Economy
Vancouver Becomes Canada's First Fair Trade City
Vancouver has signed on to be Canada's first Fair Trade City. With an ethical purchasing policy already in use, this move further establishes the city's commitment to buying products that were made with fair and sustainable labour practices. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.
To view Vancouver's Fair Trade resolution, click here.
Living Wage Calculation Now at $18.17 Hour
Read article in today's Vancouver Sun that explains why the living wage calculation has gone up from $16.74 in 2008, to today's living wage, $18.17 in 2010.
Three BC Municipalities Reject the Terms of the Canada EU Trade Agreement
The Canadian and European "Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement" (C.E.T.A.) is being carefully scrutinized by three BC Municiplaities. The cities of Burnaby, North Vancouver and Trail are asking the province and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for a detailed analysis on the impact of the agreement on local purchasing policies and control over resources. A leaked document has shown that the agreement would eliminate local procurement policies of municipal and provincial governments and open Canada's drinking water systems to private water corporations.
If your city is interested in drafting a resolution on the trade agreement, please see the language adopted here http://www.canadians.org/tradeblog/?p=799.
New Westminster, First City in Canada to Adopt a Living Wage Policy
The City of New Westminster has become the first municipality in Canada to adopt a living wage policy. The living wage calculation is based on the income that two working parents would need, to support a family of four, with adequate food, shelter and the funds to participate in their community. While still a modest wage, the living wage would allow families to rise above the poverty line. In Metro Vancouver a living wage is calculated at $16.74/hourThe New Westminster City council motion was as follows:
"That the City establish a Living Wage Policy that is tied to an hourly rate
established each year by the Living Wage for Families Campaign; and,
That the Living Wage policy will apply to both full time and part time
employees; and,
That there be no threshold in terms of dollar value of a contract or number
of employees; and,
That the policy apply to persons that perform physical work on City premises
and properties; and,
That staff bring back information to Council regarding implications of the
Living Wage on contracted services."
To view New Westminster City Councillor Jamie McEvoy's presentation on the living wage click here.
Dawson Creek Joins Forces with Shell Canada to Recycle Sewage
Currently the oil and gas sector surrounding Dawson Creek diverts 20% of the town's drinking water for its own industrial uses. This fact will soon change, however. Shell Oil has agreed to invest $10 million in a sewage treatment plant and will use the treated sewage for its industrial activity, sparing the town's drinking water. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Tofino to Fast-Food Chains: Keep Out
The District of Tofino is drafting bylaws that would throw up a nearly insurmountable series of roadblocks to discourage franchised fast-food chains hoping to do business in Canada's surfer playground.The district is considering restrictions on everything from the size and illumination of signage and cookie-cutter decor to takeout packaging, carbon footprint and use of non-local ingredients, according to chief administrative officer Bob Long.
Campell's Cuts Hit BC's Most Vulnerable
The latest budget rolled out by the Campbell government includes cuts that will have serious impact on those with disabilities and those on welfare. On the chopping block are bottled water supplements for the immune compromised, a $75 shelter allowance for individuals who are homeless, dental coverage and birth control for those with disabilities. Read more here.
Women in the Canadian Economy
As a young woman in Canada, I have not felt discriminated against. Throughout my university career, my gender didn't seem to matter and professors encouraged me to pursue a PhD and the life of an academic as much as any of my male fellow students.
Buy American’ trade deal threatens municipal procurement in Canada
The “Buy American” exemption deal negotiated by Canada and the USA last week may be a serious threat to local government control over procurement policy.
Until now, municipal procurement in Canada has been exempt from international trade agreements. But the deal announced February 5th extends the Government Procurement Agreement of the WTO to cover Canadian municipalities. These WTO rules stop municipalities from implementing “buy local” or “made in Canada” preferences for purchases of goods and services.
First Prorogue, then Eviscerate
Harper's agenda has a simple goal: destroy the Canadian social safety net.
