Robin Hood Tax

Alternative Federal Budget plan tackles Canadians' real concerns.

"We work on behalf of our members to promote and protect their rights in the workplace but our social justice work ensures that all boats rise together - union and non-union, here in Canada and around the world."

U.S. campaigners for Robin Hood Tax are calling on Jack Lew, the next Treasury Secretary, to implement a tax on Wall Street. 

National Union wants Harper government to join with its European counterparts in implementing an FTT.

"It is a milestone for EU tax policy, as it paves the way for more ambitious member states to progress on a tax file, even when unanimity could not be achieved," said Algirdas Semeta, the european commissioner for tax.

Eleven EU countries received overwhelming support to pursue introduction of Financial Transactions Tax.  The countries involved account for 90 per cent of the Eurozone's Gross Domestic Product.

"People know that when economic injustice and inequality exist, our families and our communities suffer. Economic well being is a human right that must be protected." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

This years World Health Organization theme for World Aids Day, December 1, Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS Related Deaths is ambitious but achievable says the National Union.

Over 1,000 people take to the street to speak out for fair taxes everywhere at Public Services International.  

While previously a holdout on a Financial Transactions Tax the new coalition government of the Netherlands will join the EU initiative.

How do we fund quality public services in the future? Who should benefit and who will have to pay? These were the topics of Peter Waldorff's speech at the “Education in Crisis” seminar in Brussels.

Details still need to be worked out but 11 EU finance ministers agree to impose tax as part of measures needed to curb risky speculative trading practices.

“This tiny tax on Wall Street will make our economy more stable and more fair. The U.S. once had a Robin Hood Tax and we were better off for it, it’s time to bring it back.” Liz Ryan Murray,  National People's Action.

In this funny German video a reluctant banker tries to avoid the inevitable.  

“There are many ongoing discussions on very promising sources of funds, like a financial transaction tax, which is also called the Robin Hood Tax,” Karen Orenstein, Friends of the Earth.

France the first country in the European Union to introduce a Robin Hood Tax on financial transactions. 

Thousands of people living with HIV, HIV/AIDS organizations, unions, student groups, faith communities and other activists mobilize to fight AIDS and for economic justice!

Supporters of Robin Hood Tax see move as an important step forward for the proposal.

Global poll shows 63 per cent support financial transactions tax (Robin Hood Tax) with support highest in France, Germany, U.K., Canada and the U.S.

Robin Hood and his merry activists take to streets across from Parliament Building in support of the Robin Hood Tax. UPDATED

Activists in over 30 countries pile pressure on Governments to back a Robin Hood Tax, as leaders discuss FTT at European Summit

Modern day Robin Hoods disrupt traffic in financial district chanting "Tax Wall Street and End AIDS". 

The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery. 

With Italy, France and Germany already in support, the UK is now the only centre-right Government amongst Europe's five biggest economies not to back the tax.

Advocates see progress during meeting as number of countries backing the Robin Hood Tax continues to grow.  Canadians see need for more pressure on Harper government to join.

The 99% and the 0.001% agree on something.  Will Harper government continue to oppose?

Respondents in half of 99 countries surveyed say they do not have confidence in their national governments.

The lawmakers proposal follows a similar measure being discussed by the European Union (EU).

The Harper government's opposition to the Robin Hood Tax draws criticism from Canada's Occupy movement.

"Such a taxation would be very useful to promote global and sustainable development according to principles of social justice and solidarity". 

"Our organizations say NO to this agreement, which has been negotiated for the sole benefit of transnational corporations at the expense of people's rights and of the protection of the environment," says the declaration.

"Let's send them a clear message: We want you to slow down some of that $1.3 trillion easy money that's sloshing around the global casino each day - enough cash to fund every social program and environmental initiative in the world." 

National President James Clancy joined protesters in Ottawa to show solidarity and provide support. NUPGE activists share some of their photos from the weekend.

“The Harper government is not speaking on behalf of most Canadians on this issue." - James Clancy, National President, NUPGE

International watchdog points to extremely low tax rates on businesses, low regulation of resource industries and support for tax havens in the Caribbean.

“It is time for the financial sector to make a contribution back to society,” - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

While the Harper government has rejected the proposal in the past it is hoped that their position will change as a result of the growing international support.

Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) campaigners welcome support but emphasize that the revenues should be used to tackle poverty and climate change.

$605 trillion of derivatives speculation in 2010 – it’s time the finance markets paid their way in global economy, says international union body.

The resolution sets a clear direction for upcoming G20 meetings in France over which Nikolas Sarkozy, will be acting as President.

Pamphlet urges Canadians to be a “part of Robin Hood’s merry band in our own story of tax fairness.”

Members of European Parliament vote in favour of Robin Hood Tax but Canada’s Finance Minister Jim Flaherty continues to oppose its introduction.

National Union supports campaign focusing on upcoming G8 and G20 meetings in France.

The National Union's support of the measure offers the French president a counterpoint to the opposition expressed by the Harper government.

NUPGE president James Clancy says Canada has "an excellent opportunity" to help build a stronger, more equitable and just global financial system.

Small levy on international currency transactions would generate an estimated $35 billion annually.

'We need a real hands-on approach to banking supervision and to excessive bankers' pay, and to shielding commercial and retail banking from irresponsible shadow banking and speculation.' - ITUC.

Britain's David Cameron tells Harper that the UK and 'many other countries' will oppose Canada's decision to support big banks and international financial institutions.

James Clancy says political pressure is needed to reverse Stephen Harper's decision to oppose a global tax on banks and support instead wealthy bankers and foreign financial institutions.

Thousands expected to raise their voices for a Financial Transactions Tax both in the streets and online.

"Frankly, I am not entirely surprised that the Harper government would choose the banks over social services, the poor and the environment," said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

NUPGE president James Clancy says Canada should support and advance the idea of a global tax on financial institutions at G8 and G20 meetings at Huntsville in June.

Enthusiasm from Europe spreads to Canada in advance of G20 meetings planned for Toronto in June.

"This is an idea that NUPGE has supported for a long, long time." - NUPGE president James Clancy.

British-based campaign says a charge of just 1/20th of 1% on financial transactions not involving the public would raise an estimated £250 billion ($400 billion Cdn) a year.