A report by the National Council of Welfare reveals that tough welfare rules are forcing families and individuals into utter destitution. Rules that require people to sell their homes and spend all of their savings before receiving assistance have created a poverty trap. Read more in the Toronto Star.
Month: December 2010
Electoral Map to Favour Rural Communities
Parliament is in the process of drawing up a new electoral map, but a bill that would have awarded more seats to Ontario, Alberta and BC is being shelved. The original decision to give these provinces more seats was based on recent census numbers that showed large population increases in urban and suburban areas. Pressure from Quebec and the Atlantic provinces seems to be behind the decision to shelve the bill. Read the article in the Globe and Mail.
Will Offering Choice Save Our Schools?
Vancouver Sun journalist Peter McMartin suggests that following the Edmonton model of diversifying schools and offering more choice may help save Vancouver’s public schools. Read the article in the Vancouver Sun.
Surrey and New Westminster Propose Child Friendly Initiatives
Two BC municipalities are leading the way when it comes to children and families. Both New Westminster and the City of Surrey are developing strategies to promote the well-being of children in their communities.
To read about Surrey’s initiatives, click here.
To read about New Westminster’s Children’s Charter click here.
Surrey Mayor Voted World’s Fourth Best Mayor
Mayor, Dianne Watts of Surrey BC, has just won fourth place in the World Mayor Project. The project honours mayors from across the globe who’ve made their cities better places to live.