I just got back from a session on the Intelligent Communities Forum. The founder, Robert Bell, gave a little talk and made some very good points. He said the only real objective of a city must be to provide a…
Continue ReadingNorthern NB needs new model
I hope that the TJ is wrong in its characterization of the new Northern New Brunswick economic development fund. The new fund will replace three existing funds – the Restigouche-Chaleur Economic Development Fund, the Acadian Peninsula Economic Development Fund and…
Continue ReadingCanada to open six new trade offices in China
I see that Canada is opening up six new trade offices in China. I guess if you are from New Brunswick (and the Maritimes) you could see this one of two ways. If you are a pessimist you will wonder…
Continue ReadingTechnology-based economic development
Think of this as PropelICT on a massive amount of steroids. Or better yet, PropelICT, the NBIF and the folks doing ICT development at BNB all rolled into one. Maybe something like NSBI but just for the technology-based industries. The…
Continue ReadingMusing on wages
One of the most complicated issues in economic development – believe it or not – is the issue of wage rates. Specifically, I am talking about the effort to try and foster business investment at a relatively high wage rate. …
Continue ReadingThe swarm of workers is coming – watch out
Everyone has Maclean’s disease these days – I guess that should make Andrew Coyne happy. The Globe & Mail has a story this morning entitled “Job Seekers Swarming to Atlantic Canada” even as it reports there is still a net out-flow…
Continue ReadingOn the scarcity mindset
Just to follow up on that last post I want to make clarification. I believe that in general when it comes to economic development in Atlantic Canada there seems to be scarcity mindset. I have blogged on this before. What…
Continue ReadingPicking at old scabs
One of the first things I remember when I moved to Moncton to work for the Greater Moncton Economic Commission was a long talk I had about the ‘rivalry’ between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the area of economic…
Continue ReadingLockheed Martin is expanding in Nova Scotia
Lockheed Martin is expanding in Nova Scotia. Lockheed Martin Canada plans to create up to 100 new jobs within the next five years. The province, through Nova Scotia Business Inc., is supporting the company’s growth with a payroll rebate to…
Continue ReadingTerms of (dis)Union
Memorial University is putting on a forum entitled: Terms of (dis)Union – Confederation 60 Years On. I heard George Baker and two former NL Premiers on The Current this morning debating NL inside Confederation. Whenever this discussion comes up, the…
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