Canadian Income Policies After the Crash of 2008

Monday, June 22
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 309

The Metcalf Foundation invites you to a public policy primer on Canada’s income security system. This system provides critical support to Canadians living in low income. At the same time, numerous reports have documented its serious shortcomings, particularly with regard to programs targeting working-age adults. The current recession has only served to exacerbate existing problems. This session will examine shortcomings in programs such as EI, but also present alternatives for strengthening the efficacy and reach of Canada’s social safety net in the 21st century.

This workshop is designed for people working in the non-profit sector to strengthen their understanding of public policy and how non-profits can work with government to influence change. It is part of an ongoing series for those in organizations who want to understand the policy process and would benefit from a forum for candid exchange of ideas. This session was first presented at the Canadian Social Forum in Calgary in May 2009.

Specifically this session will provide a snapshot of:

• • Canada’s current income security system, how it has evolved, and where we are heading
• • Employment Insurance (EI) and proposed changes to strengthen it given the economic
  downturn
• • A new Ontario Housing Benefit and its potential to contribute to economic security in
  Ontario

Workshop Animators

John Stapleton is a public policy expert and Metcalf Fellow with over 28 years of experience in the Ontario Government. John works as a social policy consultant with governments, think tanks, and community groups.

Grant Bishop is an economist at TD Bank Financial Group. His chief responsibilities include analysis and forecasting for the Canadian economy. Prior to joining TD Bank Financial Group, Grant served in research roles at the Bank of Canada and the World Bank.

Michael Oliphant is the Director of Research and Communications at Daily Bread Food Bank and has been with the organization for over six years. His primary responsibilities are research and public policy, and he has been involved in advocacy efforts in the area of poverty for nearly ten years.

Registration is free, but seating is limited. Attendees must pre-register with Heather Dunford at the Metcalf Foundation ([email protected]).