Canadians requiring medical attention face two stark choices: wait for weeks or visit an ER. We need care options between these two extremes
Author Archives: John Stapleton
John Stapleton is a social policy expert and is the new Social Policy, Ageing and Well-being Policy Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing in partnership with the School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: The CRA should own its errors with COVID benefits
Ottawa’s pandemic-era benefits were plagued with problems. So it’s unfair for the CRA to say taxpayers were the wrongdoers
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: Here’s how retirement income should be reformed
There’s no question that Canada’s retirement income system needs reform. But a divisive focus on gaps between young and old isn’t the answer
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: Ottawa’s costly pursuit of the poor
The government cites inefficiency as a reason to end taxes on vacant homes and yachts — yet keeps pouring money into futile litigation over pandemic-era benefits
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: When the CRA doesn’t understand its own rules
The auditor general’s finding that just 17 per cent of individuals’ CRA inquiries are answered correctly is symptomatic of much deeper problems
Posted inFinance for All
Op-Ed: Good policy shouldn’t retire at 65
Before age 65, disability programs encourage people to work. After 65, seniors’ programs punish work and even volunteerism
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: Ontario’s social safety net — indexed for some, stagnant for others
Not all low-income Ontarians who rely on social assistance will be celebrating the positive benefit changes that occured in July
Posted inFinance for All
Op-Ed: Judge takes aim at CRA’s ‘unjustified inconsistency’
As a benefits advocate, I have seen how the CRA has been going to the ends of the earth to deny eligibility for the CERB benefit
Posted inCommentary
Op-Ed: Here’s an easy policy to help seniors help themselves
Whichever party wins this election should support further increases in the GIS earnings exemption to support seniors who work
Posted inCommentary
Ford’s shameful welfare track record continues legacy of Tory neglect
Ontario’s conservative governments have a terrible track record when it comes to helping Ontarians on welfare. Just look at the numbers