Toronto Star

Bruce Campion-Smith
Ottawa bureau chief
 

OTTAWA-Canada’s tax system needs be changed to encourage investors to pump money into “social enterprises” – a new breed of businesses that have community good rather than pure profit as their bottom line, says former prime minister Paul Martin.

Canada has “barely scratched” the potential of the charitable sector to help Canadian society – and its economy – and outdated tax laws are partly to blame, Martin will tell a Toronto audience today.

“There are many investors who would put their money into social enterprise, if the vehicles and incentives were there,” Martin will say at the Munk Centre for International Studies, according to a copy of his remarks obtained by the Toronto Star.

Different from charities, he says, social enterprises trade in goods and services and make money, though financial returns are often lower than traditional businesses. “Their major return on investment is calculated by their social or environmental return,” he says.

Tax incentives are needed to promote such enterprises, Martin says. “What we have to do is make it possible for social entrepreneurs to tap capital markets the same way their business counterparts can do.”

Martin says the charitable sector is an unrecognized part of the economy, contributing 8 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Without the work of Canada’s charities and non-profits we would be a much poorer society, morally and economically,” Martin says.

The former prime minister will cite the example of Eva’s Phoenix Print Shop in Toronto, which offers shelter and on-the-job training for young people who have suffered abuse or family breakdowns.

“The print shop is now ready to expand its ability to help more young people but needs additional capital to do so,” he said.

If Ottawa can provide tax incentives to spur business entrepreneurs, “why would we not provide similar incentives to social entrepreneurs as they seek to tap capital markets for the betterment of society,” Martin says.

In Britain, “Community Interest Companies” provide tax incentives for firms that operate to benefit the community “rather than purely private gain.” In two years, 1,200 new businesses have been created under a new law.

Martin says he took some steps on the issue when he was finance minister and prime minister but admits now he didn’t go far enough.

 

 

 

 

Date:
Nov 23 2007 – 08:00 – Nov 23 2007 – 04:30
Location:
St. John’s Highschool
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
register online

The 2007 Gathering Planning Team is very pleased to announce that both youth actors and directors of the award winning Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company will be presenting as the opening keynote speakers. With a CED and social enterprise strategy, SNTC uses theatre as an effective tool for development as well as a vehicle that nurtures and supports individuals and communities in their healing journey.

And plan to stay for the full day as the closing plenary will be something truly unique. From 4:00 to 4:30, we will finish the full day of networking, learning, sharing, and planning with a celebratory and mood-lifting session with Rolande Kirouac that will be sure to send you on your way feeling better than ever!

So make sure to mark your calendars for November 23 at St. John’s High School in Winnipeg’s North End, from 8:00 to 4:30. And make sure to be there at 8:00 for registration so that you don’t miss a minute of SNTC’s opening presentation! Online registration for the Gathering, and the more than 30 workshops, will be available within days. Watch for it!

ONLINE registration open now!

Event Contact:

Brendan Reimer

(204) 927-3203
Website:
CCEDNet/RCRCDÉC

Oct 20, 2007 04:30 AM

David Olive

Toronto Star

According to the latest statistics from the World Bank, the widening gap between rich and poor in Canada is now roughly on par with that of Indonesia. Indeed, in the matter of income equality, Canada trails not only the Scandinavian countries, but Egypt and Pakistan, as well.

You might think that fact alone would place poverty high on the national agenda. But in this week’s throne speech, Prime Minister Stephen Harper devoted no more than 98 of 4,000 words – less than 3 per cent – to the subject.

To read the article click here.

 

Au cours de la dernière année, le RCDÉC a recueilli des fonds de différentes sources pour contribuer aux activités de ses membres, qu’il s’agisse de stages rémunérés dans des organismes membres ou d’initiatives de partenariat offrant des avantages aux praticiennes et praticiens. Nous avons plaidé vigoureusement la cause du DÉC aux quatre coins du pays pour favoriser la création d’alliances entre les organismes sans but lucratif et les coopératives dans le but d’influer sur les politiques fédérales, provinciales, territoriales et municipales. Cependant, pour ne pas être à la merci du financement du gouvernement et des changements de fond, nous devons être en mesure de travailler plus efficacement à long terme. Nous sollicitions votre contribution à cette fin.

Nous vous proposons les options de contribution suivantes.

1. Faire un don direct au RCDÉC au montant de votre choix en envoyant un chèque accompagné du formulaire ci-joint. Nous vous ferons parvenir un reçu d’impôt pour activités de bienfaisance.

2. Faire une contribution en ligne en cliquant ici. .

3. Convenir d’une retenue salariale avec les employés de votre organisme qui acceptent de participer à cet effort (par ex., l’équivalent de 0,10 $ de l’heure), et nous envoyer (par la poste ou par télécopieur) les noms des donateurs, les montants des dons et vos coordonnées – veuillez utiliser le formulaire ci-joint.

4. Vous engager à verser un don mensuel par prélèvement bancaire direct ou par carte de crédit en remplissant le formulaire ci-joint. Nous vous ferons parvenir un reçu d’impôt pour activités de bienfaisance.

5. Inclure le RCDÉC dans votre planification successorale, en prévoyant un don à ce dernier dans votre testament. Nous pouvons vous offrir de l’assistance pour ce qui est de la bonne formulation.

Nous vous remercions de votre attention à propos de cette demande. Si vous avez des questions ou des suggestions, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec notre directeur général, Rupert Downing, aux coordonnées ci-dessous.

Veuillez agréer l’expression de nos sentiments les meilleurs.

Rupert Downing
Tél. : 250 386-9980
Sans frais : 1 877 202-2268

Courriel

We believe that in today’s social and economic climate, there is strong evidence to support the need for a pan-Canadian member-led network that contributes to creating CED change and opportunity in our communities. Federal funding cuts and policy changes mean that communities need a strong collective voice. Since 1999, CCEDNet has worked hard to create that voice.

In the last year, the Network has been able to raise funds from a variety of sources to contribute to our members’ work, from paid internships placed with member agencies to partnership projects that create benefits for practitioners. We have also been a strong advocate for CED across the country, building alliances across non profit and co-operative sectors to make an impact on federal, provincial, territorial and municipal policies. However, our capacity to do this work needs to be enhanced for the long term if we are not be at the mercy of government funding and policy changes.

Following direction from members at our Annual General Meeting the Board of Directors is establishing a Sustainability Fund and Plan, with a cross section of expertise to help build independent resources for the Network so that we are not dependent on project-based government funding. This dedicated fund will be used to leverage and invest in the long term capacity of the Network to serve its members and the interests of the CED movement.

We would like to ask for your contribution to this Sustainability Fund.

Several member organizations have made donations, through their employees agreeing to contribute. Other members have arranged for individual donations in return for tax receipts as part of their own planned charitable contributions. We gladly welcome both forms of contribution.

We are very aware of the tough financial conditions that many of our members face in their own work and the constant challenge of making CED activities sustainable. We are therefore restricting our charitable status fundraising to this direct annual appeal to members.

If you can contribute to this donor appeal we offer these options for your convenience:

1. Make a direct donation to CCEDNet of any amount that you can afford by mailing a cheque with this form. We will send you a charitable tax receipt.

2. Make an online contribution. A charitable tax receipt is sent to you automatically.

3. Arrange a payroll deduction with employees of your organization who agree to participate, (e.g. equivalent to “10 cents an hour”) and mail or fax us the names, and amounts of the donors and your contact information using this form.

4. Commit to a monthly donation by direct withdrawal from your financial services organization or by credit card by completing this form. We will send you a charitable tax receipt

5. Consider CCEDNet in your estate planning by including a donation in your will. We can assist you with the appropriate wording.

We thank you for your consideration of this appeal, and if you have any questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director, Rupert Downing, by phone at 250-386-9980 or (toll free) 877-202-2268 or by e-mail.

 

Our new website is packed with great features like:

• Online registration for events
• RSS feeds
• Online donation and membership registration
• Event listings/job postings
• Media Room
• Newly built toolbox
• Document manager
• Expanded regional pages

Please note that we are working hard to make sure the transition from our old website to this one is seamless.

Comments? Questions? Contact:

Erin Brocklebank
Communications Coordinator
ebrocklebank [at] ccednet-rcdec.ca

 

 

Canada’s renowned system of health care is at a crossroads. Serious scarcities in services, disparities in health between different groups of citizens, and the prospect of a skyrocketting demand for chronic care – these factors compel a decision. But have we really only two choices? Either “public” or “private” health care? No.

There is a Third Way forward. It involves engaging in health care delivery a third stakeholder – one with untapped energy, insight, and a devotion to people – Canada’s communities. Health co-operatives, community health centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, and many more organizations already demonstrate how ordinary citizens can, should, and must have a far greater say in the health care they and their neighbours receive.

The 2007 Special Edition of Making Waves magazine reframes a national debate by outlining the case for a vast expansion of community-level capacity and authority in our health sector. It has been written by and for people and organizations active in the health care sector as well as CED and social economy practitioners.

Browse the complete contents in PDF by clicking here.

Making Waves is published quarterly by the Canadian Centre for Community Renewal. It is written by and for people trying to revitalize struggling communities and help marginalized groups improve their overall quality of life. It is the only periodical on CED currently published in North America, and is read by professionals and activists in this field across Canada.

 

 

Victoria, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Conservative government’s Speech from the Throne, delivered Tuesday evening, offers appeals to patriotism without any commitment to concrete social change in Canadian communities, says the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet). CCEDNet, which represents the interests of over 600 organizations working to reduce poverty, believes the measures outlined in the speech will do nothing to help the rising number of poor in Canada.

“Our government has reached a new level of cynical double-speak” says Rupert Downing, Executive Director of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network. “While claiming to be concerned about poverty and homelessness in Canada, the government has outlined steps which will only make life more difficult for those Canadians who have the least.”

Peppered with patriotic language and references to becoming the ‘Northern Star,’ the speech seems to blur the real issues. While poverty and climate change are priority issues for Canadians, the Throne Speech offers measures which would actually entrench poverty and make life worse for the people living in Canada’s poorest communities.

“This Throne Speech is one of the worst Canadians have ever seen,” says Mr. Downing. “It’s strategically written to distract Canadians from what’s really happening. Issues like poverty and climate change can’t be ignored.”

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is a national non-governmental charitable organization established to support the work of community organizations that are creating economic opportunities and enhancing social conditions in Canada. The membership of CCEDNet is made up of hundreds of community groups, municipalities, foundations, and practitioners from every region of the country.

Community Economic Development (CED) is action by people locally to create economic opportunities and better social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged. CCEDNet’s national office is located in Victoria, BC.

 

For more information, please contact Erin Brocklebank, Communications Coordinator, (250) 386-9980 ext.106.