Archive for November, 2023

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In a significant stride toward addressing the gender gap in healthcare, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) recently launched a comprehensive study on women’s health. Amid heightened scrutiny over existing disparities in healthcare and increased strains across the nation, this initiative reflects a crucial step towards understanding and rectifying the unique health challenges faced by women.

The study ranges from improved mental health resources for women to enhanced breast cancer screening and reproductive health services, along with necessary protections for LGBTQ2 and Indigenous women in Canada.

A major topic of concern was cervical cancer screenings. Several provinces are contemplating a shift from the traditional Pap test to the human papillomavirus (HPV) test as the primary screening method. These changes aim to enhance the accuracy and efficacy of screenings, ensuring early detection and intervention. SWON Public Affairs is proud to work with Gillian Cameron and her campaign to make the HPV vaccine free for anyone under the age of 26 in Ontario.

The start of this study represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to address existing healthcare gender gaps and create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape for all women in Canada.

Yesterday, Canada’s Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, unveiled the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. Cost of living is the top issue Canadians face today. The holiday season is upon us, but most Canadians are wondering how they’ll afford their groceries and pay their rent on top of buying gifts for their loved ones. This issue, coupled with the housing crisis, has caused Trudeau’s government to fall in the polls. This year’s FES includes clear-cut spending measures to address the cost of living and housing crisis. These measures are an attempt to change course and turn things around for the Trudeau Liberals.

Housing and Affordability

  • Investments of over $20 billion over the next 6 years to incentivize construction of new housing supply.
  • Cracking down on unfair junk fees charged by banks, airlines, and telecommunications providers. These include NSF fees and roaming charges.
  • Amending the Competition Act to mitigate the effects that large companies have in predatory pricing.

Clean Energy

  • Expanding the Clean Tech Investment Tax Credit to include electricity or heat producing equipment from waste biomass.
  • Expanding the Canada Growth Fund to be the principal federal entity for issuing carbon contracts for difference, allocating $7 billion out of its $15 billion budget.

Taxation

  • Amending the Excise Tax Act to eliminate the GST and HST for psychotherapy and counselling services.
  • Advancing legislation to implement a minimum tax for multinationals that use Canada as a tax haven.

This year’s federal FES is centred on showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing that issues Canadians most care about, particularly concentrating in key constituencies in Ontario in which the Liberals depend on for support. With this announcement, Trudeau is hoping Canadians see his government as one that will make life more affordable.

This marks the official start for the federal government to kick off consultations for the 2024 budget. If you’d like to submit a budget proposal but don’t know where to start, at SWON Public Affairs we are ready to ensure your voice is heard. Give us a call to book a free consultation!

 

Photo Credits: The Globe and Mail

SWON Public Affairs London Ontario Government Relations

What is Public Policy, And Why Is It Important To You?

Public policy refers to the set of principles, guidelines, decisions, and actions adopted and implemented by governments or other authoritative bodies to address specific issues or achieve particular goals within a society. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including social, economic, environmental, and political aspects.

Understanding public policy is important for several reasons. Public policy affects the lives of citizens on a daily basis. Being informed about policies enables individuals to make educated decisions about who to vote for, what causes to support, and how to engage in the democratic process effectively. When citizens understand public policies, they can hold elected officials accountable for their decisions. This knowledge allows voters to evaluate whether politicians are fulfilling their promises and working in the best interests of the public.

Public policies have a significant impact on the social and economic well-being of a society. Policies related to healthcare, education, the environment, and the economy shape the quality of life for individuals and communities. Understanding these policies can help citizens advocate for changes that benefit them and society as a whole. Public policy often addresses complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these policies is essential for identifying and implementing effective solutions to these challenges. Public policies also determine how resources, such as tax revenue, are allocated. Understanding these policies can help individuals and organizations navigate government programs, access funding, and advocate for equitable resource distribution.

While the idea of public policy may be complex or new, understanding public policy is essential for informed citizenship, holding officials accountable, promoting social and economic well-being, solving complex problems, allocating resources, and actively participating in the democratic process. It empowers individuals and communities to shape the policies that impact their lives and society as a whole.

 

Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape Canada’s Energy Landscape

In a groundbreaking decision last month, the Supreme Court of Canada dealt a significant blow to large portions of the federal government’s impact assessment law, potentially heralding a new era for energy development in the country. According to Lisa Baiton, CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), this ruling has the potential to reset the policy landscape, providing a more favorable environment for the oil and gas industry. The federal impact assessment law, formerly known as Bill C-69, outlined criteria for assessing the environmental impacts of major projects. However, Baiton argued that the legislation’s broad scope created regulatory uncertainty, deterring companies from investing in projects due to fears of potential disapproval. The Supreme Court’s ruling, declaring the law largely unconstitutional and infringing on provincial jurisdiction, has been broadly welcomed by business groups nationwide. Baiton sees this decision as a game-changer, resetting the policy landscape. While optimistic, CAPP is keenly watching the federal government’s response to the court’s decision. Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault believes the environmental impact legislation can be fixed by rewriting specific sections. He also assured that greenhouse gas emission regulations for oil and gas production would proceed as planned, unaffected by the court decision. Baiton, however, hopes the ruling will make it more challenging for the federal government to override provincial preferences in energy development. One area of contention is the proposed punitive cap on greenhouse gas emissions, which the oil and gas industry argues would limit production growth, falling under provincial jurisdiction, particularly in Alberta. Additionally, concerns linger over the feasibility of meeting the proposed clean electricity regulations, with Alberta asserting they are unattainable within the given timeframe. Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Shulz, part of the panel discussion, framed Bill C-69 as part of a continuous rollout of barriers by the federal government. She noted the Supreme Court decision aligns with Alberta’s ongoing efforts, including a nationwide ad campaign, to push back against clean electricity regulations, which the province believes will escalate energy prices and strain the electricity grid.

 

London Economic Development Corporation’s new Campaign: Don’t Tell Toronto

A new recruitment strategy is all the buzz in London right now, created by London Economic Development Corporation- Don’t Tell Toronto. Right now, London Ontario has over 7,000 jobs available to fill, and LEDC is taking active steps to recruit a talented workforce to fill these positions. Have you considered making the move? Let’s look at what London, Ontario has to offer. London boasts numerous opportunities with some of Canada’s best employers. It’s not just a place to work; it’s a place to live and thrive. We’re painting a new picture for London, one that is full of opportunity, improved affordability in comparison to London, and equal job opportunity. Here’s some more numbers is case you have yet to experience everything here.356 Parks: From sprawling expanses to cozy corners, London offers 356 parks to unwind and enjoy nature. City-wide Trail System: Navigate the city with ease through its extensive trail system, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Some more interesting facts about London, with approximately 7 million trees, the city breathes fresh air and provides a lush environment. London boasts a population density of 178.1 persons per square kilometer, a stark contrast to Toronto’s 4,149.5.

Please check out www.donttelltoronto.ca for more info.

Last week, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, introduced the government’s 2023 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, commonly known as the Fall Economic Statement (FES). The FES outlined the government’s current and intended investments, centred around building key infrastructure, stimulating economic and job growth, and keeping costs down for Ontarians. In addition, the FES highlighted Ontario’s fiscal landscape, with a plan to balance the budget by 2025-2026.

 

Notable investments include:

  1. Launching the Ontario Infrastructure Bank. The arm-lengths bank will receive $3 billion in initial funding, and it will target projects with a focus in affordable housing, long-term care homes, energy, and transportation.
  2. $100 million investment into the Invest Ontario Fund. The province is making it a priority to attract companies and create jobs.
  3. Removal of the 8% provincial portion of the HST on new purpose-built rental housing. While the Federal government had already dropped their GST for the same purpose, Ontario has joined them in an effort to increase housing supply.
  4. An additional $12 million per year in tax credits for the critical minerals mining industry.

 

This marks the official start for the Ontario government to kick off consultations for the 2024 budget. If you’d like to submit a budget proposal and don’t know where to start, at SWON Public Affairs we are ready to ensure your voice is heard. Give us a call to book a free consultation!