Top Stories
2016 is coming: Make reconciliation with Indigenous peoples your new year’s resolution:
http://rabble.ca/news/2015/11/2016-coming-make-reconciliation-your-resolution
Ontario Association of Food Banks’ Hunger Report
- Staggering rise in senior citizens accessing food banks: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/ontario-hunger-report-reveals-staggering-rise-senior-citizens-accessing-food-banks-2077541.htm
- Singles and seniors most vulnerable to hunger: http://www.metronews.ca/-news/toronto/2015/11/30/single-seniors-most-vulnerable-to-hunger-ontario-food-banks.html
- Food banks have allowed governments to look the other way, says food expert: http://-www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/british-columbia/food-banks-say-federal-provincial-government-must-do-more-1.3349646
Editorial: Quebec’s punitive welfare changes are worrying:
http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-quebec-welfare-changes-are-worrisome
Report links poverty and shorter life expectancy:
http://m.thespec.com/news-story/6140009-researchers-link-poverty-and-shorter-life-expectancy
Debt loads have many Canadians living on the edge, with high housing prices largely to blame:
http://www.financialpost.com/m/wp/blog.html?b=business.financialpost.com/-/news/economy/debt-load-has-many-canadians-living-on-the-edge-with-high-housing-prices-largely-to-blame-report
Economists tested 7 welfare programs to see if they made people lazy. They didn’t:
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2015/-11/20/9764324/welfare-cash-transfer-work
Dec 3 was International Day of Persons with a Disability
- Rick Hansen Foundation report: Canadians see massive gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities: http://www.rickhansen.com/Blog/ArtMID/13094/ArticleID/92/-Canadians-see-massive-gaps-in-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-
- Community Living Ontario: Greater accessibility and inclusion needed for people with an intellectual disability: http://eblast.gotenzing.com/t/r-9DCFF45D3519FB1C2540EF23F30FEDED
- OFL Statement: http://ofl.ca/index.php/ofl-statement-international-day-persons-disabilities-december-3-2015/
Campaign 2000 report shows 1.3 million Canadian children are living in poverty:
http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/national-report-states-1-in-5-canadian-children-live-in-poverty-1.2672856
- Child poverty rates in PEI take a jump: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/child-poverty-rates-pei-jump-1.3335964
- Child poverty still rising in Cape Breton: http://www.capebretonpost.com/-News/Local/2015-11-24/article-4354446/Child-poverty-still-rising-in-Cape-Breton/1
- Child and family poverty in Manitoba “a chronic nightmare”: http://www.cbc.ca/-news/canada/manitoba/child-family-poverty-manitoba-1.3332545
- One in five kids in BC lives in poverty: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/-five+kids+lives+poverty+report/11540821/story.html?__lsa=4dd4-566d
- More on BC poverty rates, by region: https://www.kelownanow.com/-watercooler/news/news/Provincial/15/11/25/B_C_s_Child_Poverty_Among_the_Worst_in_Canada/
- Too many children in Atlantic Canada still struggling: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/-national-report-states-1-in-5-canadian-children-live-in-poverty-1.2672856
Ontario Auditor General’s report: Little government oversight in the SAMS social assistance payment system: http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/consultants-oversaw-consultants-ag-report-finds-little-government-oversight-in-ontarios-struggling-welfare-payment-system
- Government knew of problems before SAMS was launched: http://globalnews.ca/-news/2375959/ontario-government-knew-of-welfare-payment-problems-before-new-system-launch/
- Auditor finds Ontario is failing to protect its most vulnerable: http://news.nationalpost.com-/news/canada/from-childrens-aid-societies-to-long-term-care-auditor-finds-ontario-leaves-most-vulnerable-in-the-lurch
- Ontario doles out majority of corporate welfare to small, favoured group of companies: http://news.nationalpost.com-/news/canada/vast-majority-of-ontarios-corporate-welfare-goes-to-small-favoured-group-of-companies-ag
- Ontario not tracking economic impact of corporate welfare: http://www.theglobeandmail.com-/report-on-business/economy/ontario-not-tracking-economic-impact-of-corporate-welfare-auditor-general/article27571299/
- Ontarians paid $37 billion extra for electricity from 2006-14: http://www.thestar.com/news-/queenspark/2015/12/02/ontario-consumers-likely-paying-billions-extra-for-hydro-one-decisions-auditor-general.html
- Editorial: Ontario’s Liberals have completely broken the electricity system: http://www.theglobeandmail.com-/globe-debate/editorials/ontarios-liberals-have-completely-broken-the-electricity-system/article27571292/
Ontario Association of Food Banks report: Ontario seeing sharp rise in seniors and singles using food banks:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/food-banks-ontario-1.3342191
- Hamilton Spectator coverage: http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6142129-singles-seniors-relying-on-food-banks-report/
- Many Cornwall area seniors turn to food banks: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2015/12/01/many-cornwall-area-seniors-turn-to-food-banks
- Poverty feels like living a cycle of not having enough: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca-/ontario-association-of-food-banks/food-bank-poverty_b_8692230.html
Goar: Fact-based decision making loses out, even on poverty: http://www.thestar.com/-opinion/commentary/2015/11/30/facts-dont-stand-a-chance-against-rolling-bandwagons-goar.html
Reports, Events, Campaigns…
New Wellesley report: Coming together on supported housing for mental health and addictions in Ontario:
http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications/coming-together-on-supported-housing-for-mental-health-and-addictions-in-ontario/
Ontario making data open by default: Open Data directive to take effect April 1, 2016:
https://news.ontario.ca/tbs/en/2015/11/ontario-making-data-open-by-default.html
Toronto workers launch Good Jobs campaign:
http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/torontos-workers-launch-campaign-for-good-jobs-2076354.htm
Ontario
15 new provincial ridings added; total Ontario Legislature seats now 122, in time for 2018 election:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-liberal-government-adds-15-new-ridings-1.3347291
Cohn: Why Ontario employers can’t dodge pension obligations:
http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/-2015/11/30/why-ontario-employers-cant-dodge-pension-obligations-cohn.html
Liberals slammed over high levels of poverty in Northern Ontario:
http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/-11/26/liberals-slammed-over-northern-ontario-poverty
Ontario deficit drops by $1 billion, largely due to Hydro One sell-off:
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/ontario-deficit-to-drop-to-7-5-billion-this-fiscal-year-1-billion-lower-than-forecast-in-the-2015-budget
Local Poverty Reduction Fund: Toronto non-profit gets funding for women’s economic and social empowerment:
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6139509-provincial-funding-helps-beach-based-non-profit-develop-community-based-solutions-for-at-risk-women/
Ontario invests $4 million on Community Loans Fund pilot to hire people facing barriers to employment:
https://news.ontario.ca/medt/en/2015/12/ontario-improving-employment-opportunities-for-people-facing-barriers.html
Around the Province
Homeless Newmarket mom of four searching for affordable housing:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/programs/-metromorning/homeless-shelter-1.3347679
Manitoulin health centre gets new Child Poverty Task Force Coordinator:
http://www.manitoulin.ca/2015/12/02/noojmowin-teg-welcomes-new-child-poverty-task-force-coordinator/
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit report shows those who rely on social assistance or minimum wage can’t afford healthy food:
http://www.northumberlandview.ca/index.php-?module=news&type=user&func=display&sid=38820
Actors with disabilities in Toronto being kept out of auditions because they can’t get in the building:
http://globalnews.ca/video/2376681/actors-with-disabilities-being-kept-out-of-auditions-due-to-accessibility/
County of Dufferin poverty forum highlights challenges: Money isn’t the only issue:
http://www.orangeville.com/news-story/6141809-money-isn-t-the-only-answer-poverty-forum-highlights-challenges-in-dufferin-county/
Poverty game in Collingwood opens some eyes:
http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/2015-/11/27/poverty-game-shows-a-different-life
Micro-loans helping marginalized Sault Ste. Marie residents:
http://www.northernontariobusiness.com/Industry-News/finance/2015/12/Micro-loans-helping-marginalized-Sault-residents.aspx
Across the Country
Alberta’s child and youth advocate concerned about suicides of Aboriginal youth in care:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton-/child-advocate-concerned-about-suicides-of-aboriginal-youth-in-care-1.3346271?cmp=abfb
Affordable housing will be main concern for refugees arriving in Calgary:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/02/nenshi-refugees_n_8703168.html
Farm worker fights to change Alberta labour laws:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2283375505/
Nova Scotia Minister says “everything is on the table” in their reform of social assistance benefits – even free bus passes:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia-/bus-passes-income-assistance-1.3338786
Changes to child protection laws will proceed in Nova Scotia despite objections:
http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nova-scotia-s-child-protection-law-to-proceed-as-is-minister-1.2682939
Campaign to raise the minimum wage kicks off in Cape Breton:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local-/2015-12-01/article-4361934/Campaign-to-raise-minimum-wage-kicks-off-in-Cape-Breton/1
- Province provides $1.2 million to fight child poverty in Cape Breton: http://thechronicleherald.ca-/novascotia/1325064-province-provides-1.2-million-to-fight-c.b.-child-poverty
- One in three kids in Cape Breton lives in poverty: http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/-1324787-weekend-focus-one-in-3-cape-breton-children-lives-in-poverty
- Unacceptable poverty rates also face seniors in Cape Breton: http://www.capebretonpost.com-/Opinion/Columnists/2015-11-25/article-4355385/Unacceptable-poverty-rates-affect-Cape-Breton-seniors/1
PEI government developing new strategy for housing:
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2015-11-20/article-4350399/P.E.I.-government-developing-new-strategy-for-housing/1
Government consultation gives residents chance to vent about Nunavut’s social assistance system:
http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674-heres_your_chance_to_vent_about_nunavuts_social_assistance_system/
Hoping Trudeau’s plan for affordable housing comes fast enough to help in Maple Ridge, BC:
http://www.mapleridgenews.com/opinion/-355120641.html
Editorial: BC should stop being a laggard on fighting child poverty:
http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/editorials/-editorial+should+stop+being+laggard+fighting+child/11549892/story.html?__lsa=4dd4-566d
- Prince George, BC, school district wants provincial action on child poverty: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com-/news/local-news/school-district-wants-provincial-action-on-child-poverty-1.2121334
- Tackling poverty in Prince George, BC, for real: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com-/opinion/editorial/tackling-poverty-for-real-1.2121017
They keep recommending a poverty reduction strategy for BC, but action is long overdue:
http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/opinion-+action+poverty+long+overdue/11532698/story.html?__lsa=4dd4-566d
Sorting through the food crisis in Parksville, BC:
http://www.pqbnews.com/news/360447781.html
Parksville, BC, MLA publicly offered help to people who are homeless, but all they got was a card and five dollars:
http://www.pqbnews.com/news/360453921.html
BC’s Peace Region has among the lowest child poverty rates in that province:
http://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/regional-news/peace-region-among-lowest-child-poverty-rates-in-b-c-1.2123771
In Squamish, BC, child poverty is at 16%:
http://www.squamishchief.com/news/local-news/child-poverty-a-reality-in-squamish-1.2124407
Court decision on rights of homeless people in Abbotsford could point the way forward on right to housing:
http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2015/11/27/Abbotsford-Decision-Right-to-Housing/
National
Canada sheds 35,700 positions, jobless rate rises to 7.1%:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/jobs/canada-sheds-35700-jobs-unemployment-rate-rises-to-71/article27596632/
Trudeau’s nannies are trivial compared to the scandal of corporate tax cuts:
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/karl-nerenberg/2015-/12/trudeaus-nannies-are-trivial-compared-to-scandal-corporate-tax#.Vl8qPuNMRZd.facebook
EI coverage survey, 2014: Fewer people eligible for EI benefits in 2014:
http://www.northumberlandview.ca/index.php?-module=news&type=user&func=display&sid=38610
Nova Scotia First Nations see hope in fight with federal government on social assistance:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1325290-first-nations-see-new-hope-in-social-assistance-fight
Corporate Canada is pumping money out of the country at a record rate:
http://business.financialpost.com/investing/global-investor/corporate-canada-is-pumping-money-out-of-the-country-at-a-record-rate
Why the federal Liberals should institute a basic income guarantee:
http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/roderick-benns-why-the-liberals-should-institute-a-basic-income-guarentee
Dismantling barriers faced by migrants to Canada:
http://rabble.ca/podcasts/shows/talking-radical-radio/2015/11/dismantling-barriers-faced-migrants-to-canada
Broadbent Poll: Canadians want government to change the voting system:
http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/canadians_want_the_new-_government_to_keep_its_promise_to_change_-voting_system_by_almost_two_to_one_margin
- Here are the results: http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/-canadian_electoral_reform
Food Banks Canada report shows Prairie provinces lead increases in food bank use:
http://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/prairies-led-increase-in-food-bank-use/
- FBC calls for basic income to replace “beyond repair” welfare system: http://www.basicincome.org-/news/2015/11/canada-food-banks-charity-calls-for-basic-income-to-replace-beyond-repair-welfare-system/
- Report shows food banks help, but the problems run deeper: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/-opinion/359623561.html
International
George Osborne scraps tax credit cuts in welfare U-turn:
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/nov/25/george-osborne-u-turn-scrap-tax-credit-cuts-autumn-statement
- Cuts postponed, not axed: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-34930480
- Jeremy Corbyn scolds Tory MPs for laughing at food poverty: http://www.independent.co.uk-/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-scolds-tory-mps-for-laughing-at-food-poverty-a6745691.html
Oxfam study: Extreme inequality is fueling climate change:
https://ricochet.media/en/791/extreme-inequality-fueling-climate-change-oxfam-study
The welfare state: So retro it’s new?:
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/12/the-welfare-state-a-terrible-name-for-an-essential-system/418500/
Nobel laureate says education the key to solve poverty and unemployment:
http://www.firstpost.com/world/education-key-to-solve-poverty-unemployment-nobel-laureate-kailash-satyarthi-2529682.html
- Why education does not fix poverty: http://www.demos.org/blog-/12/2/15/why-education-does-not-fix-poverty
Can’t afford to die: The rise of funeral poverty in the UK:
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/welfare/-2015/12/can-t-afford-die-rise-funeral-poverty
China vows to lift remaining 70 million above poverty line by 2020:
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/china-vows-to-lift-remaining-70-million-above-poverty-by-2020-27555.html
- Chinese cadres told to meet poverty reduction targets or face getting fired: http://www.scmp.com-/news/china/society/article/1885378/meet-targets-cut-poverty-or-face-sack-chinese-cadres-told
How poor single moms in the US survive:
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive-/2015/12/how-poor-single-moms-survive/418158/