POLICY FIX
A blog for progressive Canadians by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba Office
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Work Life: “We asked for workers; we got people instead”
By Lynne Fernandez The above quote, by one of Swiss author Max Frisch’s characters, succinctly captures the inherent conflict between employers and workers. Employers want results; they want productivity, machine-perfect timing and energy for the lowest wage possible. …
A living wage lifts workers and the economy
By Kirsten Bernas and Lynne Fernandez As of October 1st, minimum wage earners in Manitoba will earn $10.70 per hour – just over $20,800 annually. This leaves a family of four, with both parents working, with an income …
A vote for austerity is a vote for more suffering
Lorrie Steeve’s distasteful comments about Aboriginal panhandlers set off a series of responses that reflected badly on many Winnipeggers. The following week’s big story was the murder of Tina Fontaine and the suicide of Faron Hall. There followed …
Outsourcing Under Scrutiny
By Lynne Fernandez There has been a greater tendency for governments to outsource, and the City of Winnipeg is no exception. Outsourcing can be complex and lack transparency, particularly when public-private partnerships (P3s) are used. Under a P3, …
The High Cost of Low Taxes and Urban Sprawl
By Lynne Fernandez Much of Winnipeg’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair or replacement. The City’s 2009 administrative report found that just to maintain our existing infrastructure in its current state required $2.1 billion be spent over …
Fast Facts: World Urban Forum 7 – Policy Lessons from Colombia
By Lynne Fernandez, Shauna MacKinnon and Sara Swartz For one week in early April, Sara Swartz (Universitas Programme of the KIP International School), Shauna MacKinnon (Manitoba Research Alliance [MRA] and University of Winnipeg [UW]) and Lynne Fernandez (MRA …
More Than a Dream
Lynne Fernandez holds the Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues at CCPA MB Many of us have, like John Lennon, imagined a world without war, greed, hunger or possessions. There are those rare individuals who insist that we …
Taking Back the City: The Winnipeg 2014 Alternative Municipal Budget
By Lynne Fernandez, Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues As Winnipeggers come out of an unusually punishing winter, the sun seems to be stimulating more than the usual spring activities. There is a feeling air that our city …
Why We Still Fight
By Lynne Fernandez, Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues The Day of Mourning, more than any other day in the labour movement’s calendar, brings home why we must remain vigilant in the area of workers’ rights. As reported …
Manitoba Budget a Leap Forward for Poverty Reduction
By Lynne Fernandez and Molly McCracken By substantially raising EIA shelter rates and increasing child care spaces, new apprenticeship programs and support to social enterprises, the province is taking action to provide marginalized people with the assistance low …
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