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Follow us on TwitterCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) operating agreements with non‑profit housing co‑operatives and rental housing providers have begun to expire across Canada at a rapid rate. These agreements with their related mortgages, entered into under various federal programs between 1970 and 1994, supply housing providers with between 25 and 40 years of annual subsidy money to provide reduced monthly charges to a specified percentage of tenants and members who qualify for support. With the conclusion of these agreements and their related mortgages, housing providers will cease making mortgage payments, but at the same time, they will no longer receive housing subsidy payments — payments that subsidize some 200,000 households in Canada comprising half a million people. While not all subsidized housing providers in Canada get their subsidies through CMHC operating agreements, the potential loss is a big blow to the sector. This, on top of an already serious affordable housing shortage, is cause for concern.
Protecting public debate through anti-SLAPP legislation
August 28th, 2014 by Shelina AliLast week, Greenpeace Canada filed a defence in a claim by Resolute Forest Products Inc. This was the result of a failed motion by Greenpeace to have Resolute’s claim for intentional interference with economic relations dismissed by the Divisional Court of Ontario, together with an order requiring Greenpeace to pay $20,000 in costs. According to Resolute’s claim, Greenpeace widely distributed the Unsustainability Report on Resolute, together with other targeted communications to customers, investors and stakeholders, which harmed Resolute’s business, goodwill and reputation.
In response to the filing of its defence, Greenpeace stated that Resolute benefited from filing its claim in Ontario instead of Quebec where Resolute’s headquarters were located, because Ontario did not have legislation designed to prevent what are referred to as Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Charities and the limits of political action under the Harper government
July 31st, 2014 by Brian IlerEnvironmental Defence. PEN Canada. Amnesty International Canada. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Canada Without Poverty. The David Suzuki Foundation.
What do these organizations have in common — aside from all doing great work?
All are registered charities.
All have been publicly critical of Stephen Harper’s government.
And all are undergoing audits of their political activities by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
What’s this about? Here’s what you need to know.
CoopZone offering co-op development courses
July 28th, 2014 by Lauren BlumasCoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative is a network of people and organizations in the co-op sphere with a common goal of supporting the growth and development of co-operatives across Canada. The Network provides services which can help you to start a co-op or to nurture and grow an existing one. As a member of the CoopZone Legal Network Steering Committee, I can attest to the value of the services and expertise the Network provides. The CoopZone Legal Network and the Developers Network are designed to bring together organizations and experienced professionals to share their knowledge and service co-operative entrepreneurs.
Continue reading “CoopZone offering co-op development courses”
The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court
July 21st, 2014 by Celia ChandlerWe are often called on to give advice about neighbours who behave towards each other in ways that are less than constructive. In previous blogs, we’ve referred to these neighbours as “the unco‑operative co‑oper”. But of course, unneighbourly behaviour goes way beyond the walls of housing co‑ops. Landlords, condo boards, and boards of co‑ownerships are also routinely called upon to monitor behaviour that does not conform to the community standard. Relationships that began cordially enough sometimes become tense over a simple misunderstanding and then left unchecked, tensions blossom into full disputes.
What should housing providers do? Continue reading “The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court”
Brian Iler holds councillor Mammoliti accountable for improper fundraising
July 18th, 2014 by Iler CampbellBrian was recently in the news after his complaint to Toronto’s integrity commissioner resulted in city councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, being docked three months of pay for violating council’s rules on accepting gifts and benefits.
Continue reading “Brian Iler holds councillor Mammoliti accountable for improper fundraising”
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