Jon Milton, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Canada’s private sector workers need labour law reform

1 week ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Nathaniel Denaro

For private sector unions, the overarching trend of the last forty years has been one of decline. The rise of neoliberalism during the 1980s ushered in a wave of deindustrialisation and the offshoring of jobs in industries with high levels of union density. Nationally, this translated into a nine per cent decline in membership, from 37.6 per cent in 1981 to 28.7 per cent in 2022.
King Charles’ speech from the throne is a harbinger of a rightward shift

1 week ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Trish Hennessy |David Macdonald |Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood

For the first time since 1977, and the third time ever, the monarch of the British empire appeared before Canada’s parliament to read the speech from the throne to open a parliamentary session. King Charles’ words were, for the most part, written by officials in the newly elected Canadian government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney—and, as with all speeches from the throne, outline the government’s priorities for the coming parliament. Much of the content of the speech, then, was not surprising.
Joint letters won’t stop a genocide. An arms embargo and sanctions on Israel could.

2 weeks ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton

It seems like possibly, maybe, the countries of the world could be finally willing to consider putting some real pressure on Israel to stop its genocide in Gaza.
Where do Indigenous nations fit in renewed Canadian nationalism?

2 weeks ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Sondos Kataite

Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum follow a similar playbook as those he first imposed in 2018. What’s different this time around? The deeper fear they’ve reignited: not just economic hardship, but the threat of U.S. domination.
Canada has a disinformation problem—and the tools to fix it - CCPA

1 month ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Sondos Kataite

Canadians are increasingly aware of the corrosive effects of disinformation on democratic institutions. The spread of disinformation has catalyzed support for fringe movements and undermined trust in the democratic process. The Canadian government has recognized the detrimental effects of disinformation on Canadian politics and democracy. Other countries have taken decisive steps to tackle disinformation.
Why aren’t political parties talking about the rise in hate in Canada?

1 month ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton

As election day approaches, the campaign trail has been dominated by heated debates over tariffs, trade wars, housing affordability, defence spending and other issues in response to escalating tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Organizers are pushing to “Vote Palestine” in Canada’s federal election

1 month ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Changiz M. Varzi

Since Prime Minister Mark Carney dissolved Parliament and called a snap election, party leaders have focused their campaigns on economic issues, including the U.S. tariff war and tax cuts—but that’s not the only issue on the agenda. Activists and human rights organizations across Canada have formed the Vote Palestine campaign, and are pushing candidates to take a stand on Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has claimed at least 51,000 lives.
Election debates are this week—here’s what leaders should be talking about - CCPA

1 month ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton

When the party leaders face off in the Radio-Canada building in Montreal on Wednesday for a French language debate—and then on Thursday in English—it will be the first time that they outline their programs in the presence of one another. They will be trying to woo the public and come across as the right person for the job—in particular, the job of staring down an increasingly belligerent United States, led by Donald Trump.
How to vote in Canada now that you are a citizen

2 months ago | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Jialin Zheng

It’s election time in Canada, and citizens of this country—both those born into citizenship and those who have gained it—are getting ready to vote. If you are a new citizen, then that means you!First of all, congratulations on becoming a Canadian. The right to vote is undoubtedly one of the most important rights that come with your newly obtained citizenship. With the looming federal election, you might have some questions about how to vote for the first time—and you are not alone.
If Canada wants greater independence from the U.S., it should open its borders

Feb 28, 2025 | policyalternatives.ca | Jon Milton |Changiz M. Varzi

Donald Trump had barely settled into the White House when his victory sent a wave of anxiety through Canadian politicians, business leaders, and citizens. Concerns quickly emerged about a potential trade war between the two North American neighbors and a surge in immigration. How will stricter US immigration policies impact Canada?