Stagnant wages for over 80 percent of Canadian workers

Are wages in Canada stagnant or growing? The short answer is another question: do you live in an oil boom province? There’s a fairly common meme that Canadian wages are no longer stagnating, as opposed to US wages. Indeed, in Canada, overall wage growth has picked up since the last crisis.  Read more…

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Low response in National Housing Survey lead to bias

When the Government of Canada decided to cancel the long form cencus for 2011 and replace it with the voluntary National Household Survey (NHS) many expressed concern NHS data would be less reliable and vulnerable populations would be less likely to participate.  These concerns have proven to be correct.  Read more…
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Researcher needed: Aboriginal people and homelessness literature review

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Manitoba office (CCPA–MB) is an independent, non-partisan research institute concerned with issues of social, economic and environmental justice. Founded in 1980, the CCPA is one of Canada’s leading progressive voices in public policy debates. CCPA has a national office in Ottawa, and provincial offices in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, as well as Manitoba.

The CCPA MB is a partner with a broad range of community organizations on the Winnipeg Street Census. We are seeking a researcher to write a short summary of the literature on the root causes of Aboriginal homelessness in Winnipeg. This paper will be included in the Winnipeg Street Census 2015 final report.

Outputs and timelines

The expected output is twofold: a 1,500 word high-level summary of the literature on the root causes of Aboriginal homelessness in Winnipeg and a 750 – 1,000 word summary of local Aboriginal community action/responses to homelessness.

A draft is required by May 31, 2015 with a final draft by June 30, 2015.

Responsibilities

  • Undertake a brief literature review summarizing research on the root causes of Aboriginal homelessness in Winnipeg. Draft a companion document that summarizes current local Aboriginal community responses to homelessness.
  • Meeting with CCPA MB staff and partners from the Winnipeg Street Census, including Aboriginal organizations, to scope out the project and gather information.
  • Create a draft for review and incorporate feedback for final draft.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Excellent research, writing and communication skills
  • Experience conducting literature reviews
  • Dedication to research and advocacy toward social and economic justice with expertise in issues facing Indigenous people, homelessness and housing
  • Aboriginal ancestry an asset
  • Knowledge of Aboriginal traditions and culture an asset
  • Undergraduate degree in social sciences preferred

Compensation

A stipend of $1,500 inclusive of GST.

Please submit a cover letter, CV/ résumé and writing sample by March 23rd, 2015 to Molly McCracken, Director, ccpamb@policyalternatives.ca

Thank you to all who apply; only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Counting women in: a gender-based analysis of homelessness

International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated this weekend. Although progress has been made regarding women’s rights and equality, the basic right to a safe and affordable home will be out of reach for too many women across the globe and here in Manitoba. 

Bucking the Trend: Manitoba Defends Workers’ Pensions

Each day Canadian newspapers carry a version of the same story: working Canadians are not prepared for retirement. Statisticians and economists who look at the problem conclude that about half of middle-class baby boomers will experience a steep drop in living standards when they retire.

Small Scale Food Report is food for thought

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Public demand to buy food directly from farmers is growing. In Manitoba the government response has been slow and the regulatory hurdles are discouraging. The recent release of Advancing the small scale, local food sector in Manitoba is a first step but farmers are asking if it will really make any difference.

Winnipeg’s Racism Challenge

The Maclean’s article citing Winnipeg as Canada’s most racist city has prompted a public conversation that may prove to be useful. It is important that Winnipeg’s two solitudes get to know each other, at a personal and social level, and that non-Aboriginal people speak to and about Aboriginal people in a way that is respectful.

Premier supports Comprehensive Approach to Poverty Reduction

For Immediate Release – Press Release from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba and the Community Economic Development Association Manitoba

Premier Greg Selinger lends his support to the comprehensive approach endorsed by 95 community organizations in The View from Here 2015: Manitobans Call for a Renewed Poverty Reduction Plan.

View From Here 2015: Manitobans call for a Renewed Poverty Reduction Plan

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To address persistent poverty in this province, community groups have outlined a plan to provide Manitobans with the tools they need for a life of dignity and opportunity. The View from Here 2015: Manitobans Call for a Renewed Poverty Reduction Plan assembles the ideas and findings of on-the-ground experts and recent research in a comprehensive package of recommendations endorsed by over 90 organizations across the province.

Realizing the Potential of Public Transit

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Last year’s municipal election accommodated a healthy discussion on public transit. It was largely agreed that efficient, frequent and affordable transportation creates a vibrant city and is necessary if we are to take climate change seriously. An efficient transit system is the key to connecting communities, but the ability of past City administrations to expand services to keep pace with urban sprawl is wanting. There are high expectations that our new mayor and council will finally bring Winnipeg’s transit system into the 21st century.