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