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/

It is important for mother`s family to get closure. It is important for the public to know this sort of thing is happening. This week the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.ran this story: ``Medical errors are underestimated and could be the third leading cause of death in the U.S., say doctors calling for more transparency internationally. Death certificates in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. rely on a mortality coding system — the International Classification of Disease code, or ICD — that doesn't capture fatal consequences due to failures in health care. The ICD is used in medical record-keeping in 117 countries, including Canada. Estimates of how often people die not from a disease but from the care they received is based on limited and outdated methods,`` A medical error is one thing. Inducing untimely death to cover for that error is another. The truth must come out. This petition is Segundina`s voice.

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

sdf

"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

WHEREAS In the last 12 months there have been three notable crashes on Seymour street between Dunsmuir and Pender (Cambie Hostel, mangled bike racks, window of A&W); WHEREAS The intersections at Dunsmuir and Pender streets are areas of high pedestrian traffic, with pedestrians occupying all corners throughout the day; WHEREAS Dunsmuir St is an arterial bicycle route that forms part of the AAA (all ages and abilities) bicycle network in downtown Vancouver and a public bike system is planned for Summer 2016; WHEREAS It is common to see drivers of motor vehicles attempting to enter the Dunsmuir separated bike lane when turning from Seymour St; WHEREAS There were 9 pedestrian fatalities in Vancouver in 2015; WHEREAS Traffic crashes are fixable problems, caused by dangerous streets and unsafe drivers; they are not accidents; THEREFORE, we the undersigned petition the City of Vancouver as follows: That the City of Vancouver conduct an assessment of current traffic patterns and possible traffic calming measures for Seymour street downtown in order to avoid pedestrian injuries or fatalities in the area.

Processing centres to screen Syrian refugee families are closed. This decision severely curtails options for many families who are desperately looking to resettle to Canada from the huge refugee camps in Jordon Lebanon and Turkey. Many communities are ready to receive these families. They have been through the application process with Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH). They have raised the funds needed. They are waiting to welcome these families with young children who in in great need.

The 2016 federal budget - the Trudeau government's first - is the perfect opportunity for the government to show that they're living up to a campaign promise to end massive subsidies for polluting oil, gas and coal companies. Canada's federal government hands out over $1.6 billion every year to fossil fuel producers. On top of this, Export Development Canada - wholly owned by the government - provides as much as $6 billion per year for dirty energy producers to continue fueling the climate crisis at home and abroad. Canada first promised to put an end to these wasteful and polluting subsidies in 2009 along with the rest of the G20. And yet, little meaningful action has followed. Even under the new Trudeau government, Export Development Canada just offered a $750 million bailout to fossil fuel companies. This is bad climate policy and bad economic policy. The last thing the country needs right now is to lock itself further into the volatile oil market that is wreaking havoc on livelihoods across the country. Bailing out oil producers is not the solution - the real answer is breaking our dependency on this boom and bust sector that is taking the climate down with it. It is high time for Canada to instead get serious about building the prosperous clean energy economy that must power this century. Now is the Trudeau government's chance to lead. China and the US are already moving, promising to establish a deadline for a fossil fuel subsidy phase-out, and Canada could show its true climate colours by leading by example with an ambitious 2020 deadline to end these reckless handouts. 2016 is set to be a promising year for Canadian climate action, but we can’t let it be undermined by continuing to use taxpayer dollars to fund the very problem we are trying to tackle. Let’s start the clock by signaling an ambitious phase out of polluter handouts by 2020 in your upcoming budget.

Saudi Arabia has one of the worst human rights record in the world, and is currently leading a nine-country coalition committing horrific violations against civilians in Yemen’s bloody civil war. The UN has accused Saudi Arabia of crimes against humanity for “widespread and systematic” attacks on civilians, including the relentless bombing of residential neighbourhoods, and treating entire cities as military targets.[2] Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed, and millions more injured or displaced in what rights groups are calling a severe humanitarian crisis causing immense human suffering. [3] Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper brokered this $15 billion arms deal to Saudi Arabia, despite widespread calls from civil society to drop it. Already it’s been found that Canadian-made combat vehicles have been used by Saudi Arabia to mobilize troops at its border with Yemen.[4] Like 48% of Canadians, the new Liberal government has stated it does not approve of the $15-billion arms sale to the Saudi government. But the Liberals have also said that they won’t do anything to stop it -- even though it is completely within its power to do so. [5] Canada should be taking a leadership role in the international arena, especially when it comes to respect for human rights and the protection of civilians in war. The Liberals have committed to “a new era” of Canadian foreign policy, but this arms deal falls in direct conflict with that goal. Last week, European lawmakers passed a resolution "to launch an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo against Saudi Arabia" over its alleged war crimes in Yemen. We need Trudeau to do the same here in Canada. [6][7] Sources [1] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/former-liberal-minister-calls-for-ottawa-to-revisit-saudi-arms-deal/article28944925/ [2] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/un-report-increases-pressure-on-ottawa-to-halt-saudi-arms-deal/article28425329/ & https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/09/yemen-the-forgotten-war/ [3] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/former-liberal-minister-calls-for-ottawa-to-revisit-saudi-arms-deal/article28944925/ [4] http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canada-has-the-ability-to-cancel-saudi-arms-deal-but-wont-despite-human-rights-consequences [5] http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-saudi-arms-deal-1.3469205 & http://www.cp24.com/news/trudeau-promises-new-era-for-canada-s-top-diplomats-1.2643723 [6] http://thetyee.ca/News/2016/02/25/Saudi-Arms-Sales-Questioned-After-EU-Ban/