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Income Security Advocacy Centre

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Media & Policy News: 15 April 2016

April 15, 2016

Top Stories

April 15: List of huge number of $15 and Fairness actions across Ontario today:
http://15andfairness.org/latest/april-15-actions-across-ontario/ 

Canada Child Benefit must not be clawed back from social assistance – my Letter to the Editor with Campaign 2000:
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2016/04/11/benefit-must-not-be-clawed-back.html

  • Caledon: The CCB must be indexed to inflation: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-commentary/the-canada-child-benefit-needs-to-be-fully-indexed-in-inflation/article29619579/

It’s time for evidence-based social assistance reform in Ontario:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story/6482680-it-s-time-for-evidence-based-social-assistance/

  • Letter to the editor highlights historical Ontario social assistance policy changes, and the need for reform: http://www.bancroftthisweek.com/?p=6108

PEI government considering income exemptions for social assistance recipients who do farm labour, mirroring similar program in Nova Scotia:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-social-assistance-benefits-farms-1.3527684

Generosity greets Syrian refugees, but there are gaps:
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2016/04/14/generosity-greets-refugees-but-there-are-gaps

  • Syrian refugees, who rely on government assistance equal to social assistance benefits, relying on food banks to feed their families:
    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/many-syrian-refugees-relying-on-food-banks-to-feed-families/article29581822/
  • Syrian refugees flooding Ottawa food banks: http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/syrian-refugees-are-flooding-ottawa-food-banks-1.2857979

UNICEF ranks Canada 26 of 35 countries on well-being of children in low-income:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/14/poorest-children-in-canada-falling-even-further-behind.html

  • Canada ranks near bottom on UNICEF’s fairness report card: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-ranks-near-bottom-on-unicef-s-fairness-report-card-1.2859349

What’s at stake in the fight for a $15 minimum wage:
http://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/whats-at-stake-in-the-fight-for-15

Poverty and inequality are fuelling the suicide crisis, First Nations leader says:
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/aboriginal/poverty-inequality-fueling-suicide-crisis-1.3487028

  • Justice Minister says it’s time for First Nations to shed Indian Act shackles: http://aptn.ca/news/2016/04/13/during-first-nation-suicide-debate-justice-minister-says-its-time-for-first-nations-to-shed-indian-act-shackles/

Supreme Court recognizes rights of Métis and non-status Indians:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/14/supreme-court-recognizes-rights-of-mtis-and-non-status-indians.html

From exploitation to employment: Undoing Canada’s sheltered workshop system:
http://rabble.ca/news/2016/04/exploitation-to-employment-undoing-canadas-sheltered-workshop-system

Fight for affordable internet taking centre stage at CRTC hearings:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/affordable-internet-crtc-1.3523946

  • ACORN Canada press release: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/acorn-canada-members-to-speak-about-affordability-at-crtc-internet-hearing-2113503.htm

Head of CMHC says housing money is badly needed:
http://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/housing-money-badly-needed-cmhc-head-says

Basic Income and social democracy:
https://www.socialeurope.eu/2016/04/44878/

  • Why Basic Income can never be a progressive solution: https://www.socialeurope.eu/2016/04/basic-income-can-never-progressive-solution/

The Panama Papers and Canada’s tax system:

  • Video: Panama Papers put pressure on Ottawa to curb tax evasion: http://www.bnn.ca/Video/player.aspx?vid=843375
  • Canadians for Tax Fairness: KPMG should be in court for role in tax haven scandal: http://www.taxfairness.ca/en/news/kpmg-should-be-court-role-tax-haven-scandal
  • CRA’s case against KPMG over offshore “sham” delayed – again: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-revenue-agency-kpmg-court-case-delayed-1.3529363
  • KPMG introduced a speech by the CRA chief as the firm faced an offshore tax probe: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kpmg-canada-revenue-agency-andrew-treusch-speech-1.3529023
  • Senior federal tax enforcer joined KPMG as its offshore “sham” was under CRA probe: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kpmg-canada-revenue-agency-jeff-sadrian-1.3526618
  • Howlett: We can fix the rigged tax system revealed in the Panama Papers: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/dennis-howlett/panama-papers_b_9643386.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-politics&ir=Canada+Politics
  • “High risk” taxpayers and offshore tax havens to be part of Ottawa crackdown: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/11/high-risk-taxpayers-offshore-tax-havens-part-of-ottawa-crackdown.html
  • CRA takes aim at tax havens, foreign transfers in plan to recoup $2.5 billion: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/cra-seeks-to-recoup-26-billion-with-efforts-to-fight-tax-evasion/article29583539/
  • Canada plans tax evasion push at home and abroad: http://www.cfjctoday.com/article/521334/canada-plans-additional-push-against-tax-evasion-wake-panama-papers
  • Star editorial: Crackdown on Canada’s tax dodgers should include naming and shaming: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2016/04/11/crackdown-on-canadas-tax-dodgers-should-include-naming-and-shaming-editorial.html
  • Meanwhile, this Financial Post column: How the wealthy can beat Ottawa’s new rules by becoming low-income to save big on their taxes: http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/managing-wealth/how-the-wealthy-can-beat-ottawas-new-rules-by-becoming-low-income-to-save-big-on-their-taxes

 

Ontario

Proposed daycare rules will not be implemented, Minister says:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-daycare-changes-1.3533610

CELA: Time is running out to fix the Cap and Trade bill to protect low-income communities:
http://www.cela.ca/blog/2016-04-12/time-running-out-fix-cap-and-trade-bill

Lengthy OESP energy rebate process concerns Sudbury Hydro One customer:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/ontario-energy-board-rebate-program-1.3532416

What is inclusionary zoning anyway?
http://torontoist.com/2016/04/torontoist-explains-what-is-inclusionary-zoning/

Poverty creates a vicious cycle of food insecurity and poor health:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/ontario-association-of-food-banks/food-insecurity-health_b_9644654.html

Report: “Ontario’s business support programs favour the largest and oldest companies, the companies least likely to be in need of support”:
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/buried-report-reveals-corporate-giants-gained-the-most-in-ontario-business-supports

OFL calls on Premier Wynne to fight for expanded CPP:
http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/16/04/m7841640/ofl-calls-on-premier-wynne-to-fight-for-an-expanded-canada-pension-plan

Ontario launches second round of Local Poverty Reduction Fund:
https://news.ontario.ca/tbs/en/2016/04/ontario-launches-second-round-of-local-poverty-reduction-fund.html

Op-ed: Teachers standing up for fair wages and working conditions:
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/04/14/standing-up-for-fair-wages.html

 

Reports, Events, Campaigns, and Other Good Things

Prosper Canada gets $5.3 million in federal funding for financial empowerment programs for low-income Canadians:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/cnw/release.html?rkey=20160407C7705&filter=5611

York PhD student and long-time anti-poverty activist gets fellowship to study effectiveness of poverty protests:
http://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2016/04/12/york-u-phd-student-gets-10000-fellowship-to-study-effectiveness-of-poverty-protests/

 

Around the Province

Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network unveils community plan for reducing and eliminating poverty:
http://www.mykawartha.com/community-story/6496703-community-network-wants-people-to-imagine-a-poverty-free-peterborough/

Photos from Rally for Food Justice in Toronto last weekend:
https://bigwalt58.wordpress.com/2016/04/10/rally-for-food-justice-st-james-toronto-saturday-april-10-2016/

Toronto considers apartment licensing to crack down on bad landlords:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/04/09/toronto-considers-apartment-licensing-to-crack-down-on-bad-landlords.html

  • Toronto cracks down on notorious Parkdale apartments: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/04/08/city-cracks-down-on-notorious-parkdale-apartments.html

Putting a human face on poverty in Hamilton: Four personal tales of struggle and hope:
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6458439-putting-a-human-face-on-poverty-in-hamilton-four-personal-tales-of-struggle-and-hope/

Column: Paradigm shift needed to end poverty in London:
http://www.lfpress.com/2016/04/08/pearson-paradigm-shift-needed-to-end-poverty

  • Mayor’s poverty panel report recommends regulating illegal group homes: http://www.lfpress.com/2016/04/08/how-far-are-we-going-to-go
  • Low-income Londoners with diabetes struggle to pay for proper care: http://www.lfpress.com/2016/04/07/low-income-diabetics-in-london-struggle-to-pay-for-proper-care

Nipissing Poverty Reduction through Education Program puts young man “on the right path”:
http://www.nugget.ca/2016/04/03/program-puts-addict-on-the-right-path

 

Across the Country

Column: BC’s social services are a mess:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/stephen+hume+social+services+mess/11837450/story.html

  • BC’s new training and employment program for single parents on assistance has grown to 2,500 applicants in first five months: http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/lifestyles/375564821.html

Manitoba party leaders spar over taxes, poverty in TV debate:
http://www.680news.com/2016/04/12/manitoba-party-leaders-spar-over-taxes-poverty-in-only-tv-debate/

  • Brandon candidates debate housing and poverty issues: http://www.westmanjournal.com/news/local-news/housing-poverty-issues-a-focus-at-bnrc-debate-1.2229180
  • Double shooting on Manitoba reserve due to poverty, says councillor: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2016/04/08/double-shooting-on-manitoba-reserve-due-to-poverty-violence-councillor

New Brunswick offers tuition bursaries equal to free tuition to low-income students:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/free-tuition-low-income-1.3535261

Halifax basic income supporters explore poverty issues:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/basic-income-halifax-central-library-1.3528688

  • Halifax mayor says it’s time to take a serious look at a basic annual guaranteed income: http://globalnews.ca/news/2628940/time-to-take-a-serious-look-at-basic-annual-guaranteed-income-halifax-mayor/

PEI Coalition for Fair EI want changes made to employment insurance:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/coalition-fair-changes-employment-insurance-1.3527248

  • EI recipient numbers spike in Alberta by 91%: http://www.rockyviewweekly.com/article/Recipients-of-EI-in-Alberta-spike-91-per-cent-20160408
  • EI changes need to be extended to Edmonton too: http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/2016/04/07/employment-benefits-need-to-be-extended

PEI NDP leader wants summit to eradicate child poverty:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-ndp-leader-redmond-child-poverty-1.3527275

 

National

More off-reserve First Nations people reporting poor health, chronic conditions:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/more-off-reserve-first-nations-people-reporting-poor-health-chronic-conditions-1.2859147

Liberal budget still doesn’t add up, even with a few grains of salt:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pbo-budget-analysis-1.3531050

Minister says new national child-care and early learning framework to be developed with provinces:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/child-care-framework-to-be-developed-with-provinces-minister-374812331.html

Canada’s “global giant” pension plan changing investment strategy to get better returns, for bigger pensions or lower premiums:
http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2016/04/13/cpps-success-may-signal-bigger-pensions-ahead-mayers.html

Morneau touts ‘historic opportunity’ to invest in Canada’s future:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/morneau-touts-historic-opportunity-to-invest-in-canada-s-future-1.2851147

Canada’s unemployment rate dips to 7.1% in March:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/Canada-unemployment-rate-dips-to-7-1-percent-in-March/articleshow/51745375.cms

Central bank optimistic economy is on track:
http://www.thestar.com/business/2016/04/13/bank-of-canada-holds-interest-rate-at-05-boosts-growth-outlook.html

 

International

EU regulators demand greater tax transparency from multinationals:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/apr/12/eu-regulators-demand-greater-tax-transparency-companies?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

IMF warns world economy growing too slowly:
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/31422f24-0060-11e6-9cc4-27926f2b110c.html#ixzz45gus7TvO

Study: Job prospects, not welfare, draws migrants to UK:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-migrants-idUKKCN0XA1E4

New Zealand advocates say complicated system of welfare benefits, credits and penalties should be overhauled:
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/nzs-welfare-system-a-baffling-concoction-of-varying-tax-credits-and-penalties/

Radio: Panama Papers expose human costs of global tax avoidance:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-11-2016-1.3529740/panama-papers-expose-human-costs-of-global-tax-avoidance-1.3529778

  • Forget Panama: It’s easier to hide your money in the US than almost anywhere: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/06/panama-papers-us-tax-havens-delaware
  • 1 in 5 profitable American companies pays no federal income tax: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/20-percent-of-profitable-u-s-companies-pay-no-federal-income-tax/

Walmart to pay $151 million in unpaid wages after losing Supreme Court appeal:
http://ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31028:walmart-to-pay-151-million-in-unpaid-wages-after-losing-u-s-supreme-court-appeal&catid=9729&Itemid=6&lang=en

American policy fails at reducing child poverty because it aims to fix the poor:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/04/04/american-policy-fails-at-reducing-child-poverty-because-it-aims-to-fix-the-poor/

Fact-checking Bill Clinton’s defense of his legacy on crime and poverty:
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/reality-check/2016/apr/09/fact-checking-bill-clinton-poverty-crime-legacy

Court strikes down Wisconsin’s Right-to-Work law as unconstitutional:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/scott-walker-right-to-work-law-unconstitutional

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This site contains general legal information for people in Ontario, Canada. It is not intended to be used as legal advice for a specific legal problem. ISAC is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization. ISAC is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). The funding for this website is also provided by LAO. The views expressed in any of ISAC’s publications (including written, oral, or visual) are the views of the clinic and do not necessarily reflect those of LAO.