Currently, Canadians pay more into CPP than the average monthly amount for an RRSP, which would later pay out a significant sum. There is no reason this should be the case. The government holds this money in a pension fund, where they could instead allow it to accrue value. The Poverty level has remained unchanged for a significant amount of time that I am aware of, not having heard of it changing in my lifetime. As I recall, it is currently $12000 CDN/year; where the average pension from CPP amounts to not musch more than $6000 CDN/year. Not only is it unrealistic, but it does nothing to reward the hard working Canadians who have spent their lives working and paying taxes, as well as paying into this fund. Instead, they can be expected to use up their savings, and spend the remainder of their days below poverty. I live in a complex where a number of pensioners reside, and some of the pensioners here I have spoken with are living on frozen vegetables and macaroni and cheese. This is unhealthy, lacks reasonable or even decent nutrition, and is common among seniors and pensioners. I work in an industry where I see a number of them fairly often, and in fact work alongside one who cannot afford to retire, and wouldn't know what to do with himself if he did. The pensionable age keeps increasing, and somewhat ironically, has increased beyond the average life expectancy; especially among individuals who work in industry, service jobs, or similar occupations, who tend to have lower than average life expectancies. These people pay the taxes this Country operates on. It may seem a Corporation lends a big sum in taxes, but they also get significant write offs, and much of the taxes they pay are collected from their consumers, and other taxation that eventually trickles down, (generally immediately), to the consumer, or impacts the employees wage caps. One way or another, it always falls on the shoulders of people who need and can claim pensions. Poverty is common in Canada, and it really starts to reflect on value and quality of life before you drop below $30000/year. At this level, you can expect not to pay for a home in your lifetime, and to continuously be paying into vehicles, credit cards, and other lending systems. This is part of the economic system we have, and directly attributed to how it functions. A part of the design. There are plenty of other things I would like to see addressed, but this would be a good start. Next up might be health and dental care, and making that more affordable and available, across Canada.

Work in Canada is precarious and extremely unstable, particularly for young people. The rise and prominence of employment agencies in the 21st century has played a major role in this precariousness and degradation of work, wages and benefits. Temp agencies profit from the labour of workers by being unnecessary middlemen. Temp agencies are far too prominent in the labour market and were not needed in the past, and are not needed now or in the future. Employers need to hire workers directly and allow employees the full benefits and wages for their labour.

Short Term Rentals (STR's) will bring down my property values, interfere with my right to a peaceful and quiet life that I paid a premium to acquire here. Had I wanted to live next door to a motel I would have chosen so, instead I chose to live in a residential area, not a commercial one. I do not want you to change my zoning nor approved usage of property within that residential zone.

Food is life. You are what you eat. People need vitamins and minerals that are increasingly hard to maintain through diet with over-farming and conventional farming practices. Not to mention the pesticides act as estrogen and are also making the current generation sterile. Why does "organic" labelling cost so much? I can understand minor price increases based on season and availability, but most of the cost is to cover the 3rd party "organic" labelling costs or just plain price-gouging. This 3rd party should be abolished and conventional farming practices should be converted to organic farming practices. Every person should be able to afford properly grown foods within their salary regardless of class or social rank. With increasing evidence supporting poor diet promotes depression, this would make the greater population happier and less dependant on toxic/deadly pharmaceuticals.

Life as they know it is over for many workers in Fort Murray. A few days ago they were working. Today, many have no home, no job, and none of their personal items. Workers in Fort McMurray come from Newfoundland, PEI, Nova Scotia. Some temporary foreign workers have come from as far as the Philippines. Not everyone worked in the oil sands. These are Tim Horton workers, gas station attendants, and caregivers. Right now many of them cannot get Employment Insurance because of stiff rules. The Federal Government needs to relax the EI rules so that workers can get the income they need to get back on their feet. Sign this petition to support ALL worker evacuees from Fort McMurray. Migrant workers have additional restrictions. They come to Canada on a closed work permit. Under immigration laws, they are only allowed to work for one employer, at one location, at one time. But their workplace has likely been destroyed by a fire. Many migrant workers paid agencies over $8,000 to come work in Canada. Many took loans for those fees and are under massive debt. They’ve been sending what little they can save from their minimum wage job to their families back home. Many migrant workers sick parents, or children or siblings that need them to keep sending money. Migrant workers are ready to look for work, to get back on their feet to support their families and continue to build Alberta’s economy. They just need the federal government to fix the rules that are stopping them from doing so. Sign this petition and please share it. This tragedy shows how broken rules are for migrant workers. The federal government is currently reviewing the temporary foreign workers program. Find out more and take action at http://migrantrights.ca/

Thousands of people need to come to Canada for safety from terror and dangerous regimes. The people of the Lower Mainland want to do everything they can to help our new neighbors. It is difficult for Refugees to find jobs, attend schools, and integrate into the community, not to mention the danger of social isolation. To combat these issues, forward thinking cities across Canada, such as Victoria [1], Fredericton [2], and Halifax [3] have made transit free for Refugees for a year once they arrive. Many other cities are considering similar programs. We, the undersigned, ask Translink to offer the same support. Reports from city councils and transit authorities report the cost of the passes is minimal compared to the how much they could help Refugees get established and included in society. When one talks to the community, neighbors, support workers, and refugees emphasizes how much their current lack of transportation is an obstacle to getting settled. It's time to help our new neighbors - please sign and share. [1]http://bctransit.com/victoria/news/article?nid=1403645555016 [2]http://www.capitalfm.ca/local-news/2016/01/11/city-council-agrees-to-offer-transit-passes-to-syrian-refugees [3]http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-refugees-to-get-temp-transit-passes-1.3340148

"Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.'' — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice "Taken to its logical extreme, the Laffer curve makes no sense because, if you lower your taxes to zero, how are you going to get higher revenues?" — The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, 20th Prime-Minister of Canada Taxation is essential to the functioning of a society—indeed, it is a strong indication that “civilization” actually exists. Consequently, the manner in which tax is levied and administered has always been a vitally important question for society as a whole and this is truer today than ever before. Governments are increasingly being held to account for their spending yet they are finding it difficult to maintain their tax base in the face of a dematerializing economy and increasingly mobile and sophisticated taxpayers. Domestic and international rules on the taxation of cross-border profits have not kept pace with the fundamental changes brought about by globalization and new business practices in a digital environment where intangible assets and mobile capital become ever more important. Public perceptions and expectations as well as political dynamics have also changed drastically in a very short timeframe. At the same time, there is an intensive debate in the public about where the line between what is acceptable tax planning and what counts as aggressive and no longer socially acceptable tax avoidance should be drawn. As a result there is now a commitment to international cooperation between governments to a degree never seen before in the area of taxation. The public debate on compliance and fairness in taxation has become rancorous in many countries, carrying the risk of reputational damage for tax payers (and the professionals advising them) even when they comply with the law. This is an extremely complex subject and I believe that it should not be left to taxation authorities, taxpayers, their professional advisors and the public to decide what constitutes aggressive and undesirable tax avoidance/planning. It requires the acceptance by all relevant parties (legislators, taxation authorities, taxpayers and the profession) of their duties with a concomitant change in attitude to determine what constitutes responsible tax planning. I believe that this change must start with the legislators as they are in control of the matter. It should not be beyond the ingenuity of mankind to construct an integrated and fair taxation system, clear in its intention, logical and easy to understand. If legislators do not wish their legislation to be misinterpreted or misused it must be drafted to clarify the intent and remove the opportunity for misinterpretation. They also need to ensure that tax law applies equally to all tax payers. Governments lose credibility with their citizens, with a consequent reduction in tax morale, if the perception is that some sectors of society are above the law or that certain taxes are “optional” if one has sufficient resources and good advisors. Moving on to taxation authorities, it is their duty to collect the tax intended by the legislation—no more, no less. If the amount of tax due is unclear from the law, then the law should be changed. Leaving it to be decided in court always creates uncertainty. If taxation authorities want all taxpayers to abide by the legislation then all taxpayers should be, and be seen to be, equally targeted by administrative measures. Crucially, taxation authorities must recognize that the vast majority of taxpayers and their advisors are honest and have a genuine desire to fulfil their obligations. However, taxation systems are complex, mistakes will occur and tax authorities should not automatically assume that every failure to comply is deliberate and fraudulent. Regarding taxpayers, their duty is to pay the amount of tax that is due according to the law—nothing more and nothing less. In order to do this they need to be able to correctly determine the amount of tax, which brings us back to the point regarding clear tax legislation. However, they also need to appreciate that tax evasion and fraud are not victimless crimes—if they are not paying their share they are robbing other taxpayers who have to take up the slack. Tax avoidance is more complex, especially the vexed question of “aggressive” tax planning or avoidance. While this is not illegal, there is an increasing groundswell of opinion that it can be inappropriate, especially when based around “artificial” arrangements that defeat the purpose of the legislation. Like it or not, more and more people across constituencies see a moral dimension in taxation. Taxpayers rarely enter into such arrangements without consulting one of the several professions competing in the field of tax advice. Qualified professional accountants are prime providers of tax advice and the only one to abide by a global Code of Ethics. It is often said by the accountancy profession that is in a difficult position—sandwiched between its duty to clients, who demand to pay the least tax possible (a duty confirmed by many Courts of Law), and taxation authorities expecting them to act as unpaid tax inspectors. Taxpayers have become increasingly litigious where they feel that their accountant has failed to provide them with appropriate advice, including advice on what could be perceived by others as aggressive tax avoidance schemes. [...] Source: Fairness in Taxation, International Federation of Accountants, Friedrich Roedler is Chair of the Fédération des Experts Comptables Européens (FEE) Tax Policy Group. https://www.ifac.org/global-knowledge-gateway/viewpoints/fairness-taxation

Taxes provide for important services, like Health, Education, Social Services, and providing an equal footing for First Nations communities as well as the enviroment. Please support this Petition.

CRA is the primary source of funding for the Canadian Government. The CRA is to act as an honest broker in gathering this funding. Our tax laws are enacted to provide that Canadians - individuals and corporations - are treated equitably and fairly in reference to their share of the costs of Government. Transferring this cost, by striking special reductions in special cases, imposes an unfair burden on those who don't receive special consideration. Making, or taking, a gift or gratuity in this regard, is abhorrent to the notion of fairness. The practice should be condemned and those doing it dismissed from the service.

News just broke that while KPMG was under investigation by the Canada Revenue Agency, their accountants were wining and dining CRA tax enforcers at a swanky Ottawa club that serves over-the-top delicacies like scallop ceviche and duck crostini. [1] This shocking news comes on the heels of reports that the CRA made a backroom deal to let super-rich KPMG clients involved in their tax dodging scheme off the scott free. [2] This scandal occurred under the leadership of Canada Revenue Agency Commissioner and CEO Andrew Treusch, a Harper-era appointee, and people are asking questions about how much he knew. But whether he was in on the scam, or just so out of touch that it could happen without his knowledge, one thing is clear: if Canada is going to crack down on tax dodging, we need new leadership at the CRA. [3] [1] CRA execs treated to soiree at private club amid KPMG probe (CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kpmg-canada-revenue-agency-receptions-conferences-1.3540285 [2] Canada Revenue offered amnesty to wealthy KPMG clients in offshore tax ‘sham’ (CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-revenue-kpmg-secret-amnesty-1.3479594 [3] KPMG introduced speech by CRA chief as firm faced offshore tax probe (CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kpmg-canada-revenue-agency-andrew-treusch-speech-1.3529023

Introduction: To get a quick fix on what the TPP is all about watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw7P0RGZQxQ Look under "Updates" below for articles and videos on the TPP Send your personal feedback to the Government of Canada at: [email protected]. ______________________________ I have been following politics in Canada for the past forty years and seen the loss of our sovereignty in various ways; the NAFTA, 9/11, Fortress North America. And of course, our very close proximity to the world’s singular super power drains away sovereignty and our ability to think for ourselves. One of the single greatest influences for our loss of sovereignty though is neoliberalism. We have not felt the full brute force of neoliberalism but many, many, other countries have; Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Italy… and the list goes on. Neoliberalism is the corporate dominated free market economy that has come to dominate globally over the last thirty years. Quite simply, it is where profits come before people, and where nation states and their sovereignty are erased in favor of corporate exploitation. The TPP is neoliberalism on steroids and a threat to every country so gullible as to ratify it. It is just one more "agreement" leading to the privatization of government. With the recent demise of the Harper regime I see a complacency set in that we are now back in “safe hands.” This is simply not so. Going back to the time of PE Trudeau, the Liberals like the Conservatives are Bay Street parties. Both parties are willing to sell out the public interest and the middle class. We have to decide if we are going to be governed by duly elected and responsible governments or global corporations and banks whose only loyalty is to their bottom line. Unless there is strong and very vocal public opposition to the TPP I believe it will be passed. This is not a decision that can be left to the vagaries of Parliament. The public interest must prevail. We must be the loudest voice to ensure this odious legislation is not ratified. This signing is going to take place in the next few months. I urge everybody to make it your top priority. It is up to us! Sincerely, Robert Billyard , Mission BC

Join the Call for a National Housing Strategy Canada is in the midst of a major housing crisis. Even the United Nations has called the state of housing and homelessness in Canada a ‘national emergency’ [1]. From students to retirees to middle and low-income families, millions of people suffer because they cannot afford suitable housing. As nurses, we witness the link between inadequate housing and ill health. We have seen poor housing and homelessness cause stress, malnourishment, impaired early childhood development, chronic illness and premature death. As nurses, we know that a housing crisis is a health crisis. Our governments have created this crisis In 1993, the federal government dismantled our national housing program. As a result, over 100,000 affordable housing units were not built during the last 20 years [1]. The provinces and municipalities, now saddled with responsibility for social housing, have never filled the gap. Since 1990, Canada’s population has increased by 30%, yet the annual national investment in housing has declined by over 46% [2]. The crisis has only worsened. Today the crisis is widespread Every year over 235,000 people in Canada experience an episode of homelessness. Homelessness though is the tip of the iceberg. Currently, one in five households struggles with the cost of housing and cannot afford both a home and necessities like groceries, medication, transportation and energy [2]. Meanwhile, the deficit in affordable housing has left hundreds of thousands of inadequately housed people stuck on provincial wait lists. Cost of housing is not the only issue. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians live in unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions. The daily reality for many people living in rental housing includes overcrowding, mold, infestations and faulty plumbing. The housing crisis many First Nations communities experience is exacerbated by the equally dire emergencies of unsafe drinking water and high food costs. We can and must do better. We can take action In 1998, municipalities and community groups across Canada declared homelessness a national disaster and asked the federal government to take action. Some homeless shelters and additional services were gained, but we still don't have a national housing strategy. We must continue to pressure our governments. Safe, affordable housing is a human right As nurses, we call for a national housing strategy. Will you join us? Please sign and share our national petition and Call for a National Housing Strategy. Sincerely, Cathy Crowe, RN, BAAN, MEd- Street Nurse and advocate on homelessness and housing. Co-founder of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee. Author of ‘Dying for a Home. Homeless Activists Speak Out’. Jessica Hales, MN, NP-PHC- Nurse who provides primary healthcare to people who are homeless or precariously housed. Advocate on homelessness and housing. Early Supporters: ORGANIZATIONS: COUNCIL OF CANADIANS, UNIFOR, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF NURSES UNIONS, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES, KAIROS CANADA, ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA, EDMONTON COALITION ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION, CUPE ONTARIO, ONTARIO COALITION AGAINST POVERTY, AIDS ACTION NOW, REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF WINNIPEG, RIGHT TO HOUSING WINNIPEG, ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS OTTAWA, CANADIAN UNITARIANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION- OTTAWA BRANCH, ADVOCACY CENTRE FOR TENANTS ONTARIO, NIAGARA POVERTY REDUCTION NETWORK, NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, REGISTERED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, BLACK LIVES MATTER- TORONTO INDIVIDUALS: DR. ALEX ABRAMOVICH, PROFESSOR DAVID ALPER, JOHN ANDRAS, MAUDE BARLOW, PROFESSOR AKUA BENJAMIN, PROFESSOR WESLEY CRICHLOW, DR. RITIKA GOEL, PROFESSOR DAVID HULCHANSKI, MICHELE LANDSBERG, TIM MCCASKELL, EMILY PARADIS, ALAN REDWAY, JUDY REBICK, DR. JOHN ROOK, SHELLEY SAYWELL, LINDA HASLAM-STROUD Footnotes 1.OHCHR. (2007, November, 1). United Nations expert on adequate housing calls for immediate attention to tackle national housing crisis in Canada. United Nations Human Rights. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=4822&LangID=E 2. Stephen Gaetz, Tanya Gulliver, & Tim Richter (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press. http://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/SOHC2014.pdf