The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

Progressive Dialogue and Policy for a Better Canada

Top 10 Progressive Events of 2015

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December 31, 2015

Top 10 Progressive Events of 2015

By Andrew Cardozo

TOP 10 PROGRESSIVE EVENTS OF 2015
(if not THE top, they are 10 very impressive progressive events!!)

1. The election of Justin Trudeau and the Liberals in October, defeating the increasingly conservative Stephen Harper, with a series of progressive promises, the undoing of a lot of neo-Conservative policies and laws and the first federal cabinet with gender parity.

2. The election of Rachel Notley and the NDP in Alberta in May, bringing to an end over 35 years of Progressive Conservative government.

3. The election of Dwight Ball and the Liberals in Newfoundland and Labrador, defeating the last Progressive Conservative provincial government in the country.

4. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission issues its report and Prime Minister Trudeau commits to implement all its 94 recommendations.

5. Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduces the motion to implement middle-class tax cuts promised by the Liberals in the campaign.

6. Canadians sponsor refuges: Immigration minister John McCallum and Health Minister Jane Philpott lead a massive national initiative to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada. The real story is how grassroots and church groups, ordinary Canadians, with provincial and municipal governments, have taken up the challenge to sponsor refugees.

7. Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains reinstates the long from census, restoring evidence as key to decision-making in Canada.

8. The Paris Agreement on the reduction of climate change signed by 196 countries in December. Canada and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna played a key role. Also noteworthy is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change issues earlier in the year.

9. Viola Davis made history at the 2015 Emmy Awards becoming the first African-American woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her role in How to Get Away With Murder.

10. Election in Burma brings Aung San Suu Kyi to a leadership position in the fall election after years of house arrest under military dictatorship.

Compiled by Andrew Cardozo