TORONTO--The first budget of the government elected to repair damage created by eight years of Harris/Eves cuts falls far short of what is needed to adequately respond to Ontario's public service crisis.
According to an analysis of the 2004 Ontario budget from the Ontario Alternative Budget Working Group, rather than rebuild Ontario's revenue system to support real public services renewal, the Liberals chose to impose a surtax on middle income earners in the form of an OHIP premium--the single most regressive change in the personal income tax system they could made.
Government finance
OTTAWA-The 2004 Federal Budget fails to address the flaws in Canada's equalization program, which needs to be reformed if it is to meet its constitutionally required objectives, according to a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. "Equalization: Financing Canadians' Commitment to Sharing and Social Solidarity," explains that the best way for the Martin government to build a firm foundation for the future is through the equalization program, which is set to be renewed April 1, 2004.
(Halifax) A report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) finds that the current and anticipated PEI deficits are manageable and well within the capacity of the province's finances. Assessing Prince Edward Island's Fiscal Situation examines the province's current finances and fiscal trends.
HALIFAX -- According to a publication released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS) debate about budget options is being limited by myths about Nova Scotia's fiscal problems. The publication 3 Nova Scotia Fiscal Myths contests the myths that:
OTTAWA--Can the three major national parties pay for what they say? That's the question posed by a new study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Can they pay for what they say? A pre-election comparison of the Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic platforms, by economists Ellen Russell and Sheila Block, assesses the ability of the parties to balance their budgets and deliver on their promises.
(Vancouver) The provincial government needs to prepare British Columbia for a world class performance in 2010, rather than ignoring pressing social and economic needs. That's the goal of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives' 2004 BC Solutions Budget, released today. It uses the Olympics deadline as the focus for a six-year public investment strategy that would go beyond the minimum requirements for hosting the games, and use the Olympics as a springboard to revitalize the provincial economy.