Economy
Canada EU Economic and Trade Agreement will Jeopardize Municipal Water Services and Local Procurement Policies
Canadian Trade Lawyer Steve Shrybman presented a number of worrying scenarios at a dialogue session hosted by the Centre For Civic Governance last Friday at the FCM. He pointed out that the "The European Union has made a pointed request that drinking water services be included in the trade agreement, opening the door for big multinational firms to “stake” a claim in municipal water systems." This would open the doors for the privatization and foreign control over water. The agreement also threatens the ability of municipalities to buy locally, and companies could no longer be favoured in the bidding process by their investment in the local community. So far, many municipalities seem to be unaware of the consequences of this binding agreement. Click here to read Shrybman's report. Read more in the Toronto Star.
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.
A Reason to Celebrate: The Lowest Paid in Ontario Just Got a Raise
Raise a glass today in honour of the hard-working souls who flip burgers, serve double-doubles and clean hotel rooms. In Ontario, they just got a decent raise: the minimum wage goes up 75 cents, to $10.25 an hour. That makes Ontario's minimum the highest in Canada - and today marks the first time the bottom rung of our labour market passes that $10 threshold.The new benchmark represents the completion of a promise made by the McGuinty government in 2007. Since then, minimum wage workers in Ontario have pocketed 28 per cent in wage increases.
Former Accenture Execs Score Big in BC Hydro Clean Power Call
Finavera's latest financial report, for the nine months ended on Sept. 30, 2009, shows the company's accumulated deficit climbing past $41 million. Furthermore, it looked to be burning through cash at the rate of nearly $120,000 each month, and had cash reserves of just $334,075.
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.
