Mike Old

Weaponizing GDP. In this incisive two-parter, economist Jim Stanford explains the numerator and the denominator behind this economic measure, and why distribution of wealth is key to understanding Canada's true economic health.

HEU urges Ottawa to end loss of hundreds of B.C. health care workers BURNABY - With ongoing health care staffing shortages across British Columbia, the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) is urging the federal government to revise its Provincial Nomi

HEU is urging Minister @marcmillermp.bsky.social and the federal government to revise its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to prevent the loss of hundreds of critical support service workers in B.C. hospitals in 2025. www.heu.org/news/media-r...

#bcpoli
#cdnpoli

In @fraserhealth.bsky.social and @vchhealthcare.bsky.social, more than 500 HEU members in health care support services face deportation this year, if they can’t access spaces in the provincial nominee program.

Welcome back to 1875: free trade negotiations with the US have collapsed, and American expansionism is on a roll. We needed a National Policy then—and we need a new one now. My take for @TorontoStar: www.thestar.com/business/opi... #cdnecon #cdnpoli #canlab

“Who’s Subsidizing Whom?” I have written a new report for the Centre for Future Work rebutting Trump’s arguments that the U.S. “subsidizes” Canada through its bilateral trade deficit: centreforfuturework.ca/wp-content/u.... #cdnecon #cdnpoli #canlab /2

Jim Stanford: Yes, strikes are frustrating. But the economic costs of not going on strike are higher Most of the victories won on picket lines don’t only benefit those who walked off the job. Rather, they can spark important progress in all workplaces, Jim Stanford writes.

In @thestar.com today, I reflect on the economic costs of NOT going on strike: www.thestar.com/business/opi.... Yes, strikes are inconvenient & frustrating for all. But without them, there would be huge damage to incomes, spending, and fairness. #canlab

It's the thought that counts!

This is an outstanding announcement by BC Hydro. Clean energy and a big boost to jobs in several regions, right when we need it. www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7405911 #cdnecon

#bcunion #publicservices #privatization

Looking north at fog-shrouded Ironworkers' Memorial Bridge from south shore of Burrard Inlet on a bright day

#eastvan #photography

Media Coverage of the Canada Post Strike is Centering Business Interests, Not the Interests of Workers Canadian media coverage of the postal strike promotes anti-worker narratives

Is it just us or are all of the stories about striking postal workers framing them as ruining Christmas for your children? Well, apparently not.

I spoke to a labour expert about the strike and anti-worker narratives around CUPW.

Read it here: pressprogress.ca/media-covera... @pressprogress.ca

A significant victory in the Supreme Court on BC’s legal fight against opioid manufacturers.

Great part of the judgement:

“The opioid epidemic spanning our country is a stark example of a crisis which attracts this co-operation and comity.

www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7396676

New hospital in Terrace open for patients People in Terrace and surrounding areas now have access to the new state-of-the-art Ksyen Regional Hospital, which opened Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

The new Ksyen Regional Hospital in #TerraceBC is officially open, more than 2X the size of the previous hospital & improving access to healthcare, closer to home, for ppl in NW BC for decades to come. What an accomplishment, 🙌🏼 for years of hard work by so many. More 👉🏼 news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...

illuminated industrial/agricultural building against fading clouded sky

#eastvan #photography

Love that classic HEU T.

rusted piece of waterworks infrastructure on street corner in east vancouver with sunset in background

#eastvan #photography

Amazon workers in 20 countries to protest or strike on Black Friday Workers and their representatives to press US retailer to respect their rights and take action on the climate crisis Thousands of Amazon workers are expected to protest or strike in more than 20 countries during Black Friday to press for better workers’…

Amazon workers in 20 countries to protest or strike on Black Friday

#bcunion #bcpoli

Wash, rinse, repeat, indeed! ...or else move to BC! Alberta's mismanagement of private auto insurance has been a disaster for consumers, and added measurably to provincial inflation. From our Centre for Future Work report for @abfedlabour.bsky.social: centreforfuturework.ca/2024/05/18/a....

double rainbow over burrard inlet

#eastvan just now

Thanks Thi. Taken in front of our place a few years ago. Used a light box to expose the foreground.

Lavender in foreground with low very orange clouds in background at sunset in a photo taken in East Vancouver

#eastvan #photography

#bcpoli #bcunion

Soaring cost of living—especially for housing—causes living wages to increase across BC BC Living wage 2024

Living wages across BC are increasing—primarily due to soaring housing costs—highlighting an affordability crisis.

Metro Vancouver’s living wage has risen to $27.05/hour. Whistler is the highest in BC at $28.89/hour & Clayoquot Sound 2nd at 27.42/hour.
www.policynote.ca/livingwage2024

Congrats Josie!

Van Hastings represent! Congrats 👏

... Honourable Grace Lore
Honourable Bowinn Ma
Honourable Sheila Malcolmson
Honourable Lana Popham
Honourable Jennifer Whiteside
MLAs: George Anderson, Paul Choi, Steve Morissette 2/2 #bcpoli www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/...

Membership of BC cabinet committees are starting to be posted including Treasury Board. TB members are: Honourable Brenda Bailey (Chair)
Honourable Niki Sharma (Vice-Chair)
Honourable Spencer Chandra Herbert
Honourable George Chow
Honourable Mike Farnworth ... #1/2 bcpoli

...Strong health infrastructure program. Reversal of BC Lib privatization laws & policies that had marginalized so many HCWs. Looking forward to what he'll accomplish in Energy and Climate Solutions. 2/2 #bcpoli

Huge gratitude for Adrian Dix's long service as health minister as he moves to a new cabinet portfolio. Strong leadership through COVID. Innovative BC programs to deal with nation-wide HCW shortage... 1/2 #bcpoli