Latest Policy Bytes

North Side Story

September 10, 2018 - Beyond practicing snapping in a synchronized fashion, six Northern Policy Institute summer placements had the opportunity to stretch their research muscles and explore key policy issues in Northern Ontario this past summer. Located in Fort Frances, North Bay, and Timmins, this group provided valuable insight into issues such as research capacity in Ontario’s North, the reporting relationship between funders and First Nations, and Francophone tourism. Through their research, our summer placements have contributed to a sustainable and self-sufficient Northern Ontario.

Animal programs help over 130 cats from Northern Ontario find forever homes

September 6, 2018 - When it comes to animal wellness services, many barriers exist in remote Northern Ontario communities. Resources and access to animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, are often limited. Getting supplies to many of these communities comes with obstacles, as many can only be accessed by air. Extreme winter weather also complicates the delivery of supplies and services.

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes. Yes, I said taxes

September 4, 2018 - No one cares about taxes. Given the Trumpian headlines and the carbon tax wars this may come as a surprise to you, but it is true. What people do care about is how much things cost. If the total cost is cheap, and taxes make up 90 per cent of that price, no one cares. If something is expensive, or more expensive than it was yesterday, and taxes make up 1 per cent of the total cost, get out the torches and pitchforks!

Yes, the new Ontario government is different, we'd better get used to it

August 13, 2018 - There is no question that the new government of Ontario is very different from the old one. Whether different means better or worse is an argument for those still fighting the last election, or preparing to fight the next. For those of us looking to get things done in Ontario’s northern regions over the next four years, that debate is a luxury we cannot afford.

Rainbow Camp

July 30, 2018 - An internationally known LGBTQ2+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, 2-Spirited) Summer Camp is changing lives … and it is located in a small Northern Ontario town, just 40 minutes north east of Sault Ste. Marie.

A Guide to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program

July 9, 2018 - From 2002 to 2012, the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada tripled from 101,078 to 338,221 as businesses increasingly made use of the program – sometimes as way to access cheaper labour. As a result, the government introduced a series of reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in June 2014. The goal of the overhaul was to ensure that the program was being used for its intended purpose – as a last resort for employers who are unable to fill positions with Canadian workers.

The First 100 Days

June 25, 2018 - Well, when this comes to print, the provincial election will be either over or just about over. There will have been millions, nay billions, of dollars’ worth of promises made. In the coming weeks, the harsh reality of governing, as opposed to campaigning, will start the slow process of whittling those promises down. The items that get pursued will be those that are most easily achievable or those to which the new government, of whatever stripe, is most committed.