“Taxes are the way we pay for the things we decide to do together, and we are stronger together." - powerful words spoken by Alex Himelfarb that seemed to echo at the Kitchener City Hall during the book launch of the "Tax Is Not A Four Letter Word".
We are ready to share with you some of the first conversations held on taxes and public services in 2011 Kitchen Table Talks, and the discussion that took place at the workshop after the book launch. You can view videos that recorded the guest speaker and panel presentations at our YouTube Channel.
Poverty Reduction
Local Discussions on Taxation
Ontario Pre-budget Consultation- Asking the Government to Follow
The Poverty Free Kitchener-Waterloo Action Group has dedicated its stretched resources to pass its knowledge and experience to different government bodies. We are still waiting for a holistic vision and approach regarding poverty elimination in Ontario that shows our political leadership has heard what has been said in our community and in communities across all of Ontario.
Read the submission as a response to the Ontario Government Priorities: Invest in People, Infrastructure and Business
Changing The Way We Think About Taxes
Tax Is Not A Four Letter Word. Tax is Brussels sprouts! Kaylie Tiessen from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Ontario says they are not always palatable but they are good for you. An interesting twits. Alex Himelfarb made another one: high taxes are good for business! Strong infrastructure, skilled workforce and good healthcare system are highly valued by businesses and they are all build with tax dollars. Carl Zehr, the Mayor of Kitchener, first asks what the services are that the citizens need and says that balance, sustainability and future legacy are the most important questions when thinking about municipal taxation.
Tax Is Not A Four Letter Word Book Tour
Alex Himelfarb and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Ontario are making a stop in Kitchener-Waterloo on January 23 during a cross Province tour in seeding a more balanced discussion on taxes and their role in everyday lives. Take the opportunity to share your take on taxation and public services with one of the authors of the book, as well with local players from different walks of life. Ask the right questions and shape our local conversation for the election years ahead.
Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy Anniversary
December 4, 2008, the Ontario government responded to community pressure by announcing its Poverty Reduction Strategy – a five year plan targeted at reducing child poverty in the province.
On Let’s make sure that the next strategy has the vision and resources needed to build on the progress made for our children during the past five years to lift all Ontarians out of poverty in the coming five years. Tell your MPP that strong action is required to build on the last strategy to lift everyone out of poverty.
Social Assistance Review Commission Options Paper Released - Give Feedback by March 16
As a part of the Government of Ontario’s strategy to reduce poverty across the province, in November 2010 they initiated a review of Social Assistance in the province. Our local community held a number of events and submitted reports to the Commission.