Happy New Year!
Top Stories
Minimum Wage and Workers’ Rights
Tim Hortons locations hit by protests over wage clawbacks:
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/10/tim-hortons-locations-hit-by-protests-over-wage-clawbacks.html
“Greed is not OK”: Backlash grows against Tim Hortons worker benefit cuts:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tim-hortons-minimum-wage-worker-benefits-1.4480097
Demonstrators picket Tim Hortons after cuts to employee benefits:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tim-hortons-protest-rally-picket-ontario-employee-benefits-1.4480559
What a day of protesting against Tim Hortons looks like:
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/bjy5qv/what-a-day-of-protesting-against-tim-hortons-looks-like
Tim Hortons faces protests over employee benefit cuts:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/tim-hortons-faces-protests-over-employee-benefit-cuts-1.4482204
- Children of Tim Hortons co-founders cut worker benefits at their franchises over wage hike: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/franchises-owned-by-children-of-tim-hortons-co-founders-reduce-employee-benefits/article37490649/
- Multiple Tim Horton’s franchises, other businesses cut pay, benefits, citing minimum wage hike: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tim-hortons-heirs-minimum-wage-wynne-ontario-1.4472878
- Op-Ed: Wynne: Pick a fight with me Mr. Joyce, not those working the Tim Horton’s pickup window: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2018/01/05/pick-a-fight-with-me-mr-joyce-not-those-working-the-pickup-window.html
- Op-Ed: Dan Kelly: The premier should not be picking fights with small business owners: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2018/01/07/the-premier-should-not-be-picking-fights-with-small-business-owners.html
- Scarborough Tim Horton’s workers banned from accepting tips after wage hike: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/05/scarborough-tim-hortons-workers-banned-from-accepting-tips-after-wage-hike.html
- The hypocrisy of Tim Hortons, a business built on coffee breaks: http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/the-hypocrisy-of-a-tim-hortons-a-business-built-on-coffee-breaks/
- Tim Hortons slams franchisees for response to Ontario minimum wage hike: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/tim-hortons-calls-franchisees-cuts-to-breaks-and-benefits-reckless/article37513737/
- Benefits cuts by Tim Hortons franchises “premature”: NDP critic: http://www.benefitscanada.com/news/benefits-cuts-by-tim-hortons-franchises-premature-ndp-critic-108910
- What employers are doing in response to higher minimum wages: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/what-employers-are-doing-in-response-to-higher-minimum-wages
- Minimum wage hike spurs Ontario businesses to cut benefits, hours: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-managing/minimum-wage-hike-spurs-ontario-businesses-to-cut-benefits-hours/article37512291/
- Clawing back employee perks after minimum wage hike “completely unacceptable,” Ontario labour minister says: http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/toronto/labour-minister-minimum-wage-reaction-1.4477771
- Ontario investigating companies for “illegal” minimum-wage hike reactions: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario-investigating-campanies-for-illegal-minimum-wage-hike-actions/article37524756/
- Ontario to crack down on companies breaking the law to cope with minimum wage: http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2018/01/08/ontario-investigates-businesses-allegedly-breaking-new-labour-laws.html
- Labour activists will picket a Dundas Tim Hortons to support minimum wage workers: http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/hamilton/tim-hortons-picket-1.4478387
- Why these small business owners are embracing the minimum wage boost: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/08/why-these-small-business-owners-are-embracing-the-minimum-wage-boost.html
- Ontario coffee franchise continues to pay above minimum wage, despite province-wide hike: https://globalnews.ca/news/3950567/ontario-business-minimum-wage/
- Relax, Ontario’s minimum wage increase will not lead to massive job losses: https://news.vice.com/en_ca/article/bjydv4/relax-ontarios-minimum-wage-increase-will-not-lead-to-massive-job-losses
- Letter to the editor: I’m not buying the excuses: http://owensoundhub.org/letters/4366-not-buying-the-excuses.html
- Op-Ed: Alberta hasn’t suffered for raising the minimum wage: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/alberta-hasnt-suffered-for-raising-the-minimum-wage/article37517324/?cmpid=rss&click=sf_globe&__twitter_impression=true
- Alberta’s minimum wage hike working despite gloomy predictions: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2018/01/09/albertas-minimum-wage-hike-working-despite-gloomy-predictions.html
- Rising minimum wages could speed up automation not relocations: labour leaders:
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/business-news/rising-minimum-wages-could-speed-up-automation-not-relocations-labour-leaders/ - What the law says about workers’ rights: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/05/what-the-law-says-about-your-rights.html
- Government release: Ontario workers receive first paycheques with new minimum wage – Higher wages will help increase business productivity and decrease employee turnover: https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2018/01/ontario-workers-receive-first-paycheques-with-new-minimum-wage.html
Injured workers losing out on Ontario’s wage bump. Here’s why:
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/01/08/injured-workers-losing-out-on-ontarios-wage-bump-heres-why.html
- ONIWG: WSIB is using the minimum wage to cut injured worker benefits. Government must step in to prevent disaster:
http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/01/08/1284967/0/en/WSIB-is-using-the-minimum-wage-to-cut-injured-worker-benefits-Government-must-step-in-to-prevent-disaster.html
Financial Post: Wynne’s cynical wage hike proves she’s not really on your side:
http://business.financialpost.com/opinion/philip-cross-wynnes-cynical-wage-hike-proves-shes-not-really-on-your-side
- National Post: What did Ontario’s small business owners ever do to deserve this?: http://nationalpost.com/opinion/kelly-mcparland-what-did-ontarios-small-business-owners-ever-do-to-deserve-this
- Employment Standards Act changes don’t add up: http://www.nugget.ca/2018/01/11/employment-standards-act-changes-dont-add-up
Income Security: A Roadmap for Change
ISAC’s submission:
http://incomesecurity.org/policy-advocacy/our-response-to-a-roadmap-for-change/
- Maytree submission: Time to get moving: Ontario’s income security roadmap: https://maytree.com/publications/time-to-get-moving-ontarios-income-security-roadmap/
- Association of Municipalities of Ontario: https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/Letters/2017/MCSS-LTR-AP-Income-Security-Reform-2017-12-07.aspx
- Ontario Municipal Social Services Association: http://omssa.com/public-affairs/communications/position-papers-reports/OMSSA%20Response%20on%20Income%20Security%20Recommendations%20Dec%2022.pdf
- Ontario College of Family Physicians and College of Family Physicians of Canada: http://ocfp.on.ca/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2017-12-18-cfpc-ocfp-support-letter_ontario-income-security-roadmap.pdf?sfvrsn=3d3afa89_2
Ontario Pre-Budget 2018
ISAC: Ontario Budget 2018: Time to push for Roadmap and more:
http://incomesecurity.org/policy-advocacy/ontario-budget-2018-time-to-push-for-roadmap-and-more/
- How to participate in the Minister of Finance’s 2018 Pre-Budget Consultations:
https://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/consultations/prebud/ - How to participate in the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs consultations (note that the deadline for written submissions is 5pm next Friday, January 19):
http://www.ontla.on.ca/committee-proceedings/committee-hearings-notices/files_html/Pre-Budget%20Consultations%202018%20-%20Advertising%20EN%20-%20Updated%20Dec.%2018%202017.htm
Income tax return filing changes for people with low incomes
CRA to allow low-income Canadians to file returns by phone – and will get deductions, benefits and credits without having to do paperwork or calculations:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-revenue-agency-tax-changes-1.4477378
Canada Revenue Agency tweaks tax return process – here’s what to know:
https://globalnews.ca/news/3952225/canada-revenue-agency-tax-return-changes/
Government website: File My Return:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/file-my-return.html
Toronto’s Shelter Crisis
Biting cold exposes deeper rot in Toronto’s attitudes to poverty:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/biting-cold-exposes-deeper-rot-in-torontos-attitudes-to-poverty/article37513385/
Matt Elliott: Toronto’s shelter shortage is a crisis by design:
http://www.metronews.ca/views/toronto/torys-toronto-matt-elliott/2018/01/07/matt-elliott-shelter-shortage-is-a-crisis-by-design.html
Street nurses use their breaks to help people who are homeless out in the bitter cold:
http://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2018/01/05/street-nurses-use-their-breaks-to-help-homeless-out-in-the-bitter-cold/
The shelter crisis forces us to ask hard questions about society:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/dyanoosh-youssefi/the-shelter-crisis-forces-us-to-ask-hard-questions-about-society_a_23327505/
Ontario to renovate former youth jail to help shelter Toronto’s homeless:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/ontario-to-renovate-former-youth-jail-to-help-shelter-torontos-homeless/article37543809/
No rooms available: A community organization decides to take over a rooming house:
https://thelocal.to/no-rooms-available-4be88ae1dbd2
Imagine cities that shelter people, not war:
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2018/01/11/imagine-cities-that-shelter-people-not-war.html
New men’s shelter opens its doors in Leslieville:
https://www.insidetoronto.com/community-story/8042484-new-men-s-shelter-opens-its-doors-in-leslieville/#.WlP2rZ4gKzg.twitter
Homeless shelter crisis reveals unabashed attempt to legitimize inequality:
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2018/01/08/homeless-shelter-crisis-reveals-unabashed-attempt-to-legitimize-inequality.html
Other Top Stories
I’ll start 2018 by recognizing my white privilege:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/ill-start-2018-by-recognizing-my-white-privilege/article37472875/
Registered Nurses can now complete application forms for people applying for ODSP:
https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/news/releases/2018/20180110.aspx
ODSP recipients in Scarborough are asking MPPs to address their needs:
https://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/8003546-odsp-recipients-in-scarborough-are-asking-mpps-to-address-their-needs/?s=e
Ottawa pouring an extra $3.6 billion into veterans’ benefits:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/veterans-pension-disability-1.4457755
Star editorial: Tax Fairness is the right priority:
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20180106/282909500914140
$500M recouped worldwide from tax cheats due to Panama Papers – but none of it in Canada:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/panama-papers-cra-tax-recovered-other-countries-1.4474827
WSIB reverses majority of denied GE Peterborough cancer claims:
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/12/17/wsib-reverses-majority-of-denied-ge-peterborough-cancer-claims.html
A year of raised hopes and painful losses for ailing GE Peterborough retirees:
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/12/17/a-year-of-raised-hopes-painful-losses-for-ailing-ge-peterborough-retirees.html
Worth Repeating: Companies should have to pay pension funds before shareholders: CCPA Report:
https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/11/21/companies-should-have-to-pay-pension-funds-before-shareholders-report.html
Ontario
No quick fix for Ontario’s energy woes, electricity analyst says:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/energy-analyst-political-platforms-1.4471786
New Ontario rule banning carding by police takes effect:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/carding-ontario-police-government-ban-1.3918134
New legal clinic for Black Ontarians in place by August 2018:
http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2018/01/10/legal-aid-announces-new-legal-clinic-for-black-ontarians.html
Ontario health ministry keeps secret list of high risk long-term care homes:
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ontario-health-ministry-keeps-secret-list-of-high-risk-long-term-care-homes#click=https://t.co/QVY8rDc6sg
Premiers’ Performance: Wall, Horgan remain on top, Atlantic premiers’ approval sees volatility:
http://angusreid.org/premier-approval-dec2017/
Government release: Ontario added more than 175,000 jobs in 2017:
https://news.ontario.ca/medg/en/2018/01/ontario-added-more-than-175000-jobs-in-2017.html
Government release: Ontario enhancing workplace health and safety:
https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2017/12/ontario-enhancing-workplace-health-and-safety.html
Government release: Ontario signs tobacco agreement-in-principle with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne:
https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2017/12/ontario-signs-tobacco-agreement-in-principle-with-mohawk-council-of-akwesasne.html
Government release: Free prescription medications for everyone under 25:
https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2018/01/free-prescription-medications-for-everyone-under-25.html
- Find out if your medication is covered: https://www.ontario.ca/page/check-medication-coverage/
Government release: Improving living spaces for people with developmental disabilities:
https://news.ontario.ca/mcss/en/2018/01/ontario-improving-living-spaces-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities.html
Reports, Events, Campaigns and Other Good Things
Jan 18 in Toronto: PEPSO Book Release – Precarious Employment: Causes, Consequences and Remedies:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pepso-book-release-precarious-employment-causes-consequences-and-remedies-tickets-41329580889
Stats Can: Payroll employment, earnings and hours, October 2017:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171220/dq171220b-eng.htm
Where do injured workers go when they’re denied workers’ compensation and can’t return to work? They go on ODSP, that’s where:
http://injuredworkersonline.org/where-did-they-go/
Resource: Legal services in Ontario:
http://plelearningexchange.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5.-Legal-services-in-Ontario-October-2017.pdf
Resource: Sources for online legal information:
http://plelearningexchange.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4.-Sources-for-online-legal-information-October-2017.pdf
Resource: How can you tell if the legal information you get online is reliable?:
http://plelearningexchange.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3.-Clues-to-reliable-legal-information-October-2017.pdf
Resource: Changes to Employment Insurance benefits for new parents:
http://mailchi.mp/cleo/on-the-radar-higher-age-limit-will-help-more-children-join-their-families-in-canada-1029069?e=6e96540544
Around the Province
New City of Hamilton rules would only allow 15 payday loan outlets:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/payday-loans-1.4475152
Windsor Street Help resists efforts by officials to remove homeless men from centre:
http://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/street-help-threatened-with-fines-after-being-ordered-not-to-let-men-sleep-at-centre
Ottawa & District Labour Council flooded with complaints about responses to minimum wage laws:
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/labour-council-flooded-with-complaints-about-responses-to-minimum-wage-laws
Labour leaders hold rally at Windsor Tim Hortons in support of workers:
http://ht.ly/lIzI30hHx9N
Anger brews in Cobourg over Tim Hortons’ response to Ontario minimum wage:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/labour-groups-protest-tim-hortons-response-to-ontario-minimum-wage/article37553813/
Clawbacks to Tim Hortons breaks and benefits not okay, say London labour activists:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/tim-hortons-picket-london-1.4480090
Protests held at select Toronto Tim Hortons locations over clawbacks:
https://www.cp24.com/news/protests-held-at-select-toronto-tim-hortons-locations-over-clawbacks-1.3753237
Tim Hortons workers in Dundas lose paid breaks, Timbits after minimum wage hike:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-tim-hortons-picket-1.4481589
Protest held at Tim Hortons in Dundas after reports of cuts to employee benefits:
https://globalnews.ca/news/3957928/protest-held-at-tim-hortons-in-dundas-after-reports-of-cuts-to-employee-benefits/
‘Hold the sugar, hold the cream, Tim Hortons don’t be mean,’ protesters chant:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/hold-the-sugar-hold-the-cream-tim-hortons-don-t-be-mean-protesters-chant-1.3753353
Demonstrations against Tim Hortons hit Guelph:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1300884
Labour unions rally at Tim Hortons locations over minimum wage response:
http://torontosun.com/news/local-news/labour-unions-rally-at-tim-hortons-locations-over-minimum-wage-response
Local backlash against Tim Hortons continues after benefit cuts:
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/backlash-against-tim-hortons-continues-after-benefit-cuts
Across the Country
“A huge success”: Pilot project helps address worker shortage on PEI farms:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-harvest-and-prosper-success-1.4481621
National
Ottawa axes $1,000 application fee to hire foreign nannies and caregivers:
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/12/27/government-axes-1000-application-fee-to-hire-foreign-nannies-and-caregivers.html
Liberals look to put stamp on CMHC with new board focused on social housing:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/liberals-look-to-put-stamp-on-cmhc-with-new-board-focused-on-social-housing-1.3729619
CPJ head says poverty reduction and climate change are major items for 2018:
https://www.catholicregister.org/item/26563-poverty-reduction-and-action-on-climate-change-major-items-for-2018
Canadian job vacancies in third quarter of 2017 up 15% over previous year:
International
Number of people requesting charitable grants to pay for basic items grows by 244% after government cuts:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/charitable-grants-government-cuts-basic-items-soar-numbers-a8142056.html
A new trial in Scotland may bring Universal Basic Income to life:
https://futurism.com/new-trial-scotland-bring-universal-basic-income-life/
Number of households in Japan on welfare hit record high in October:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/11/national/number-households-japan-welfare-hit-record-high-october/#.Wlfnwa6nFEY
Trump administration sends mixed messages on welfare work rules:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-sends-mixed-messages-on-welfare-work-rules-1515668401
Raising the minimum wage in Britain has been a huge benefit to workers – and employers are largely unharmed:
http://uk.businessinsider.com/raising-the-minimum-wage-in-britain-2017-12