OECD research follows Conference Board of Canada's report highlighting problematic levels on income disparity in B.C.

OECD research follows Conference Board of Canada's report highlighting problematic levels on income disparity in B.C.

VANCOUVER – The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's latest report reiterates that government needs to take concrete, immediate action against growing income inequality, says NDP leader Adrian Dix.

“The report released today by the OECD shows that Canada’s level of equality continues to decline due to an ever-widening wage gap," says Dix.

"This income disparity is particularly pronounced in our province. The Conference Board of Canada in July found that B.C. has some of the highest levels of income inequality in the nation.

“The OECD is also unequivocal that government take immediate, concrete steps to shrink this gap because of the serious risk it poses to our economy and society.

“In B.C. the NDP has been promoting a number of equality measures like addressing corporate taxes and investing in human capital to reverse the inequality that has grown dramatically under the current government.

"In the aftermath of the ruling Liberals spending ten years shifting the tax burden away from corporations and high income earners onto the middle and lower income earners, B.C.'s middle class is feeling a strain as never before," said Dix.

One NDP proposal to ease inequality will restore a minimum tax on financial institutions to pay for a $100 million needs-based student grant program that will help ensure young people and workers can access a post-secondary education necessary for higher wage jobs.

“The current level of student debt is $27,000, which can put post-secondary training out of reach for a significant number of young people and workers. Further, this kind of program is necessary to stave off the risk income inequality poses on our economic competitiveness. B.C. could be facing a labour shortage that could deter investment unless young people and workers pursue post-secondary training now,” said Dix.

The OECD, in a report it release today titled “Divided We Stand: Why Inequality Keeps Rising” found that the wage gap in Canada has grown, and is markedly higher than the OECD average.

It follows the Conference Board of Canada’s report about rising inequality, which highlighted that level of income disparity in B.C. was particularly problematic. In B.C., the top one per cent of income earners received twelve per cent of total income in 2007, only in Alberta did the top one per cent garner a greater share of the pie.

CEPA Trade Negotiators reveal deliberate strategy to eliminate tariffs on dangerous exports

Harper government plans to increase asbestos exports to India

CEPA Trade Negotiators reveal deliberate strategy to eliminate tariffs on dangerous exports

December 5, 2011

OTTAWA - The Official Opposition has learned that the Harper government is trying to eliminate trade tariffs on exports of lethal Canadian asbestos to India.
“It is a disgrace that the Harper government has opposed the global effort to ban this substance,” said Official Opposition International Trade critic Brian Masse (Windsor West). “Now we find out Conservatives are actually attempting to expand Canadian asbestos sales to the developing world. This represents another sad chapter for the Harper government.”
In response to questions from Masse, the Chief Negotiator for the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement admitted Canada is currently working to eliminate tariffs on asbestos exports to India. Currently there is a 10 per cent duty on asbestos exports to India, the world’s second largest consumer of asbestos.
“We already dump hundreds of thousands of tons of asbestos each year into developing nations – and now we want to make it easier for asbestos magnates to do so?” said MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre). “This is deplorable and Canadians need to let their government know they will not put up with this any longer.”
The Canadian government has long been criticized for its support of asbestos exports to countries with few safeguards in place to protect workers. Despite being asked repeatedly in recent weeks about asbestos in the House of Commons, the government never mentioned their plan to increase asbestos trade to the developing world through axing tariffs.
“To actively pursue exporting this deadly product to countries that have little to no protection for workers is reprehensible,” said Masse. “It’s time for our government to acknowledge reality and develop a plan to help transition asbestos workers into new, sustainable industries.”

The NDP by Chris Bruce

  By Chris Bruce. I first became politically conscious on September 11th, 2011. This is the case for most of my generation - those that didn't keep reading the news from then on still had their first major historical event under their belts. When my father was a child, he remembers hearing about the assassination of JFK, at his uncle Maurice's store on the west coast of Newfoundland. Though I never met his father, I know he would have read the headline "PEACE", twice. 


     As formative events, they show us the cold, painful side of politics that all men and women must endure. It imparts on a person the value of life and, in turn, a sense of enormity with upholding our civic responsibilities. Perhaps it is the formative experience of my life and my families, but I have never shied away from the messy complexities of politics, and never felt beaten by calamity or strife.  While I understand the fear and adjeration many feel, I am reminded of those generations past, and the long arc of our societies history. In the darkest times we should ask most clearly, what can I do for my country?


     That question, before I ever knew it, that drove me this far through life - through both the liberal and green parties, filling out ballots for the Progressive Conservatives (of Danny Williams, you have to understand), and through pages upon pages of credit card records at my local student union. Now I have arrived at the NDP, and it feels like home. 


     Recently, I had the rare pleasure of sitting in on a planning session for Paul Dewar's BC team. Now, I've had my fair share of exposure to politics, and most of the time I see people championing it proudly. At this meeting there was pride, that youthful blustery energy that so many people said age would rob me of, but it was tempered and focused. We need to sign up a lot of people - we need to find community ambassadors - we need for Paul to win the nomination - we needed to pick up 30 seats out west. Where, how, who, and when? We knew our side of the case could be argued well enough, we just needed to find the people willing to listen, and realistically, open the doors to allow more people in. The joy and comfort of a small tent was thrown our with that full sense of enormity; a solemn understanding that what was needed was bigger than any of us, and bigger than any movement that existed in the party to date. 


      We all knew what needed to be done before we sat down at the table, we had all known there was something out there that can be captured in the public imagination for decades. We had all separately found that spot of comfort, and faith in our fellow citizens, that gave us passion and socially progressive values (not to mention, work ethic) that our country needs today. 


     When I hear Paul talk about our country, I see the Canada I thought we lived in as a child more clearly than I have for years. Why can't we have a national prescription drug policy - why does our government need to be so secretive - why does the Federal Government only ever 'balance' the books through pushing costs off to provinces, cities or citizens? 


     When I help Paul, I truly feel like I'm really doing all that my country can ask of me. I would ask of you no more than to ask yourself this question, and follow your heart. 

Maple Ridge News - David Murray

Maple Ridge News - David Murray

Pitt Meadows Councillor candidate - David Murray

Pitt Meadows Councillor candidate - David Murray

Federal Politics: Dewar Goes Local To Earn NDP Leadership Support

Categorized | Federal Politics

Federal Politics: Dewar Goes Local To Earn NDP Leadership Support

Posted on 04 November 2011
Tags: Jack Layton, NDP Federal Leadership, Paul Dewar

Submitted. Paul Dewar is travelling Canada, asking for support from one community – and one
person – at a time. He’s currently campaigning to follow in the footsteps of Jack Layton,
as the leader of Canada’s NDP… and he’s doing it in a way that would have made Jack
proud.

Paul Dewar The Next NDP Federal Leader?

He’s connecting with people on a personal and inspirational level. His first trip to BC was highlighted by many gatherings of both curious voters and
supportive members. A mixer hosted in Vancouver saw half the crowd on their feet –
with no chairs left to be spared – while Paul talked about his vision for a more caring
Canada. And he took the opportunity to field a wide array of questions from the crowd.
Dewar addressed topics ranging from member engagement, to job creation and tax
justice, to strategies on increasing party diversity, to Palestine (which he addressed with
ease as the party’s Foreign Affairs critic).

Paul Dewar addresses NDP supporters last night in Vancouver

How did he do overall? Well, his answers were sometimes practical and sometimes
innovative (like his suggestion for a national energy grid). But they were always
thoughtful and respectful of the people who had asked them – using remembered names
and eye contact to deliver his vision. Generally, he had the crowd nodding, laughing and
clapping at all the right times. And chatter as people left was about the energy, passion
and confidence he shared with the crowd.
Lindsay Goodridge is a young BC high school teacher, who attended in hopes of
learning more about Dewar both as a person and about his message. Following the
Vancouver event she had this to say: “I think he’s a great candidate. (He’s) using all the
words I want to hear for my future!!!”
With five months to go before NDP members cast their ballots, this wave has only just
started. And if first impressions are right, Dewar will prove to be a leader progressive
Canadians will want to stand behind. Expect him to be back a few times before
Christmas.
Paul Dewar is an experienced MP, currently sitting in his 3rd term for Ottawa-Centre. Previous to
that he worked as an elementary school teacher (winning an award for his work with children who
have special needs), as a Vice-President for his teacher union and as an international aid worker
in Nicaragua. For more information about Dewar and his leadership campaign you can go to:
Paul Dewar – Click Here

Nine people have already declared they would like to be a member of Pitt Meadows council

Former councillor runs again

 

Nine people have already declared they would like to be a member of Pitt Meadows council

 

By Sylver McLaren, The Times

Read more: http://www.mrtimes.com/news/story.html?id=5498273#ixzz1aIicBPws

 

More Images »

 

David Murray, new hopeful

Photograph by: submitted, for the TIMES

Today’s the day that political hopefuls can begin submitting their names if they wish to run for a seat as City of Pitt Meadows council or mayor.
“The nomination packages are out there and are being accepted starting tomorrow [Tuesday] until 4 p.m. on Oct. 14,” said Patti Rear, legislative services clerk for Pitt Meadows.
Packages are available online or at City hall, Rear said.
“Once the nomination packages are in the candidates have one week to withdrawal their candidacy. Then, City hall will make the declaration of election,” said Rear.
Meanwhile, everyone who currently holds a seat, save the current mayor Don MacLean, is hoping to get re-elected Nov. 19, and serve another three years either on council or as mayor.
Councillors Deb Walters and John Becker have both declared intentions to run for mayor, while councillors Bruce Bell, Doug Bing, Gwen O’Connell, and Tracy Miyashita have all stated they will seek re-election.
Janis Elkerton, a 14-year council veteran, announced Monday she’ll seek a seat on council after a four-year absence.
“This election is a turning point for Pitt Meadows,” Elkerton said. “With the current mayor stepping down and two council members vying for that position there will be a significant loss of experience for the City.”
Elkerton is ready to help fill that void.
“I am passionate about Pitt Meadows and want to bring my experience to bear on several important decisions facing our community over the next three years,” she said.
Elkerton has lived in Pitt Meadows for more than 27 years. She was Pitt Meadows’ community health nurse for 11 years. She served for 14 years on Pitt Meadows council from 1993 to January 2008, until resigning to recuperate from injuries sustained in a car accident.
David Murray has decided to throw his hat into the mix for a council seat for the first time in Pitt Meadows.
Among many ideas, including improved transit and promoting small business, Murray wants to promote sports and recreation by making solid commitments to enhance and expand sports facilities and programs.
He has served on the executive committees of Pitt Meadows Soccer and Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball.
Murray grew up in political circles. As a young boy, he saw his father worked on Tommy Douglas’ first campaign in Weyburn, Sask. in October 1935 and he was involved in the On to Ottawa Trek and the Regina Riot.
He and his wife Sharon have lived in Pitt Meadows since 1987. They have two children Ryan, 23, and Shannon-Lee, 21.
Korleen Carrarias has pulled her name out of the municipal election and said she is setting her sights on something else, for which she will soon let made known, she said.
Also vying for the mayor’s seat is Gary Paller, who announced his intentions to gain the top seat back in September.

© Copyright (c) Maple Ridge Times

Read more: http://www.mrtimes.com/news/story.html?id=5498273#ixzz1aIiVIXOW