| Chris Stephen NDP Candidate Bio |
Chris Stephen -- Labour activist, award-winning coach, champion of progressive populism
Chris Stephen grew up in Chesley and is dedicated to the Grey-Bruce area. Before he was employed by the municipality of Arran-Elderslie, he worked at the Tri-County Cattle Company (now Maple Hills Sales) where he learned of the challenges farmers face in keeping their operations going. Chris is the 2018-19 Hockey Coach of the Year for his municipality. He is also the Vice President of CUPE Local 255 where he works to better relations between management and workers. His wife, Amy, is also rooted in the area. She teaches in Desboro and is a percussionist with the Southampton Concert Band. She is a Labour Council rep and assists Chris with his hockey coaching.
Why is Chris an NDP member?
“The NDP is the only party that seems to care about blue collar people. Too often we are told by political elites what is good for us, but they don’t really know the struggles of the families they represent.”
Why is he running for Parliament?
“I think it's time for regular people to step up and change the face of the political landscape. I am a blue-collar person and it's time for blue-collar candidates to start to come to the forefront across the country.“
What does he stand for?
“The game is rigged. I know this. You know this. Your wages, since 1990, have increased by exactly zero. Less than zero actually, if you’re losing your battle with inflation. Folks working for minimum wage have to borrow from pay-day loan companies to pay for housing or heat or food. Meanwhile the top 1% of us are doing OK – since 1990, their earnings have increased by 500-fold.
“Where’s Robin Hood when you need him?
“How does 5% of the population of Canada manage to horde nearly 50% of the wealth? Mostly by owning or running corporations that extract oil or minerals or trees, or corporations who manufacture things using oil or minerals or trees. Or by owning or running companies that help corporations to do those things. Well, that’s how our economy works and it’s not going to change anytime soon.
(over page …)
“Problem is, all wealth, in whatever form, comes from the earth. But the earth’s resources are finite, and she’s telling us we’re doing more harm than good.
“And the cost to Canadians – of poor paying jobs and a climate in crisis – is too high.
“Here’s what I like about the NDP. It’s the only party that understands the link between the climate crisis and inequality and has the policies and grit to deal with both.
“I will commit to a new deal for working families now and to a safer environment for our children in the future by fighting to …
“If we put a price on emissions and invest in a new, green economy we could reduce green house emissions and create more, better paying jobs. If we closed corporate tax loopholes and tax havens and ended fossil fuel subsidies, we could afford a more equitable society and make a dent in the deficit.
“And speaking of deficits, did you know that NDP governments are the best at living within their means?”
Why is Chris an NDP member?
“The NDP is the only party that seems to care about blue collar people. Too often we are told by political elites what is good for us, but they don’t really know the struggles of the families they represent.”
Why is he running for Parliament?
“I think it's time for regular people to step up and change the face of the political landscape. I am a blue-collar person and it's time for blue-collar candidates to start to come to the forefront across the country.“
What does he stand for?
“The game is rigged. I know this. You know this. Your wages, since 1990, have increased by exactly zero. Less than zero actually, if you’re losing your battle with inflation. Folks working for minimum wage have to borrow from pay-day loan companies to pay for housing or heat or food. Meanwhile the top 1% of us are doing OK – since 1990, their earnings have increased by 500-fold.
“Where’s Robin Hood when you need him?
“How does 5% of the population of Canada manage to horde nearly 50% of the wealth? Mostly by owning or running corporations that extract oil or minerals or trees, or corporations who manufacture things using oil or minerals or trees. Or by owning or running companies that help corporations to do those things. Well, that’s how our economy works and it’s not going to change anytime soon.
(over page …)
“Problem is, all wealth, in whatever form, comes from the earth. But the earth’s resources are finite, and she’s telling us we’re doing more harm than good.
“And the cost to Canadians – of poor paying jobs and a climate in crisis – is too high.
“Here’s what I like about the NDP. It’s the only party that understands the link between the climate crisis and inequality and has the policies and grit to deal with both.
“I will commit to a new deal for working families now and to a safer environment for our children in the future by fighting to …
- Raise taxes on profitable corporations (not small businesses) to restore balance to the tax system. Historically, the private sector has paid more tax than individuals. Now it’s Canadian families who pay more. In 1960, the basic tax rate on corporate income was 50%. Now it’s 15%.
- Insist corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. Plugging tax loopholes would give us the money we need to set up professional, affordable childcare and pharmacare programs.
- End subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. According to a study by the International Monetary Fund, all federal and provincial subsidies to the oil and gas industry total over $20 billion. The NDP would end the $3.3 billion the federal government pays in direct subsidies and invest it in growing the green economy.
- Make it easier for workers to organize in their own workplaces. Union membership, especially in the private sector has dropped dramatically over the past 40 years. Economists estimate this ‘de-unionization’ accounts for 20% of the inequality in wealth we are experiencing today.
- Spur an innovative, green economy by putting a price on carbon that will pressure companies to lower their emissions, and provide revenue to grow green industries, especially in rural areas where jobs are desperately needed.
“If we put a price on emissions and invest in a new, green economy we could reduce green house emissions and create more, better paying jobs. If we closed corporate tax loopholes and tax havens and ended fossil fuel subsidies, we could afford a more equitable society and make a dent in the deficit.
“And speaking of deficits, did you know that NDP governments are the best at living within their means?”
Percent of balanced budgets while in government (Source: Finance Canada)
