Persons with disabilities deserve a basic income
Last month’s Throne Speech committed to the creation of a new Canadian disability benefit for persons with disabilities—that’s good news. The details remain vague, but some disability advocates have long championed a basic income for people with disabilities. The newly announced benefit may offer a step toward that reality. Basic income is a guarantee that […]
Pandemic could help level playing field for parties if more resources shift to digital, say politicos
Waging an election campaign amid the pandemic could help level the playing field for more cash-strapped parties if the resources for fighting over seats were to shift online, say some strategists. The pandemic is expected to test campaigns’ ability to develop or incorporate creative ways of getting out the vote under public health restrictions and […]
Treasury Board president slammed for transparency gaps in spending following ‘damning’ PBO reports
Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos was pressed over the government’s spending secrecy at committee following the release of “damning” reports from Canada’s budget watchdog, with MPs calling on him to answer for a lack of fiscal transparency amid unprecedented pandemic spending. On the morning of Mr. Duclos’ Nov. 4 appearance at the House Government Operations […]
Remote voting is the right tool for now, but should stay temporary: MPs
With more than two dozen remote votes by Zoom now under their belts, Members of Parliament say they’re adjusting to the House of Commons’ new system as a necessary tool in extraordinary times, but are opposed to making the change permanent, noting the distance it facilitates is being felt on a personal level, both within […]
Eleven weeks after becoming finance minister, Freeland’s mandate letter has yet to be released
Eleven weeks after she was tapped to guide Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Liberal government has yet to release a mandate letter outlining policy objectives for Chrystia Freeland. Some observers have raised concern over the lack of fiscal transparency in pandemic spending as the government hasn’t tabled a budget in more than […]
Three hands could make lighter work
The complex nature of the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of co-operation and co-ordination across governments and sectors to address the social, health, and economic impacts of the pandemic. Co-operation has been on display in relations between the federal government and the provinces and territories. But the pandemic has also highlighted the role of […]
Light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel remains rooted in science and clear communication
There has been some confusion with COVID-19 since March, but the second wave could bring even more perplexity. Making mistakes when faced with an unknown health problem may be understandable, but repeating them is just not acceptable. The Royal Society of Canada’s Oct. 30 policy briefing “Let’s Do Better: Public Representation of the Science of […]
Who wants a green recovery most? Low-income earners, that’s who
The environment versus economy. It’s a tired tale in need of a serious rewrite. For years, fossil fuel lobbyists painted a picture of environmentalists as latte-sipping, electric car-driving, elitist bogeymen out of touch with the average Joe trying to make a living. That may still play well in the back rooms of the Petroleum Club, […]
Pandemic is a global crisis, and our response should be worldwide
Every country around the globe is being affected by COVID-19, however, there is a discrepancy when it comes to who has the proper resources to cope with the pandemic. Low- and middle-income nations comprise an especially vulnerable population to the pandemic as they also experience many adverse side effects, such as increased vulnerability to other […]
Canada will chair 7th Digital Nations Ministerial Summit
This week, Canada will chair the 7thDigital Nations Ministerial Summit—virtually of course. As hosts, we were looking forward to treating our international guests to some good old Canadian hospitality. But like our Thanksgiving plans, our summer plans, and our March break plans before that, we have had to pivot, adjust, and go virtual. Going virtual, […]
