Tax hikes hobble young people’s job prospects

Canada’s youth are facing an employment crisis. In December there were 40,000 fewer youth jobs than the year before. That’s a three per cent decrease! Most worrisome is that youth have been relegated by the finance minister to a career of insecure part-time and contract work, unable to make a proper life for themselves because […]
The other half of preparing for a Trump era

CALGARY—As much as trade-dependent Canada suffers when the United States shoots itself in the foot, there are still often gains to be had. This is shaping up to be likely with the incoming Trump administration. Anticipating and preparing to seize these opportunities is the other, often overlooked, half of the work that is needed by the private sector, federal and provincial governments to prepare for the incoming […]
‘It can’t be more of the same’ as precarious work grows, says NDP

The Trudeau government is fending off accusations that it has failed to take concrete measures to improve employment prospects for young Canadians confronting a swiftly evolving economic landscape. NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, Man.), her party’s critic for jobs, employment, and workforce development, accused the government of neglecting an “emerging national crisis” of employment precariousness […]
Drywall tariff harms businesses, must be lowered

On Sept. 6, a provisional tariff of up to 277 per cent was imposed on gypsum board coming in to Western Canada from the United States exclusively, with disastrous consequences. This came as a shock to businesses in the construction sector, their employees, and clients in the process of building schools, major infrastructure projects, and […]
We need better policies made for and by youth

Last year, many events promoting citizen engagement for millennials took place in Ottawa, such as ONE Young World or the Young Workers’ Summit. In 2017, for the 150th commemoration of Confederation, it is time to address important issues for youth under the age of 30, especially precarious employment, to listen to them, and include them […]
Youth Issues

Feds should fund indigenous environmental guardians network

OTTAWA—When it comes to protecting the land, water, flora, and fauna around mining operations, companies use a wide range of tools, technologies, and expertise. Increasingly, that expertise comes in the form of traditional knowledge from local indigenous communities. But innovative solutions are needed to enable communities to contribute on a larger scale. What we’re talking […]
Merit Canada lobbying to maintain secret ballot requirement for union certification: Sen. Runciman

Merit Canada, a group representing non-unionized construction companies, has been lobbying Senators recently about reversing a Liberal government initiative to repeal a law requiring secret ballots for the certification and decertification of unions in federally regulated workplaces, according to one Senator who met with a representative for the organization. The target of Merit Canada is […]
Poverty is not inevitable

Poverty in Canada is a complex reality. Social policy experts, researchers, and anti-poverty advocates are continually analyzing the data and recommending the most effective policy responses, while working to engage and strengthen communities. We see the hardship suffered by millions of Canadians struggling to get by, but we also see positive policy impacts. So, for […]
Canada must do more to boost innovation

There has been much discussion and activity around the topic of innovation. Everyone recognizes the need to create an environment in Canada that fosters innovation, and that supports the development of innovative ideas through to commercialization. The excellence of Canadian research happening at the universities and colleges across the country is well-respected in the world. […]