Inequality of wealth has increased drastically in the US over the last 40 years, with consequences that we currently see unfolding there. Take a look at the web page of Robert Reich, the former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration, https://robertreich.org/post/613497899639291904 Some of the observations in his new book, The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It apply to Canada as well as the United States. Fortunately, the NDP provides us with a political alternative not available to Americans. But we need to be aware of how the very rich affect Canadian society, too.
Federal
The Failures & Dangers of the Pre-Pandemic Economy: How Did We Get Here? Part I
Bill Sundhu begins his latest blog with an observation and an important question: “We Canadians live in one of the richest societies in the history of the world. … So, how is it that homelessness, hunger and food banks have proliferated and the scourge of child poverty remains in our midst?” The pandemic has shown the importance of government programs, both federally and provincially. Yet they have been systematically weakened over the past 40 years as money and resources have been re-directed to the very wealthy. Read more about how we got here on Bill’s May 4th blog, at https://billsundhu.ca/blog/
Human Rights and Emergency Powers. Reflections by Bill Sundhu.
Human Rights & Emergency Powers
COVID-19 has reached almost every country in the world. Politicians may be tempted to use extraordinary powers. It is necessary for governments to counter the spread of COVID-19, which is itself a human rights responsibility. Governments must protect rights to health and life.
Human rights were designed for hard and exceptional times and to protect the vulnerable and prevent abuses. They are hard fought rights that arose in the aftermath of the ashes of WWII and crimes that shocked the conscience of humanity.
In my country of Canada, already some politicians have been quick to urge invoking the Emergencies Act. Thus far, the Federal government to it’s credit has resisted the temptation, although the opposition parties had to forstall a hidden provision in a financial relief bill that would have given the Liberals unlimited discretion in spending authority to the end of 2021 and enormous unchecked political advantage – usurping a fundamental role of parliament.
To invoke emergency powers, international human rights law puts the onus on a state to demonstrate:
1. existence of compelling circumstances and state interest;
2. necessity, reasonableness, proportionality, and temporary use;
3. having exhausted less restrictive and alternative measures;
4. non-discrimination;
5. ensuring and protecting core minimum rights;
6. participation of individuals and affected groups in the decision-making process.
Limitations on rights must include being “determined by law” and “solely for the purpose of promoting the general welfare in a democratic society.”1
On March 16, 2020, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights urged all states to “avoid overreach of security measures in their response to the coronavirus outbreak and reminded them that emergency powers should not be used to quash dissent.” Authoritarian leaders such as Victor Orban of Hungary and Duterte of the Phillipines have used the pandemic as a cover to further erode human rights and democracy. Kashmir has been under severe lockdown for months preceding coronavirus and at risk of even more severe measures. Democracies die behind closed doors. History tells us that emergencies have been used as a pretext for power grabs by authoritarians.
Canada’s Quarantine Act and provincial emergency measures, which are less restrictive and intrusive on civil liberties appear to be working and with reasonableness. However, this is accompanied by risk and concerns of domestic violence and abuse for women and children. Marginalized persons, Indigenous persons, racialized persons and minorities are at greatest risk of law enforcement abuses or societal injustice. Media reports substantiate incidents of racial discrimination and targeting of persons of Chinese descent.
The politics of Emergencies can be manipulative and tempting. Canadians have memories of then Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau invoking the War Measures of Act in response to two high-profile kidnappings in Quebec in 1970 by FLQ separatist extremists. The measures were popular with the majority of the public. And, they were excessive, infringing on rights and misused by law enforcement and some politicians. NDP Leader Tommy Douglas opposed the use of Emergency powers and paid a price in loss of popular support. History and historians, however, proved Douglas’ principled stand to be right.
At times of crisis, democracies are in need of courageous leaders; our democracies are stronger and the obligations of human rights upheld. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1816, John Adams wrote, “Power must never be trusted without a check.” Public transparency, media coverage, and honest political debate ensure that any restriction on rights meets legal and human rights standards – for legitimate public health goals.
We have a duty to take care of each other, to protect human rights. Let’s keep the human in human rights, while curtailing the spread of COVID-19.
1. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Art. 4
COVID-19: Canada’s Emergency Benefit & Wage Subsidy – Gaps & Concerns.
COVID-19 is a public health and economic crisis. Governments are urgently responding to avoid an economic depression and social instability.
The government of Canada has announced a number of programs, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and to wage subsidies of up to 75% of employee wages. The two programs alone are in the tens of billions of dollars.
(Photo from the Atlantic magazine)
The CERB was announced last week and it is a direct benefit of $2000 per month to help with loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis and it is an improvement on the two EI related benefits announced earlier. However, CERB does nothing for many Canadians, such as students and graduates about to enter the job market, those unemployed for a longtime, anyone who earned less than $5000. This gap in support especially leaves out the homeless, marginalized and most vulnerable segments of our society. This omission is a moral and policy failure.
These are just some of the people who won’t qualify for the benefit.
If you’re self-employed and your income is significantly reduced, but you’ve managed to make a partial income, you appear to be ineligible. For example, if you normally make $2500, but now making $250, you likely do not qualify. You also won’t qualify if you voluntarily stopped working.
Canada has more than 500,000 post-secondary students graduating in the next couple of months, many of them would not have made $5000. They are entering the workforce for the first time and left without this income support – and, there are no jobs.
The Federal Wage Subsidy, like the CERB is well-intentioned, but not without significant concerns. It is one of the most expensive federal programs ever.
It is estimated that the subsidy of 75% for companies with a 30% revenue decline would cost $6.3 billion a week, and over $80 billion over three months (CD Howe Institute). This is more than all the major federal transfer programs for an entire fiscal year – not three months – to the provinces and territories for social assistance, health, equalization and so forth.
Much is unclear about this program. It should go to those companies that need it most: small and medium sized businesses and non-profits. Large corporations, many of which are profitable and had earnings in the hundreds of million or billions of dollars could also receive large subsidies. They don’t need it. What if employers do not pay the remaining 25% to their workers? What if banks, rental companies defer payments from customers and renters and require payment later? Do they still qualify? What if companies pay out huge bonuses to executives or do share buy-backs? What if industries which were already in decline such as oil companies or due to poor business decisions, that has little to do with COVID-19 – can they still step in and use the subsidy? What about numbered or anonymous companies?
There should be concern about waste, misuse and corruption. For large companies and employers, it could be examined on a case-by-case, where necessary.
There’s no question that the federal government has a crucial responsibility to help Canadians get through this crisis. The CERB will be an essential help for many families. As for the wage subsidy, implemented properly it can be a beneficial program. It is imperative that the program not be misdirected and that it goes to those businesses that really need it, because we’re all paying for it.
The federal government is means-testing programs for individuals – the most vulnerable and poorest Canadians will not get the CERB – all the more reason to scrutinize the wage subsidy and ask if it is being used for proper policy objectives and if it’s the best use of public emergency money.
Many Canadians have been advocating for social programs such as universal pharmacare, childcare, affordable or tuition free post-secondary education, dental and eye-care – for decades.
A Universal Basic Income payable to all would cost less, be easier to administer than the complexity of various different programs coming from the Federal government, and have significant benefits. The UBI could then be taxed back based on progressive taxation next year. But, that is a topic for another day and post.
The Liberal government has, however embarked down a different pathway and the need for financial assistance is immediate. There are many gaps and valid questions that arise about the CERB and Wage Subsidyprograms. It is our role as Canadians to ask those hard questions, demand transparency and responsible use of public funds.
Bill Sundhu
Blog posts on other topics are at https://billsundhu.ca/blog/
Cindy Ross Friedman Graduate Scholarship for Environmental Activism and Social Justice.
To commemorate the anniversary of her “Celebration of Life”, the family and friends of Cindy Ross Friedman would like to announce the establishment of an endowment to provide the Cindy Ross Friedman Graduate Scholarship for Environmental Activism and Social Justice.
The award will be made annually, beginning in 2021, to a female student entering or enrolled in a graduate, post-baccalaureate or professional field with a focus related to the betterment of the environment and social justice, areas that were near and dear to Cindy’s heart.
Cindy was an active member of both the provincial
Kamloops South Thompson NDP and the federal
Kamloops Thompson Cariboo NDP Constituency Associations.
Donations can be made to the BC Interior Community Foundation with a note that the funds be directed to the Cindy Ross Friedman Scholarship Fund.
Cheques can be sent to #2-219 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V0E 2P0
Donations can also be made online at https://www.bcicf.ca/donate/
The fund isn’t listed specifically yet but donors can indicate other at the bottom of the pull down list and specify Cindy Ross Friedman Scholarship Fund.
A charitable donation receipt for income tax purposes will be issued by the Foundation automatically for all donations of $25 or more, and by request for donations less than $25.
Thank you in advance for your support.
NDP Candidate Cynthia Egli Champions a New Deal for the People
KAMLOOPS – Family Justice Counsellor Cynthia Egli will be the NDP’s candidate in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, vowing to put people first, fighting for head-to-toe healthcare, affordable housing, and climate action.
“I’m passionate about my community and am committed to making life better for everyday families, instead of wealthy corporations,” said Egli. “I was raised on the values of putting people first, and that means fighting for workers, families, seniors, students, and those who have been left behind by Liberal and Conservative governments.”
Egli works as a counsellor and mediator with the British Columbia Ministry of the Attorney General, is a member of the BCGEU provincial executive and is a part owner of a small business. She and her husband raised their two daughters in the BC Interior. She holds a Masters Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
“The NDP’s A New Deal for People takes on the big polluters, drug companies, and corporate tax giveaways that have cost working people too much for too long,” said Egli. “Imagine a government led by people like me who have a history of standing up for ordinary people instead of protecting the rich and powerful. I’m in this for you.”
Politicians and lies
On every topic, different people have different points of view, based on their different experiences. It is that diversity that a gives democracy its dynamic character; and by drawing on that diversity, we have a better chance of finding solutions to the difficult, intractable problems that confront us, from climate change and nuclear war on down. So I find it deeply disturbing when politicians step beyond a reasoned, responsible advocacy to engage in deliberate falsehoods and misrepresentation — to become trouble makers rather than problem solvers. We see every day how public discourse in the United States has been poisoned by politicians who are willing to lie in order to sow disrespect, hatred, and division for their own narrow purposes, indifferent to the harm they are doing to the community as a whole. Unfortunately, such behaviour is not confined by borders. We see examples in Canadian politicians, and, in particular, in BC politicians, of emotional manipulation and an irresponsible disregard for truth. I encourage you to take a look at: https://www.bcndp.ca/latest/why-are-two-bc-liberal-mlas-sharing-fake-news-and-conspiracy-theories
Bill Roberts, President, Kamloops South Thompson
New Democrats Set Nomination Meeting
(Kamloops) Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo NDP President Bill Sundhu announced that the party has set Sunday, May 26, 2019 for nomination meetings to be held in 100 Mile House, Clearwater, and Kamloops. New Democrats will select their candidate for the federal election set for October 21, 2019.
May 26th meetings will be held as follows
100 Mile House nomination meeting
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Creekside Seniors Centre, 501 Cedar Ave, 100 Mile House
Clearwater nomination meeting
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Clearwater Public Library Meeting Room, 422 Murtle Crescent, Clearwater
Kamloops nomination meeting
7:00 – 8:00 PM
St. Andrews on the Square, 159 Seymour Street, Kamloops
Media are welcome.
New Democrats Nomination Meeting in 100 Mile House
(Kamloops) Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo NDP President Bill Sundhu announced that the party has set Sunday, May 26, 2019 for nomination meetings to be held in 100 Mile House, Clearwater, and Kamloops. New Democrats will select their candidate for the federal election set for October 21, 2019.
Nomination meetings in Clearwater and Kamloops to follow later in the day and early evening.