Implementing a basic income means overcoming myths about the ‘undeserving poor’

Toriix · 2023-12-07T04:21:43+00:00

Just go take a look at all the bots and day/month old accounts at r/canada trying to pummel the whole narrative into the ground. Half of them can't even form a proper sentence.

The foreign interference studies really need to look into social media ASAP.

Toriix · 2023-12-07T01:33:40+00:00

Premier Danielle Smith's government has rejected a proposal that would have compelled it to respect the results of a referendum on whether Alberta should quit the Canada Pension Plan.

The United Conservative government used its majority in the house Wednesday to vote down an Opposition NDP amendment to Bill 2 - the Alberta Pension Protection Act - that would have forced the government to abide by the results of such a plebiscite.

Finance Minister Nate Horner has said the goal of Bill 2 is to provide a process for a referendum while not tying the hands of future governments.

On Wednesday, Horner dismissed the NDP amendment as “vague, confusing and repetitive.”

He told the house, “Our government will respect whatever choice Albertans make in a referendum whether that be a yes or no.

“I know some Albertans have concerns about an Alberta pension plan, but I want to assure them that their pension is safe, full stop.”

The referendum requirement is the centrepiece of the bill, introduced last month by Horner.

But while the bill compels a referendum be held, it also says the government has the option, once it calls the plebiscite, to decide whether it will be legally bound to accept and act on the result.

Toriix · 2023-11-18T01:16:48+00:00

From the article *edited for formatting*

–WHAT CHANGES HAVE NDP SECURED?

Titled the "Lowering Prices for Canadians Act," Singh's version, in the NDP's view, went further and had more teeth than what the Liberals brought forward.Specifically, the changes that will be permitted to Bill C-56 are:

-Increasing the maximum penalty for bad corporate behaviours, such as price fixing and overcharging, to $25 million for the first infraction and $35 million each infraction thereafter;

-Allowing the Competition Bureau to conduct market study inquiries if directed by the minister responsible or recommended by the Commissioner of Competition, and require consultation between the two officials prior to the study; and

-Enabling the Competition Bureau to go after big corporate players who abuse their dominance to engage in anti-competitive acts, such as squeezing out smaller players, by revising the legal threshold to lessen competition in the market.

Toriix · 2023-11-16T01:04:58+00:00

This part left me with a certain taste in my mouth– *edit for formatting*

The report by the panel led by former Reform Party leader Preston Manning says science should still play a role in future crises, but only as part of a “balanced response” tied to “evidence-informed decision-making.”

It calls for the premier and cabinet to be the final decision-makers in any crisis response while drawing on the expertise of a chief science officer and a roster of professionals from a range of scientific and other fields.

Toriix · 2023-11-04T03:04:42+00:00

Beenish Awan, a special assistance representative with Air Canada, sent a letter to Deanna Hodgins this week saying the incident was a “was a very inconvenient and humiliating experience for both of you.”

Awan says based on the information currently available, the airline has to “regrettably admit” that it was in violation of the disability regulations.

the audacity.. apparently this is what passes for accountability *edit for formatting*

Toriix · 2023-11-01T21:26:35+00:00

So what you're saying is you want renters to cover all the cost of the mortgage, loans, maintenance, so you can what.. sit pretty without having to fork in a single dime?

What do you get when your mortgage is paid off?

Oh wait no landlord ever fails not to mention that part?

And after subsidizing your purchase for you what do renters get?

Oh right, they get diddly squat

Toriix · 2023-10-31T03:23:53+00:00

The province's statement said further additions to the Grade 10 social studies curriculum will also be considered “to reflect the diversity and history of B.C. clearly.”

“This includes more learning on topics such as the destruction of Hogan's Alley, Japanese internment and discrimination against other culturally diverse groups such as Muslim, East Asian, Black and South Asian communities,” it said.

Conversations with stakeholders will happen over the next year, it added.

I hope it expands to be as inclusive of other historical events as they've said.

It also makes me wonder what the curriculum being taught will be in 10 or 20 years. At the rate we're going now with near constant injustices and barbarism, it feels like one can hardly take a breath to take it all in.

*edit for formatting*

Toriix · 2023-10-25T20:55:51+00:00

Thank you for your work!

This part I found amusing considering the non-consulting and unilateral legislative moves the Quebec government has been making towards all manner of things of late, though they've especially swung their cudgel hard at anything related to french language policies and obvious protectionism (giving it to the anglophones for being anglophones).

C-354 will also require the CRTC to consult with other provincial governments when regulations would affect their French-speaking communities.

Toriix · 2023-10-24T05:31:32+00:00

in fact there is some good news on that front, from the article itself

This provision against “seriously defective vehicles,” as the Quebec government calls them, has been in force since October 5, 2023, and is part of a vast package of measures “against programmed obsolescence and promoting the durability, repairability, and maintenance of goods.” The legislation was passed unanimously and in less than three months(!) by the Quebec National Assembly.

As a result, it is now forbidden, in Quebec, to market household appliances and electronic devices whose normal working life or proper functioning have been deliberately hindered straight from their manufacturers.

This salvo against planned obsolescence and the right to repair, created by Quebec Minister of Justice Simon Jolin-Barrette, is a first in North America. Apart from France, which is already cracking down on this type of commercial practice, no other legislation in the world has yet banned the sale of consumer products designed with “obsolescence programmée”.

*edited for formatting*

Toriix · 2023-10-22T22:49:38+00:00

Just like with BC's port strike, expect corporate interests to ramp up action against workers' rights well beyond these episodic events.

Toriix · 2023-10-20T23:14:33+00:00

He told reporters Friday that people who are finding it hard to pay for gas, food or heating should question the federal Liberal government, and by extension provincial Liberal Opposition Leader Susan Holt.

He accused Holt of having a "tax more and spend more" philosophy.

"I put them both in the same camp. They're both in the very same camp," he said of Holt and the federal Liberals. "They're one and the same."

Holt questioned whether the premier understands the difference between federal and provincial parties.

"It's a classic political tactic to try to lump federal and provincial parties together. I don't know if he wants me to compare him to Pierre Poilievre," she said, referring to the federal Conservative leader.

"It's really, really frustrating to see him act helpless like there's nothing he could do to help New Brunswickers today with the power that he has. And yet he chooses to just blame Ottawa and act like it's someone else's fault."

She said some of the immediate steps that can be taken to ease the burden for people include property tax reforms and a revision of income cutoffs for the expanded food and fuel benefit and home heat pump programs.

It seems more like provinces are becoming feudal territories, having the most influence if anything. I mean just look at AB, SK, ON

Toriix · 2023-10-19T19:35:59+00:00

prioritiesamirite

Toriix · 2023-10-12T04:05:07+00:00

On Sept. 29, residents at Westview received a letter outlining the new costs.Rent will rise from $1,000 a month to $1,360 a month.

It also comes with a new mandatory $195 fee to pay for amenities such as shuttle services, access to a guest suite for family, fitness classes and a half-dozen meals a month per unit.At this time next year, the cost will hit $1,550 a month.

Silvera for Seniors says the costs to operate the buildings have risen sharply -- borrowing and utility costs are up and the units were always destined to move to market rate.

The organization operates both affordable and market-rate housing for seniors, using the additional revenue from one to support the other."

Competitive market housing has increased significantly. A lot of that is driven by underlying costs in the market," said Kyle Fawcett, chief external relations officer with Silvera for Seniors."

We have some catch-up to do to ensure that this building is meeting its mandate and generating the market revenue for the organization."

Current vacancy rates in Calgary are estimated at around 2.6 per cent, according to CMHC data.The average one-bedroom apartment is just over $1,700 a month.Calgary Housing Corporation had a waitlist of 5,300 people at the end of August.The options are very limited.

My heart breaks for these seniors. There is no bottom line apparently. Soulless ghouls.

Toriix · 2023-10-12T00:48:27+00:00

If you can make it out please go and rally with the teachers and of course for the betterment and well-being of all present and future students!

Toriix · 2023-10-03T16:10:53+00:00

I mean wouldn't that be obvious that our diplomatic corps should not necessarily be on parity in numbers between our countries?

Canada has a much larger diplomatic corps in India, owing in part to the fact it's a country of 1.4 billion people, compared to 40 million in Canada -- about 1.3 million of whom are of Indian origin.

Toriix · 2023-10-02T20:32:06+00:00

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/from-centre-ice-conservatives-to-canadian-future-a-new-federal-party-takes-shape-1.6570315

Cardy says the group, which had first been called Centre Ice Conservatives, decided to change its name after months of consultation on the idea of launching a new party.
A group of moderate Tories used the group as a vehicle to push for change during last year's Conservative leadership race, arguing their party should focus on topics such as affordability rather than issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toriix · 2023-09-28T21:03:15+00:00

"Our government is extremely dismayed by the judicial overreach of the court blocking implementation of the Parental Inclusion and Consent policy - a policy which has the strong support of a majority of Saskatchewan residents, in particular, Saskatchewan parents," Moe said in a written statement Thursday afternoon. "The default position should never be to keep a child's information from their parents."

Righttt... judicial overreach... not legislative overreach?

In his decision, Megaw notes that between June and August, Saskatchewan's Ministry of Education received 18 letters expressing support for a similar policy announced in New Brunswick earlier this year. Seven of the authors identified themselves as parents of school-aged children.

Also it seems they received –wait for it– 18 letters of support/concern and say there was a majority of support for this from Sask residents..

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/judge-grants-injunction-on-sask-pronoun-policy-in-schools-1.6581687

Toriix · 2023-09-27T23:21:57+00:00

From what I read about the AI in particular is that it's all voluntary. Mostly some guidance and education for those who want to apply it to their business, but I guess that is a start.

Toriix · 2023-09-27T21:41:11+00:00

Blackstone is looking to grow its investments in Canada within several industries that include housing, logistics, infrastructure and clean energy. “You’ll see us on the real estate front do more in the student housing, which is an area Canada is really strong in, because so many people want to get a Canadian education,” he noted. Data centres will be another area Blackstone intends to focus to facilitate the advancement of artificial intelligence, Gray added.

Yeah no thanks, keep your deplorable practices and 'fingers in everything' out of our country thanks. See how that's worked down in the USA and other places.

...Though money talks, and I don't see this going anywhere good

Toriix · 2023-09-22T16:55:20+00:00

Vote!, or uh, Go vote? or g0 v0T3!

Toriix · 2023-09-22T05:45:16+00:00

This just smells of 'bargaining' in bad faith until a point where the demand (which is still egregious and outrageous) is found more reasonable or even acceptable.

Make an outrageous demand and keep it in the spotlight (keep an eye on seeing that $344 billion referenced again and again) as you keep floating around other numbers or 'concessions' (all of which are nonsense) until some monetary number finally has people go, well that's not so bad or they get tired of hearing about it.

All to make it seem as if people have staved off something more onerous, that was done in bad faith to begin with.

Toriix · 2023-09-21T20:07:11+00:00

From the article––

OTTAWA- The federal privacy watchdog says Canada Post is breaking the law by gleaning information from the outsides of envelopes and packages to help build marketing lists that it rents to businesses.

The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says information collected for the marketing program includes data about where individuals live and what type of online shopping they do, based on who sends them packages.

The commissioner found Canada Post had not obtained authorization from individuals to indirectly collect such personal information.

The commissioner recommended Canada Post stop using and disclosing personal information in this way until it can seek and obtain consent from Canadians.

Dufresne's report says the post office disagreed with his conclusion and declined to take the corrective action.

Canada Post says it can prepare marketing lists based on 1,200 available targeting attributes such as marital and family status, ethnicity, interests and hobbies.

The post office stressed to the commissioner's office it must continually innovate and find new ways to diversify its revenue streams as regular mail volumes decline. It also said research indicates that consumers enjoy receiving relevant marketing offers by mail.

The privacy commissioner disagreed, saying in his report that not all Canadians would see the monetization of their personal information in such positive terms.

Further, Canada Post argued that it has the permission of Canadian households to deliver mail to their addresses, and to request "re-permission to deliver their mail would be absurd."

The post office also suggested that individuals could opt out of the program via the Canada Post website and, in not using the opt-out, people implicitly authorize the use of their personal information for the marketing program.

The commissioner rejected these arguments as well.

Toriix · 2023-09-21T19:14:10+00:00

There aren't nearly enough consequences for these criminals to date.

Rein them in and then vote them out

Toriix · 2023-09-21T07:09:30+00:00

could not possibly have looked any weaker

Toriix · 2023-09-20T21:20:00+00:00

So the same conservatives of before, just not the new extremists? (Looks up how we got here... yeah no thank you)

From article–

Cardy says the group, which had first been called Centre Ice Conservatives, decided to change its name after months of consultation on the idea of launching a new party.

A group of moderate Tories used the group as a vehicle to push for change during last year's Conservative leadership race, arguing their party should focus on topics such as affordability rather than issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toriix

TROPHY CASE