On June 23, 2016, the people of the United Kingdom will vote in a referendum on whether their country should remain a member of the European Union (EU). The outcome of this referendum will be of enormous importance to Britain. Scotland has suggested that a vote to leave the EU[Read More…]
Search Results for author "Justin Hatherly"
Evaluating inequality and poverty through Oxfam’s lens
Oxfam, a non-profit organization that seeks to combat global poverty, recently released a report decrying the growth in global wealth inequality. In the report, Oxfam claimed that the 62 wealthiest people in the world own more wealth than the rest of the global population combined. While the conclusions of Oxfam’s[Read More…]
In defence of Ebenezer Scrooge
As the holiday season becomes more distant, reflecting on the value of a particular Christmas trope is no less valuable. If Christmas is the season of selflessness, then surely one of the great symbols of Christmas is Ebenezer Scrooge. Contrary to common belief, however, he should be known for his[Read More…]
Commentary: Improving access to organ transplants
Every year, thousands of Canadians endure immense suffering waiting for organ transplants. Despite encouragement from the government and civil society groups, the number of organs donated is inadequate to meet the need. For example, in 2013, over 4,500 Canadians were waiting for a kidney, which is the most commonly transplanted[Read More…]
Commentary: Reconsidering the legacy of Brian Mulroney
When he left office in 1993, Brian Mulroney had the lowest approval ratings of any Prime Minister since the Second World War. Even today, over 20 years after he stepped down, Mulroney is still regarded negatively by a large majority of Canadians. However, the hostility towards Mulroney is largely unjustified. Far[Read More…]
Commentary: Employment insurance ineffective in Canada
Over the past few decades, Canadians have taken steps—from the Canada Pension Plan to universal health care—to make Canada a more caring and equitable society. However, despite politicians’ best intentions, these societal efforts can sometimes produce unintended negative consequences. Nowhere is this more evident than with the current design of[Read More…]
Towards a new system of social security
The Canadian government has a wide array of programs in place to alleviate poverty. At the federal level alone, the government spends 10 per cent of GDP on a multitude of cash transfer programs. Despite this, around nine per cent of Canadians still live in poverty. The solution could be[Read More…]
Commentary: A progressive paradox
Across North America, left-wing politicians are proposing a raft of new spending programs. In Canada, both Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair have plans for universal, government-funded childcare, and in the United States, President Obama wants to introduce tuition-free community college. There are good arguments both for and against these programs,[Read More…]
Commentary: The exaggerated plight of Canada’s middle class
There is an old saying that goes, “God must love the poor: He made so many of them.” Unfortunately for the poor, in Canadian political discourse, the ‘middle class’ captures all the attention of politicians. From Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair on the centre-left, to Stephen Harper on the centre-right,[Read More…]
Commentary: The American health care distraction
In the debate over health care reform in Canada, defenders of the status quo often resort to the tired claim that a greater role for competition, private financing, or private provision of health care services in Canada would mean the ‘Americanization’ of health care. Indeed, the claim is often made[Read More…]
