Canada West Forum Society invites you to an engaging conversation about the important issue of widening wealth inequality. The wealth inequality gap has been expanding for decades, leaving more and more Canadians struggling to make ends meet.

This is not an accident, but the consequence of an imposed economic system that creates winners and losers.

In this forum, we will explore:

• the history of wealth inequality and why it has occurred,
• the consequences of wealth inequality,
• how some wealthy individuals are advocating for a fairer tax code that results in themselves being taxed more,
• what a fairer tax code might look like,
• solutions that result in a more equitable distribution of wealth,
• barriers to distributing wealth more equitably,
• attempt to answer the question, “Why do governments not default to a more equitable distribution of wealth?”

Panelists:

Moderator: Pat McCutcheon

Pat is a retired professional engineer. He ran in the 2024 provincial election as a BC Green Party candidate. Pat is a strong advocate on several issues, including wealth inequality, climate change, healthcare, education, renewable energy and the toxic drug crisis.

Economist: Alex Hemingway, Senior Economist – BC Policy Solutions

Alex’s research focuses on public finances, housing, inequality, taxation policy and tax fairness, public services and democratic innovation in BC and Canada. He came to BC Policy Solutions after working at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – BC Office since 2016.

Economist: Silas Xuereb, Canadians for Tax Fairness

Silas is an economist and policy analyst with years of experience in academia and working with non-profit organizations. He’s passionate about conducting rigorous research to understand social and economic inequalities in support of actors working to alleviate them.

Board Member: Emma Davis, Patriotic Millionaires Canada

Emma has spent her career working in non-profit administration and the arts. Her household wealth began to change dramatically when her husband sold his software start-up. Now, she is finding ways to use her privilege to ensure a more equitable and sustainable society.

Date: Wednesday, February 4th
Time: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm PST
Location: ZOOM

Check the Canada West Forum website in the first few days of February for a link to the forum on Zoom.

Everyone is welcome and there is no cost, but you can join Canada West Forum and participate in organizing future forums. Follow this LINK to join our nonprofit society. The cost is a mere $10, but please contribute more if you are able.