From the TJ: A revised estimate of New Brunswick’s population has shown there are about 4,600 fewer people than originally believed living in the province. Statistics Canada initially reported New Brunswick’s population was 751,250 in January 2008, but the new…
Continue ReadingA bad example
I was in the economic development system when the province lured those two textile mills to Northern New Brunswick. $76 million provincial money into those projects and they are essentially dead. Funny how these things go. For $150 million, there…
Continue ReadingGroan
I like Premier Graham – I really do. He seems sincere and dedicated and somewhat keen. However, I let out a huge sigh this morning when I read this headline in the DG: The road to prosperity is paved with…
Continue ReadingAtl. Canada as Bush hating collateral damage
I had a chat yesterday with one of my left-leaning friends and he starting going on about the exciting election of Barack Obama and how it means a whole new day for Canada-U.S. relations. He said he could see a…
Continue ReadingGetting beyond the spin
In my column this morning in the TJ I basically conclude that it is unrealistic to expect that politicians (and increasingly bureaucrats) will tell the whole picture when it comes to the economic, social and environmental situation in the province. …
Continue ReadingBeing smarter with smaller airports
I always thought this was the way to go with smaller airports – and by smaller I am talking about all of NB’s airports right now: Flights between Portland and Nova Scotia will start next month, courtesy of Starlink Aviation.…
Continue ReadingCities want investment
Go get ’em Dempsey. Wonder if NB had a rep at this meeting? Canada’s large cities want foreign investment and trade OTTAWA – Economic development executives from large Canadian cities are meeting in Ottawa today to work together with federal…
Continue ReadingAliant cutting 500 jobs
I guess continued downsizing at Aliant is somewhat inevitable because of increasing competition and the fact that decisions are made further and further from the region. It doesn’t look like any of the senior management there were original NBTelers –…
Continue ReadingIn defence of creativity
As you know, I have some concerns with Richard Florida’s conclusions and the fact that many policy makers have leaped to the conclusio that investing in arts and culture will lead to an economic boom. I think that is false…
Continue ReadingThe media circus
I can’t remember a time when the media has been in such a frenzy aided and abetted by economists and politicians. I don’t have much to say about the dire forecasts – I am not an economist – but all…
Continue Reading