A Think Tank That Supports Labour

As a general rule, 'think tanks' have a bad reputation among unionists. That's because the vast majority of 'think tanks', including the well known Fraser Institute, very obviously lean very far to the right of the political spectrum. They may not be classed as a business organization, but it's clearly the viewpoint of business that their reports consistently represent.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) is 'think tank' with a difference. It too is an 'independent' organizations, but the ideas it comes up with - the reports they prepare - almost invariably meet with the approval of labour activists.

One of the CCPA's regular researchers/report writers, Errol Black, a professor at Brandon University and long time activist, gave a presentation to the MFL Convention on October 4. He told delegates that although the CCPA puts out reports on a wide range of issues, there have been 42 reports prepared since 2002 related directly to labour.

Black said that like many organizations, one of the bigger challenges that the CCPA faces is financial. The MFL and many unions make regular contributions to the CCPA. He called on individual union members and activists to also help out.

He said the CCPA welcomes help from individual union members, either by direct monetary contributions - or by attending the fund-raising events the CCPA holds on a regular basis. He specifically mentioned an event in Winnipeg on November 6 at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. The event features actor and comedian Mary Walsh. The event is being chaired by Paul Moist, CUPE National President. More information and tickets can be obtained by calling 927-3208.

A number of convention delegates came to the floor microphones to add to their voices to the idea of supporting the CCPA in every way possible. Outgoing president Darlene Dziewit urged people to make CCPA contributions something they do annually - not just a one time thing.