The viciousness of state officials to the poor and homeless is breathtaking, trapping them in a cycle of poverty

By Barbara Ehrenreich

“So what is the solution to the poverty of so many of America's working people? Ten years ago, when Nickel and Dimed first came out, I often responded with the standard liberal wish list – a higher minimum wage, universal health care, affordable housing, good schools, reliable public transportation, and all the other things we, uniquely among the developed nations, have neglected to do.

The majority of participants in a year-long public consultation on the health system said Canadians are not getting good value for their money and patients are still waiting too long for the care that they need.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) released its study, Voices Into Action, on Wednesday morning. It contains the findings of the national dialogue which the association initiated last August via a website that solicited opinions about health care and public forums in six different cities.

A large number of Canadians told the CMA they believe health care is “in distress.”

BY CONNIE WOODCOCK,TORONTO SUN

A lawyer friend of mine gets really touchy when he thinks government is messing around too much in his life.

So when the National Household Survey arrived in his mailbox a few weeks ago, he wasn’t thrilled.

The NHS, in case you’ve forgotten, is the new name for what used to be the mandatory long form census.

The Conservative government did away with the long form last year, claiming people found it too intrusive, despite loud criticism from all sides that it’s the only way to collect reliable data.

McGill University's Institute for the Study for International Development is launching an Executive Education Program in International Development. It is a four day program (October 17-20, 2011) designed for those that have work experience and are interested in working in international development. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program. The Institute has assembled a world class teaching team and reputable online casinos will be offering unparalleled post-program support to casino online polska help participants secure opportunities and to expand their own networks. Class sizes will purposely be kept small to ensure that support can be provided to each program participant during and after the program.

The program outline in avaiable in this brochure.

You can also find more detailed information at the Institute for the Study for International Development.

By: John Kolkman - Edmonton Journal - July 20, 2011

Alberta's next premier should stick with the 10-year plan to end homelessness; in fact he or she should use it as a template to end poverty.

Entering its third year, it is the most visionary social policy initiative of the current government and has achieved good results, meeting or exceeding most of the interim targets in all of Alberta's major urban centres.

Some of this early progress can be attributed to good timing since the plan was launched just as vacancy rates were rising. This made it attractive for landlords to rent to homeless persons knowing the rent would be paid. Now, with vacancy rates dropping in most Alberta communities, including Edmonton and Calgary, and with rents likely to rise, it will be important for Alberta's next premier to ensure that sufficient monies are invested to meet the goal of ending chronic homelessness in our province.

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Media arts, community, aboriginal and industry are affected

By: Hélène Buzzetti - Le Devior - July 19, 2011

(*Note - the original article is written in French and has been translated with Google Translate for posting here.)

Ottawa - The budget cuts continue in Human Resources in Ottawa.The Conservative government has cut off on the sly at least $ 17 million program to train the skilled workforce in targeted business sectors. The arts, child care, Aboriginal groups and community organizations are particularly affected. Many are still in "shock" and expect an explanation this week.