Keep an eye on this. Lest you mistake my intent, I have never said we need to exclusively focus on attracting foreign investment. I think that is a key component but my real focus in on attracting our share of…
Continue ReadingGood news for government on industrial R&D expenditures
The latest data on industrial R&D is out and New Brunswick’s amount increased to $76 million compared to $62 million last year. Since 1999, total industrial R&D spending has doubled – the best growth rate in Atlantic Canada. But there…
Continue ReadingKeep the faith (once we get it)
Just a quick reminder, fundamental economic change takes a time. But you have to start at some point. Time Magazine cover of July 12, 1963, following the State visit of US President John F. Kennedy to Ireland – – Sean…
Continue ReadingLabour shortages – cause and effect
The government loves to talk about the ‘lowest unemployment rate in 30 years’ and beam from ear to ear about how this proves the success of their economic program. The reality is that the mix of high out-migration, seasonal employment,…
Continue ReadingHere’s an interesting story in the Edmonton Journal called: Tories get Liberal on contracts You can imagine the story without reading it. However, for your edification here are a few quotes and my comments (as usual): Stephen Harper and Tom…
Continue ReadingLearning from Boise, Idaho
Couple of things interesting in this article: The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce raised $5 million from local businesses to recruit industry to that city. Now, the implications of this are fairly obvious. Boise has a population of 190,117 people…
Continue ReadingTough times for small biz in NB
I have been researching lately a few trends among SMEs in Canada and actually was quite shocked to uncover a few facts which will undoubtedly not make in into the public discourse during the election in New Brunswick but which…
Continue ReadingWhat is government for?
I have been asking myself this question off and on for a number of years now. Take that whole Digby-Saint John ferry situation. The reality is I don’t want to debate that specific situation because I just don’t know enough…
Continue ReadingSick, lazy or both?
Right off the bat, I am not included to blame the government for this statistic but I do find it curious. Since 1999, the absenteeism rate in New Brunswick has ballooned from 5.6% in 1999 to 8.5% in 2005. That’s…
Continue ReadingAl Hogan must drive an SUV
Al’s We Say actually mentions Premier Lord and makes one of its famous threats – only directed at the Tories. This is a rarity folks. Better mint your copy. He’s talking about the what amounts to about 14.5 cents a…
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