Repeal Balanced-budget Legislation In Manitoba? We are pleased to hear that the NDP in B.C. is asking a similar question.
In a recent article in the Vancouver Sun, B.C NDP leader Adrian Dix questions the merit of balanced budget legislation, stating that while his government would aim to balance the books, “governments need to consider revenues, which can fluctuate drastically.”
The chief economist of B.C.s Central 1 Credit Union, is quoted in the Sun article as affirming the limits of balanced budget legislation. He states “A balanced budget (law), I suppose, imposes some discipline on [fiscal management]. But I still think it comes down to more fundamental questions that have to be asked as to the nature and the role of government in the economy and society.”
A provincial election in B. C. is scheduled for May 14, 2013. Recent polling shows the NDP to have a significant lead. Should they be elected we will watch closely to see what Dix’s government will do about balanced budget legislation.
And we’ll watch even more closely to see if Manitoba follows their lead.
Is It Time To Repeal Balanced-budget Legislation In Manitoba?
by Errol Black and Shauna MacKinnon In a recent review of income inequality in Manitoba, we compared Manitoba to Canada. The comparison showed that in 2010 “Manitoba was the most equal province before taxes and the third most …
Change takes time
By Lynne Fernandez Did you happen to read the editorial in June 12’s Winnipeg Free Press – the one about plastic bags? It explains that Glen Laubenstein – the City’s past chief administrative officer – had been tasked …
It’s Budget Time Again: A glimmer of hope and a healthy dose of skepticism
PDF version by Shauna MacKinnon On April 17th Minister Stan Struthers will release details of how the Province will manage our money this year. Here is how the process will unfold. A few pre-budget day announcements will be, …
Federal Budget 2012: We’ve Heard this Song Before
by Shauna MacKinnon and Lynne Fernandez Although there seems to be a collective sigh of relief that the Conservative’s first majority-government budget was not as bad as those that came down in the 1990s, it is important to …
Sports Franchises 7,000,000, Shelters 0: Budget 2012
by Shauna MacKinnon and Lynne Fernandez Although there seems to be a collective sigh of relief that the Conservative’s first majority-government budget was not as bad as those that came down in the 1990s, it is important to …
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