Navigating the politics of basic income
Weeks before the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, the Basic Income Canada Network (BICN) published a detailed set of policy options for a Canadian basic income (BI). An unconditional, income-tested cash transfer from the state to individuals. Crucially, unrelated to work status. It would enable everyone to meet their basic needs while participating […]
Budget investments not enough to replace need for new round of COVID student benefits, says Green leader Paul
Though the budget was generally well received by post-secondary student advocates, the lack of a returning Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is a gap that needs to be filled to avoid students ending up in the same rough spot as last year, says Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. The benefit was introduced last spring, providing […]
The 2021 budget: a disaster unlike any we have known
MONTREAL—Economics has always been a fascinating topic for me, although it has been a struggle. When I first arrived in Delhi on a diplomatic posting in 2009, I met with the economic analyst, a brilliant Indian woman who had a master’s degree in economics. At our first meeting, I peppered her with questions about Canada-India […]
Digital currencies bring new options for financial privacy
Digital money is on the minds of many in Canada. News stories about Bitcoin and other blockchain-based financial technologies are hard to escape. Facebook’s proposed digital currency Libra (recently rebranded as Diem) captured the attention and scrutiny of regulators around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has left some lawmakers pondering the possibility of government-based digital […]
Setting a path for the new data commissioner
In the April 2021 federal budget, the Canadian government announced the creation of a data commissioner who will “inform government and business approaches to data-driven issues to help protect people’s personal data and to encourage innovation in the digital marketplace.” The budget allocates $17.6-million over five years and $3.4-million annually afterwards to create the entity. […]
Billions for pensioners gets all-party support, but seniors hold highest net worth
The government’s 2021 budget promised billions for seniors, and opposition MPs are calling for more, but data from Statistics Canada suggests that not all seniors need the help. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s (University-Rosedale, Ont.) first budget set aside $12-billion over five years to increase payments to seniors over the age of 75 through the Old […]
For those with fetal alcohol disorders, budget isn’t quite as inclusive as it claims
Inclusivity appears to be the mandate of the 2021 budget, as the federal government claims it to be an “inclusive plan” that will support “full economic participation for all Canadians.” How is it then, that four per cent of Canadians, once again, find themselves left out of this year’s budget? Not one cent of that […]
Budget 2021 missed opportunity to unleash economic growth across cannabis sector
When Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland rose in the House of Commons to present her government’s budget, it was the eve of 4/20, the unofficial international day of celebration for many in the cannabis community. We took it as a positive omen that Minister Freeland had heard our call and accepted our offer to contribute more […]
Liberals’ budget falls immensely short on preparing Canada for future pandemics
Last week’s Liberal budget called for finishing the fight against COVID-19 and ensuring a resilient economic recovery amidst Canada’s worst week of cases. The government intends to invest $2.2-billion in the life sciences and bio-manufacturing sector. It’s about time to boost Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing capability, as frequent vaccine delays reveal supply-chain risks poised to disrupt […]
Mixed reviews on budget supports for hard-hit tourism industry, amid calls for a national recovery strategy
The tourism sector has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and while some were satisfied with the new budget’s announcements in the tourism sector, others were less enthused, with problems with current support being brought to the forefront. According to a March report from Destination Canada, the federal government’s tourism marketing arm, nine per […]
