I hope the Times & Transcript does not set economic development policy. Read this editorial. The T&T rightly positions Saint John as the Energy Hub and says “Smaller cities are adjusting away from a resources-based cyclical economy into manufacturing —…
Continue ReadingHollowing out the federal government
This op/ed piece by Deborah Coyne (she ran as a Liberal candidate in the 2006 federal election) is interesting. Her premise is that the federal government is slowing waning and he would like to see this trend reverse itself. But…
Continue ReadingFat and lazy
I met an interesting chap last night at a BBQ for the IT industry here in Moncton. I forget his name but he has done very well for himself investing in early stage technology companies. Anyway, we were chatting about…
Continue ReadingRenewable energy? An economic development panacea?
This guy wants Nova Scotia to attract a “major wind-turbine manufacturer” as part of making the province a leader in the renewable energy economy. Where was this thinking a decade ago or even 5-6 years ago when attracting such a…
Continue ReadingOn to NB Inc.
A pile of interesting articles today in local newspapers. Don’t forget to subscribe to my Twitter feed as I am now posting these articles as a quick way to get access (Twitter: Jupia). Peter Lindfield proffers a few ideas on…
Continue ReadingCash vs. Tax Incentives
It’s funny what people focus on when a report gets released. I have had several conversations in the past few days with economic development types about my recommendation that the government look at tax-based incentives to stimulate development in New…
Continue ReadingY Combinator
I just heard one of the founders of this Y Combinator group. They have an interesting model where they bring in 20 or 30 IT types per year with good ideas and incubate them – its part angel capital, part…
Continue ReadingStimulation
The New Brunswick government was estatic this month when it was reported that the province would lead the country in GDP growth this year with a 0.9% increase. The latest labour force survey shows the government is a key factor…
Continue ReadingGetting beyond the margin
It’s a slow news day so I’ll serve up a comment on Ignatieff’s Blood and Belonging which I started reading a few weeks ago. In the section on Quebec nationalism, Ignatieff defines what he considers to be the three big…
Continue ReadingShermer, Illinois mattered
Ever felt like you were just bolo punched? I was cooking supper when I heard that John Hughes just passed away. I had this overwhelming sensation of sadness. I can”t explain it but I have always hoped that Hughes would…
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