FINALLY, THE DEBATE BEGINS!

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), a think tank, has opened the debate on suggesting ways to increase social programing and transit options in Halifax’s municipal elections this fall. So far there has been little debate on details that citizens want to see from candidates. Most candidates so far have refused to commit themselves on details of their platforms preferring to wait for the right political moment or to wait and consult with the public before committing themselves. Although the CCPA has suggested applying a 4% surcharge to income taxes, a measure that citizens may not be quick to endorse, it claims that this would provide funding for social programs and transit while cutting property taxes. The alternative budget would create a source of steady income for non-profit groups already working in the community. Christine Saulnier, the CCPA’s Nova Scotia director said, “There’s perhaps more social policy spending (but) we’re not asking HRM to actually provide services, we are asking them to help the programs that exist and help grow some of the things that are at the local level”. See the full Alternative Municipal Budget for HRM at: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/ccpa-ns-releases-first-ever-alternative-municipal-budget-hrm