Canada faces its worst job crisis in a generation and the federal government needs to step forward with a solution in this week’s budget, says the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
This year’s annual Alternative Federal Budget lays out a plan that would meet the needs of working Canadians - creating jobs and enhancing public services to lay the foundations for a stronger economy and a more equal society. The plan would bring unemployment back to pre-recession levels by the end of 2011 and demonstrates there is a better way to reach fiscal balance through smart investments and smart taxation.
The proposals in the AFB include:- Reforming EI to make sure over a million and a half jobless Canadians don’t end up on welfare.
- Investing in sustainable production, green manufacturing, and green skills development to make Canada a leader in the new economy.
- Protecting publicly owned and operated services and infrastructure.
- Focusing on progressive taxation as a solution to the deficit debate.
The Alternative Federal Budget is coordinated by the CCPA and is the result of collaborative deliberations by representatives of a wide spectrum of civil society organizations.
CUPE is a member of the CCPA and actively participates in formulating the AFB.