There is anecdotal evidence that capitalism/globalization/deregulation is not working. Manufacturing jobs being exported to low wage jurisdictions and trade agreements allow multinationals unfettered access to our natural resources and impair our ability to protect the environment. Further, the “trickle-down economic effect appears to be failing as evidenced by the wealth gap, the fight for a living wage, housing inaffordability and the other economic challenges.
In the TVO piece “Ending Global Poverty” Julia Sanchez states that there is “inequality in Canada and we have growing inequality” and that “…as you know, [inequality] is a growing danger to sustainable societies around the world”. The highest paid executive for 2016 made more than $83 million, while average across top 100 CEOs was more than $10 million/year.
Jeff would like to make the case that #communityeconomics could significantly help to reduce economic inequality. Your vote could help him make that case.
Contrary to popular belief that "There is No Alternative” #communityeconomics shows there is an alternative to unfettered capitalism.
Capitalism, globalization and privatization are not working, just look at your cellphone or insurance bills or the climate. However, socialism is not the answer as it may only lead to more government waste, inefficiencies and political corruption. Under my plan clearly there is an alternative..
Community Economics
LinkedIn members can read and comment on Jeff's paper about #communityeconomics here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/communityeconomics-101-jeff-mole "Community Economics 101”
I am in this election to inspire you to speak up, get involved and consider #communityeconomics as a sensible alternative. We must protect or environment and build a sustainable and inclusive economy through the development of a strong community enterprise sector. To do this, we need bold policy changes by government and strategic investments by the taxpayer. We must create a business system that creates good jobs, that helps make life affordable and fairly distributes wealth. We need to create businesses that are accountable to the citizens and communities. Profit motivated corporations working with a dishonest government is bad for the environment and is definitely not in your best interest.
Once elected, I propose to introduce a Community Economy Act.
The act will require that government consider the model related to the procurement of goods and services by governments and enable communities to do better at protecting our natural resources.
It will create strategic investment programs for “seed” funding or start-up capital.
And it will create an RSP eligible program providing the community enterprise sector with access to affordable long-term capital to grow new businesses and acquire existing private ones.
It is imperative that you take the time to learn more and make a informed decisions. Your future depends on it.
Examples:
Climate Change
The #pcpo climate policy states they will "find new ways to reduce emissions through tech. and innovation." I argue they have no plan. A vote for @normmillerpc is a vote for more pollution by elites. My plan mean polluters will pay for pilot project to expand propane and renewable energy by the Community Enterprise sector to make driving and electricity more affordable in Parry Sound Muskoka.
Public sector opportunities
In 2014 Ontera (Northern Ontario)- valued at about $70 million, was sold for $6 million. The public investment was over $20 million.
Highway 407 cost taxpayers 105 Billion dollars. A previous PC government privatized Highway 407. This decision has been the source of significant criticism. The taxpayer took the risk to acquire the land, build the highway and create a business that was supposed to collects tolls to offset the cost. Highway 407 opened in 1997 and within a year was sold in a “secret deal” by the PC’s to “the Spanish Consortium” the deal brought in only 3.1 billion dollars 3.1 billion dollars for a 100 billion dollar investment. Today the 407 deal is worth 20 billion dollars. In other words it would cost $20 Billion to get out of this deal partly because the company makes about $150 million/year profit.
Now the Liberals are doing the same with Hydro One. The voters did not give a mandate for either of these bad deals.
Was the 407 a good deal for taxpayers? I say no! These type of deals only help to enrich private and foreign investors while increasing inequality. We need a better model and old conservative ways are not the answer.
The Community Economy Act will require that government consider the model before privatization of public sector opportunities and enable the community enterprise sector to build the capacity to acquire such opportunities and operate such businesses in the interest of Ontarians
We need better representation at the Ontario Legislature. A vote for me is a vote for a better Community Economic model.
CelLphones and insurance
Canadians continue to pay among the highest telecom prices in many cases, reveals an annual report comparing the prices of Internet, wireless and home phone services across several major developed countries. We need more competition.
Ontario has the highest auto insurance rates in Canada, with the average annual premium at $1,544.86 in 2012– 45 per cent more than in Alberta, the second-most costly. Young males in the 16-to-24 age group, the hit is the worst – classified by the industry as high risk, they are charged stratospheric rates. Government run insurance is not the answer.
The Community Enterprise sector may help make mobile communications, high-speed internet and insurance more affordable.
Natural Resources
Noront Resources, signed a US$20-million deal to buy mineral claims in the "Ring of Fire" region of Ontario from Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. The main political parties plan to spend 1-2 Billion dollars and more of taxpayer money on road construction to enable mine development. What is the return on investment for taxpayers? Currently, there is no sensible business case for this investment. Enabling the Community Enterprise sector to take a lead role in this development is the only model that will provide significant benefits to the citizens of Ontario. It is clear that First Nations communities will benefit. We need a better model for development of this and other natural resource extraction and processing opportunities.
Marijuana production and distribution
Cannabis could generate between $50 and $100 Billion in profits over the next twenty years. Enabling the private sector and "Big Weed" to control this sector is not in the public interest. Enabling the Community Enterprise sector to dominate this sector will ensure good jobs, economic development and fair distribution of profits in Parry Sound Muskoka.
School Bussing
The taxpayer spends 1 Billion dollars per year on student transportation (or $15B over the life of a school bus). About half of this business goes to multi-national corporations. This service could be provide by the community enterprise sector with profits used to reduce the cost improve the service or re-invested in Education.
Hydro One Privatization
The NDP proposes to undo the privatization of Hydro One. Hurray! The stock is currently trading slightly lower than the initial price. So yes, let’s get our shares back. However, we must then consider other ownership models to reduce the size of government and get better value for our assets and taxpayers.
