In recent days I have stated two key issues related to economic development: 1) Don’t rely on government jobs to drive growth (this in response to the fact that something like 40% of the net new jobs in New Brunswick…
Continue ReadingHomestead Act – Redux
I just read a very interesting story in the Toronto Star (sorry requires a password so no link here). Here’s an excerpt: South of the Canada-American border, there is serious talk about a “New Homestead Act” that would sell houses…
Continue ReadingHead in the sand economic development
I continue to be disturbed by the message coming out of the province when it comes to attracting business investment to New Brunswick. A recent Telegraph-Journal article made the following statement: In a letter to the editor published last month…
Continue ReadingReaching our ‘potential’
Stephen Harper was coy on his ‘plans’ for Atlantic Canada other than a few specifics around the military and not trashing ACOA. He did mention on numerous ocassions that the federal government needs to help Atl. Can reach its ‘full…
Continue ReadingA final pre-election comment
Like most of my colleagues, I went into this election cycle a little curious. I never did buy the notion that the Conservative’s approach to regional development would involve sucking every talented resource out to Fort McMurray, consolidating three governments…
Continue ReadingDownloading without the funding
A common complaint at the provincial government level and at the municipal level is that their big buddies at the higher level of government like to download services without proper funding. Well, we are now seeing this in a fashion…
Continue ReadingState support ‘crucial’ to compete on world stage
The issue of subsidies – of any form – to industry continues to be a controversial activity (except for agriculture where the majority of Canadians seem to be highly supportive). In fact, I am even opposed to subsidization of bad…
Continue ReadingQuebec keen to attract Indian investments
I have been saying in this blog that New Brunswick needs to harness the growth of India’s outsourcing market by becoming a ‘nearshore’ partner with Indian firms. I have said that we should be attracting India’s top firms to establish…
Continue ReadingDispatches from the road: Quebec City
I’m in Quebec to see a client. First point. Don’t always trust MapQuest.com. I downloaded directions and ended up on the other side of the city from my hotel. Second point. Who is Gilles Duceppe? Driving through Quebec in riding…
Continue ReadingElection race tightens
For those obsessed with polls, it seems the trend in this federal election is mirroring last year – with the exception that it started a little late. The new Leger poll puts the Tories up by 9%. The Strategic Counsel…
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