I had the pleasure of attending the Atlantic Ballet season kickoff and gala last night. It was an impressive affair. Every time I am sitting the Capitol Theatre watching the ballet I think back to the 1970s when people watched…
Continue ReadingWhy self-sufficiency matters
We have talked a lot here about the future of the Equalization system and transfer payments in general. There is a growing consensus, I believe, that federal transfers to New Brunswick and other Maritime Provinces are going to begin to…
Continue ReadingIs the broadband economy open to everyone?
According to the T&T, yes. Again, we have a case of yes, but no. I remember Jean Cretien back in the mid 1990s talking about how the new ‘information highway’ would level the playing field for urban and rural Canada…
Continue ReadingA gaseous affair
I don’t know if you have been following the natural gas issue in New Brunswick but it is approaching the level of bizarro world. The CEO of Flakeboard writes and op/ed stating he pays 10 times the gas distribution costs…
Continue ReadingFatKat forensic review
The Miramichi Leader has been milking the FatKat story for weeks and now is launching an eight part series to stretch out their recent investment in a Right to Information Act request. Of course, we know about the ongoing troubles…
Continue ReadingOff the road, again
I have participated in four panel/round table discussions in the past few weeks. I like getting out there and meeting folks and discussing economic development. We don’t always agree – in fact there can be sharp disagreement – but for…
Continue ReadingNova Scotia’s biggest challenge
Coming back from Cape Breton yesterday I was reminded of my belief that Nova Scotia’s biggest challenge over the medium to long term is the lack of urban nodes around the province. I just don’t see how the province will…
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