Jobs – The Engaged Citizen

Housing is a human right

With asylum seekers dying waiting for shelter space in Mississauga and single mothers denied rental housing in Halifax, Canada’s lack of affordable housing is becoming a frank violation of human rights. Housing, like the need for food and water, is a basic human need. International law recognizes the social right to housing in the UniversalContinue reading “Housing is a human right”

We are sick of sick notes

There is one thing doctors and patients can readily agree upon: we both hate sick notes. Patients loathe waiting long hours in overcrowded waiting rooms to request a note and doctors detest the added burden on the healthcare system in providing one. Sick note policies increase use of scarce healthcare resources as employees are forcedContinue reading “We are sick of sick notes”

Why a living wage matters

With soaring food prices, unaffordable housing costs and rising energy bills, a living wage becomes ever more relevant for Albertans. Referring to the hourly wage a full-time worker needs to make to pay for basic expenses while maintaining a modest standard of living, a living wage is about ensuring dignity for all those who workContinue reading “Why a living wage matters”

Health care reform is within reach

Last week, the federal government pledged an additional $46 billion over 10 years to provinces and territories for health care delivery. Primary care, health care workforce, information sharing and mental health and substance use were cited as priority areas. This much-awaited funding announcement left more than a few people disappointed. Provincial and territorial premiers wereContinue reading “Health care reform is within reach”

Higher education is worth the investment

Fewer students are enrolling in postsecondary education since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing tuition, high debt loads and uncertain COVID-19 learning environments are discouraging young people from pursuing higher education. But what are they missing out on and what is society losing by this disturbing trend? We know that people with higher levelsContinue reading “Higher education is worth the investment”

We must live within our means

Two months ago, the federal government announced an increase to the percentage of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) that employers in Canada will be allowed to hire. Given a ready solution to the labour shortage problem, many businesses breathed a collective sigh of relief. We can expect that employers in the Bow Valley will be takingContinue reading “We must live within our means”