About the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) 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.

The CCPA produces the research and analysis necessary for policymakers, activists, and everyday Canadians to make informed decisions and press for social change. 

We have a National Office in Ottawa, and provincial offices in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.

Original, hard-hitting research

We work with top-notch researchers to shed light on the key issues facing Canada.

  • The CCPA delivers original, independent, peer-reviewed, non-partisan research and analysis
  • The CCPA is a leading and respected voice on the gap between the rich and the rest of us in Canada.
  • Our groundbreaking work on climate justice has shown how Canada can create green jobs and transition to a sustainable economy.
  • Our provincial offices lead the way on emerging provincial and municipal issues and create space for a progressive exchange of ideas and solutions.
  • Our national flagship project, the Alternative Federal Budget continues to demonstrate what a government can achieve if it were truly committed to an agenda that reflects the values of the large majority of Canadians.

Balanced debate

CCPA research doesn’t just sit on a shelf gathering dust. Every month, we are featured in hundreds of media stories. We work proactively to balance media coverage of issues like the economy, poverty, the growing gap between the rich and the rest of us, climate change, health care, education, and much more.

Our experts are in high demand as media commentators, promoting solutions that unite, rather than divide, Canadians. Both politicians and policy makers turn to CCPA research when they need credible non-partisan analysis.

Myth-busting

The CCPA debunks myths—like the myth that an aging population threatens public health care, or that meeting our climate change obligations is a job-killer. Our bi-monthly magazine, The Monitor, is packed with facts and analysis that will help you untangle the spin.

Solutions

We don’t just analyze problems. We work on solutions—solutions that show Canadians’ best values are not only possible, they’re practical. These ideas are anchored by some basic principles: human dignity and freedom, fairness, equality, environmental sustainability, and the public good. They show that we can afford to build a more just and sustainable Canada—and that our economy will be stronger for it.

Annual Report

The CCPA has released our 2020 Annual Report. Click here to read the report in full. 

Donor-funded

The CCPA is a registered non-profit charity. We depend on the support of our more than 12,000 supporters across Canada. Click here for more information about our funding sources

Charitable registration number: 124146473RR0001.