9 good secure workplace pensions seem increasingly

9. Good, secure workplace pensions seem increasingly out of reach for many Canadians, especially young
workers. What would be the most effective option to ensure all workers (especially young workers) can
rely on some form of retirement income when they reach retirement age? Why would this be effective?

LABR 1260 – Working for a Living – Winter 2020 - Essay Topics
10. The federal government provides for 12 months of parental benefits through the Employment Insurance
(EI) system. They have also recently provided the option for workers to receive the same benefits over 18
months as an alternative. Some people believe the benefits provided are not equally accessible to all
Canadian workers for a variety of reasons, and that the new 18-month option exacerbates this inequity.
By reviewing and assessing these concerns, provide your opinion as to whether these concerns are valid
or not, and why.
11. Many advocates believe Canada requires a universal child-care program, available and accessible to all
parents. Exploring what such a program would mean in Canada for equity in the workplace and broader
society, provide your opinion as to whether Canada should implement a universal child-care system.
12. Large tech companies (like Uber and SkipTheDishes) are fighting to continue treating their workers as
independent contractors, while workers ’ organizations and the labour unions supporting them are trying
to have them classified differently to give them access to employment legislation and the ability to
unionize. Using evidence from the US and/or Canada, explain whether being an “ independent contractor ”
(for positions like couriers, drivers, etc) is a ultimately better or worse for these workers, and why.