National Housing Day: Still waiting for a plan

PDF version by Shauna MacKinnon November 22nd is National Housing Day in Canada. Canada is the only country in the G8 that does not have a national housing strategy. There have been many attempts to rectify this in …

UN criticizes Canada’s approach to crime

A Canadian Press article yesterday noted that the United Nations committee on the rights of the child has spoken out about Canada’s treatment of children and youth in the justice system. Canada’s new ‘tough on crime’ approach – …

Let’s Put the Horse Before the Cart: Why We Need Investment in Social Infrastructure

by Kirsten Bernas and Lynne Fernandez In July, 2012, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba was invited by the federal government to participate, together with other groups representing a variety of industries, in consultations for its …

Income Inequalities and Health

by Errol Black Every once in a while, Jeffrey Simpson writes a column on growing income inequalities in Canada. I have criticized some of his previous comments on the grounds that he has dodged the relevant issues. However, …

FAST FACTS: Federal cuts put refugee health care in danger

PDF version By the Immigration Matters in Canada Coalition, Winnipeg Manitoba On April 25th, 2012 the Federal government announced cuts to most healthcare benefits for refugees that are currently provided by Canada’s Interim Federal Health (IFH) program, effective …

Community Economies and Jobs to Suffer with Federal Cuts to Co-operative Development

PDF version by Brendan Reimer On April 13, 2012, the Canadian Co-operative Association was informed by the Government of Canada about the termination of the Co-op Development Initiatives along with significant cuts to the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat. …

Business Interests Trump Democratic and Union Rights, Fairness and Social Justice

by Errol Black On March 9, my blog post described actions by the federal government that show contempt for Canadian workers. I stated concern that ordering Canada Post and Air Canada workers back-to-work sent a message to employers that they …

Tax Fairly, Spend Wisely

PDF version by Ian Hudson According to CBC news, 45% of Canadians wait until the last week before the deadline to file their tax returns. The mad pencil sharpening, digging through receipts and online filing is unlikely to …

Operating agreements for social housing: the beginning of the end?

PDF version by Carole O’Brien and Sarah Cooper Social housing plays an essential role in meeting housing needs for low-income households in Canada. One of the most pressing issues facing social housing providers is the imminent expiry of …

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 …