Poverty Claims Show Welfare System Failure
– September 25, 2012
All kids are poor. Children typically don't own much beyond a few toys. That's true in poor families. And it's true of rich families. Children must rely totally on parents and caregivers. On their own, they're destitute. And yet we have a report boldly titled Child Poverty. That tugs at the heartstrings and makes great newspaper copy but it's wrong. The report should properly be titled family or household poverty.
It’s a Bad Idea to Hit Anyone with Tax Jump
– June 20, 2012
Ontario’s popular new measure to tax the rich will, unsurprisingly to those who understand how economic incentives work, very likely create more economic costs than benefits, according to a new analysis from the C.D. Howe Institute.
Vehicles Improve Earning Potential
– October 28, 2009
"There is always this assumption that people on welfare and low-income earners can just use the bus and that is the most appropriate form of transportation for them,'' said Taylor, adding riding the bus is not necessarily the best alternative to owning a car.
Canada's Returning To Her Real Roots
– September 22, 2009
From time to time I like to imagine that I deeply understand our country. And then I encounter a book like Brian Lee Crowley's Fearful Symmetry, and come face to face with the great gaping holes in my education.
EI Lessons From South Of The Border
– June 15, 2009
“The Long-Term Effects of Generous Income Support Program: Unemployment Insurance in New Brunswick and Maine, 1940-1991,” found only 5.7% of male workers and 3.3% of female workers in Maine collected benefits in 1990. Cross the northern border into Canada and 29.5% of male workers and 29.7% of female workers were on the dole. The authors estimated more liberal benefits in N.B. accounted for two thirds of this difference. They also found that since 1982, the joblessness rate in N.B. has consistently been above 12% whereas the out-of-work rate in Maine has routinely been below 8%.
Leaders Go Left, But Economists Get Back To Basics
– March 4, 2009
The conventional view at Davos is that a previous consensus in favor of free enterprise has taken a huge beating from the Great Crash of 2008-2009. What is much less known is that many economists are not willing to play along. Instead, the crisis seems to have scared many economists of all kinds--including some previously heterodox--to reassert the orthodox recommendations of Econ 101.
Thinking Before Spending Is Not "Ideology"
– March 3, 2009
"Insofar as ideology goes, I agree: it has no place in public policy. And here's an extra useful condition: ideology should be ignored not only in bad economic times but also when government coffers overflow. I'm all for doing what is sensible."
Worthwhile Canadian Initiative
– February 12, 2009
Canada has done more than survive this financial crisis. The country is positively thriving in it. Canadian banks are well capitalized and poised to take advantage of opportunities that American and European banks cannot seize.
Is Government Spending Too Easy an Answer?
– February 9, 2009
WHEN the Obama administration finally unveils its proposal to get the economy on the road to recovery, the centerpiece is likely to be a huge increase in government spending. But there are ample reasons to doubt whether this is what the economy needs.
Let My Free Market Go: Alternate Recession Strategy
– February 4, 2009
In these free-spending times there's a growing movement among economists who say the best way out of this recession is to do nothing, nothing at all.
A Dwindling Herd
– January 20, 2009
For decades, the Moose and other fraternal organizations have provided a social safety net for those not covered by government programs, assisting sick children, the disabled, the disadvantaged and the abused. With the economy unsettled and governments facing deficits, the role they play is crucial, says Lindsay Blackett, Alberta’s Minister of Culture and Community Spirit.
Governments Already “Stimulate” Business
– December 14, 2008
Governments have spent $182 billion on corporate welfare over 12 years. That’s “stimulus” enough.
Advice For Ontario: Play hardball
– November 3, 2008
The move would be provocative. It would be parochial. It could spark a serious federal-provincial clash. But maybe Premier Dalton McGuinty needs to cause a little trouble in Ottawa, says economist Hugh Mackenzie. Asking for a fair deal for Ontario hasn't done much good. So here is Mackenzie's idea: McGuinty should serve notice to the Prime Minister that Ontario intends to opt out of the Employment Insurance system and set up its own program.
Corporate Canada’s Ladies of the Night
– October 7, 2008
Emergency bailouts are akin to firemen breaking into a house to save its inhabitants, douse the flames and prevent its collapse; they don’t justify similar subsidies to everyone.
Gaddafi 'to hand out oil money'
– September 3, 2008
"The money that we put in the education budget, I say let the Libyans take it," Col Gaddafi said in a 100-minute televised speech to the General People's Congress, Libya's equivalent of a parliament. "Put it in your pockets and teach your kids as you wish, you take responsibility."
Welfare Reform
– August 19, 2008
Firstly, the government has an absolutely crucial role to play in helping those who can’t provide for themselves. However, we have to be smart about how we help them. We have learnt that just giving money without any expectations creates a cycle of dependency that leaves many families mired in poverty and abuse, unable to take control of their lives.
Social Assistance That Really Helps
– July 25, 2007
The latest changes to social assistance in Manitoba emphasize work as the key to moving from welfare to independence. But does this plan recognize the real obstacles faced by the poor and those who advocate for them?
Making Welfare Work
– June 2, 2007
Lasting and meaningful welfare reform will come about only when we reduce incentives to stay on welfare, pare back the chunk taken out of every paycheque in various taxes, and use public funds effectively.
Harry Lehotsky, Inner-City Preacher, Activist and Change Agent
– July 13, 2006
Many social agencies are "poverty pimps," living high off the hog while their clients remain trapped in dysfunctional neighbourhoods? A front-line perspective from a Winnipeg icon.
Daycare Straitjacket
– February 12, 2005
Latest federal childrens plan puts parents in a daycare straitjacket. When it comes to looking after their children, they need the government to help give them more, not less, choice |
