Centre for Civic Governance

Suburbs Still Booming

According to a recent Statistics Canada report people continue to move to the suburbs in large numbers. The largest migration was seen amongst new parents, those in the 25-44 age bracket and those with incomes between $70,000 and $90,000. Read article in the Vancouver Sun.

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.

Ontario's child care system faces 'catastrophic collapse'

The loss of $63.5 million in federal child care cash next month and the fall launch of all-day kindergarten for 4- and 5-year olds is creating the "perfect storm" in Ontario's child care system, advocates warn.

If Queen's Park doesn't pick up the loss in Thursday's budget, at least 7,600 child care subsidies will disappear, fees will rise and parents may not be able to work, they say.

"We are facing a catastrophic collapse of the child care system in this province," said Andrea Calver of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care.

Women in the Canadian Economy

Last weekend, I spoke at a community event celebrating International Women's Day in Vancouver. It got me thinking about the status of women in the Canadian economy, reflecting both on the successes over the last half century and on the areas where work is still needed to achieve gender equality.

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.

Daycare Serving BC's Poorest Forced to Dump Kids

Funding cuts ignore research on early childhood investment, say advocates.

"The upheavals at this one small daycare centre run counter to what expert researchers are prescribing as a way to counter social ills such as unemployment, crime and addiction. Investing in early childhood development saves money down the line, according to studies done in the U.S. and here in B.C."

Population Health: the New Agenda

What determines your health? Genetics? Doctors? Drugs? But what about the neighborhood you live in? Your job? The amount of money you earn? These are called the social determinants of health, and they can expose more than you think.

View video here

"Our Best Future" Report Gives Strategy To Introduce Full-Day Learning in Ontario

Studies show that full-day learning can improve reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to Grade 1 and help increase high school graduation rates.
When fully implemented, full-day learning provide more access to child care spaces for children under four.

Economics of Poverty Workshop: A Half-Day Primer on the Economics and Statistics of Poverty

Krishna Pendakur, SFU Professor of Economics, is offering an exciting half-day, free workshop on the economics and statistics of poverty:

 

Link to online description here

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) Report 'Fast Facts on Childcare'

East Beats West: Nonprofit Childcare Superior to Commercial Sector  The Frontier Centre has recently rhapsodized about the merits of Alberta's predominately commercial childcare system, contrasting it harshly against Manitoba's and Saskatchewan's virtually not-for-profit systems. The primary cause for Alberta's superiority, they allege, is that its large commercial sector is fully eligible for government funding.

Transition Town Guelph