How a basic income guarantee could improve health A version of this commentary appeared in the Hill Times, Ottawa Life and Huffington Post Across Canada, and around the world, people from all sides of the political spectrum are starting to talk about the BIG idea of a basic income guarantee (BIG), also known as a […]
Supporting youth to 25 years of age an essential first step A version of this commentary appeared in the Toronto Star, Ottawa Life and the Huffington Post Growing up in government care in Manitoba was difficult. The deep politicization of child welfare didn’t help matters. Polarized public opinion and a controversy-avoidant government shaped the legislation and policies that […]
Last year at a camp in southern New Brunswick I met Evan. Before turning eight, he had bounced from foster home to foster home. He was sent to camp without a bathing suit or sufficient lunch. Regardless, Evan smiled constantly, excelled in school and had a striking sense of compassion. I still think about Evan all the time — what allowed him to thrive in spite of the cards he had been dealt?
What happens to kids who authorities determine can’t live safely with their own parents or caregivers? Thousands of Canadian children are in this situation right now. Many go into foster homes, while others go into other types of out-of-home care on behalf of child welfare agencies. But we don’t know how many, nor do we know how well they are doing.
Six advocates for First Nations children have gone on a symbolic hunger strike at the Manitoba Legislature to try to raise awareness across the country about Manitoba’s broken child welfare system. Why? Well, here’s one fact that should make most Canadians sit up and take notice
