OTTAWA—A Canada-EU free trade deal would create a huge trade deficit for Canada, resulting in the loss of up to 150,000 Canadian jobs, says a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The study, by economist and CCPA Research Associate Jim Stanford, models three scenarios to…
How BC’s third party election advertising rules missed the mark The idea that everyone should be able to speak freely and that citizens should have access to a broad range of viewpoints are two fundamental principles of a democracy — and never are they more important than during an election.…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT OTTAWA—Given the fragile economic recovery and the weak job market, now is not the time for a sharp turn to spending cuts, says a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). “It would be a huge mistake to significantly…
A few months back, Jim Stanford – in a provocative article entitled “When in doubt, blame unions” – noticed a troubling trend. Stanford observed that the current recession seemed to unleash a wave of public resentment against labour unions – as people, fearful of their own economic security – turned…
Campaigns, coalitions aim to democratize media system Faced with a corporate-dominated mediascape and perceived editorial indifference or hostility, trade unions and other progressive Canadian organizations have responded pragmatically when they need to influence public opinion. They have adopted media relations strategies, often run by specialized staff, to gain whatever space…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT OTTAWA—In a report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), two prominent economists warn of the ongoing the inherent instability of financial markets. The report, by Doug Peters, former Secretary of State (Finance) and former TD Bank Chief Economist, and…
So what does a sustainable economy really look like, and how do we get there? Climate change essentially means a huge mitigation effort on greenhouse gases culminating in something close to zero emissions by mid-century at the latest. This means phasing out fossil fuels entirely; or minimally, if it comes…
Ten propositions for a resurgence of the progressive movement The Hon. Ed Broadbent was the lunchtime speaker at an Alternative Federal Budget Roundtable held in Ottawa in November 2009. This is the text of his speech. Proposition One Virtually all governments in the developed democracies agree on one thing: our…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT OTTAWA—Canada’s Old Age Security system needs improvement in order to help ensure the economic security and dignity of Canadians in retirement, says a new report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The report, by pension expert and CCPA Research…
Did you ever wonder how Partnerships BC justifies using 35 year contracts for public private partnerships rather than borrowing the money publicly and doing things like hospitals and roads as public projects? Well now you can find out. PBC has published its methodology on a website. They have even asked…
I recently told a right wing friend of mine that this is the worst government British Columbia has had in a very long time. I said that not because of its political orientation and values that time and again favour the interests of the wealthy over the less fortunate in…
Vaughn Palmer asked the Finance Minister a question in the Budget lock-up on the day of the Budget speech. How about a list of all those programs you’re going to cut? No can do, Finance Minister Colin Hansen replied. You’ll just have to wait until the Public Accounts are published…