An article in Vanity Fair exposes the limitless greed of America’s 1% and how it has unraveled a nation. The USA’s distribution of wealth now closely mirrors that of Russia and Iran. The problem of inequality while still greater in the US affects Canadians too. Here the wealth gap is growing faster than in the US. Read more in Vanity Fiar
Month: February 2012
Melbourne’s vibrant graffiti scene attracting top artists and tourists
Despite having strict anti-graffiti laws, including a $26,000 fine and sentences up to two years, Melbourne’s alley are continually renewed with graffiti art. Artists from around the world flock to Melbourne to display their talent and the crowds follow. The city’s cleaning crews make sure the art is transient, fleeting and always fresh. Read more in the BBC.
BC childcare advocates present at United Nations
Hoping to call international attention to the child poverty in Canada, the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC joined other Canadian advocacy groups and made presentations to the UN working group on Convention in the Rights of the Child. The organization is focusing much of their work on child poverty and the lack of childcare funding. The organization has recommended increasing the minimum wage and income assistance rates as well as creating more quality childcare spaces. The provincial government has stated it will not raise income assistance rates despite clear evidence and data submitted by UBC’s Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) that income is a prominent factor in determining vulnerability for children.
Read more in the Tyee.
Survey reveals scope of wage theft in Ontario
The Workers Action Centre based in Ontario has released a survey describing wage theft in Ontario.
The Workers’ Action Centre survey of low-wage workers found:
• 20% earned less than minimum wage
• 39% failed to receive earned overtime pay
• 36% were fired or laid off without termination pay or notice
• 34% struggled to get vacation pay
• 33% were owed wages and of those only 23 per cent were ever paid
The organization wants employers to comply with the law and is pressuring the government for better enforcement.
Read more in the Toronto Star.
Download report Unpaid Wages, Unprotected Workers
Gateway pipeline will hurt Canada’s economy says report
A new report says the Northern Gateway pipeline would boost crude oil prices $2 to $3 per barrel annually over the next 30 years, causing significant damage to consumers, businesses and the Canadian economy.
The economic assessment of the $5.5-billion project by former Insurance Corporation of British Columbia CEO Robyn Allan says the price shock will have “a negative and prolonged impact on the Canadian economy by reducing output, employment labour income and government revenues.”
To download Robyn Allan’s study, click here