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 long-term infrastructure plan. Most presentations emphasized the need for traditional physical infrastructure projects related to roads, sewers, water treatment, etc. However, investment in social infrastructure is an equally critical investment in job creation and as such, a legitimate economic driver.
Inequality and poverty
In Canada, many workers do not earn a living wage because of discrimination. Women workers and those who are racialized, immigrant, Aboriginal, living with disabilities or similarly disadvantaged are all segregated into low wage job ghettoes—their work systemically devalued. Governments and employers need to deliver more equitable compensation incomes for vulnerable workers. This paper explores how we can close discriminatory pay gaps, so that this basic human right — the right to work and to earn pay free of discrimination — is realized for Canada’s low-paid workers.
OTTAWA—The ability of Canada’s young workers to find stable, well-paid, and meaningful work is increasingly under threat, says a report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
The report, by CCPA research associate Karen Foster, looks at trends in youth employment. The unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15-24 has grown from 12.9% in 2001 to 14.1% in 2011—relatively low compared to other OECD countries.
This report looks at trends in youth employment, and finds that one of the most troubling narratives to emerge from the economic downturn of 2007–08 revolved around the effect of recessed global and local economies on young workers. According to the report, young workers are more likely to be unemployed or precariously employed in non-permanent jobs—and regardless of whether they have post-secondary qualifications, these young workers will likely endure the negative effects of un- and underemployment for years to come.
Currently, Manitoba is one of only two provinces in Canada that utilizes Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a means for financing community revitalization projects in municipalities, although it has a long history of use in the United States. In a TIF financing scheme, the base property tax of a targeted development property or district is frozen, and the anticipated increase in the property tax that is to result from redevelopment - that is, the increment - is used to finance the development project.
This week, as we think about homelessness in our communities, let us commit ourselves to solutions. Real solutions. Beyond the spontaneous generosity of bus drivers or the fundraising of CEOs who will be sleeping out downtown. While these actions bring attention to homelessness, they do not address systemic issues that only public policy can resolve.
The causes of homelessness and poverty are complex. Yet, some parts of the solution are quite simple – for people to not be homeless, they must be able to afford a home, and housing must be available.
It’s noteworthy how much media attention Mr. Doubledee’s random act of kindness is receiving. He and Mayor Katz were in New York this Saturday to appear on CBS TV. Doubledee, a Winnipeg Transit driver, told the story of how he stopped his bus and got out to give a homeless, barefoot man his shoes. The passengers on his bus were brought to tears. Winnipeggers are touched and inspired. Mr. Katz is proud to be his mayor.
Inside this issue:
Together we have CLOUT
When a group of strong-willed and compassionate women join forces to work for social justice in their North End community in Winnipeg, good things get done because together, they have clout.
In 2010, the CCPA-MB produced a video called “Together We Have CLOUT”, which looks at a coalition of 9 community based organizations that provide services for inner-city individuals and families. Due to popular demand, it’s now available online!
This primer on child care in Ontario, co-authored by child care expert Martha Friendly and CCPA Ontario Director Trish Hennessy, makes the case for the government to take leadership and commit to public, non-profit, affordable, regulated child care.