I am crossing my fingers that the new government will finally understand the critical importance for New Brunswick to take a very serious cluster-based approach to economic development. In the past, we have not done this – I challenge you…
Continue ReadingRandom thought on gas taxes
I have an interesting point on gas taxes – more specifically on the relationship between gas taxes and fuel efficiency. Gas (for cars) is about 60% more expensive than in Canada (per liter converted to Canadian dollars). Over a two…
Continue ReadingBack in the saddle
Just back from an eight day vacation in Spain. After six months or so of heavy lifting, it was good to get away. I come back to a few hundred emails and a backlog of project work – but that’s…
Continue ReadingShould seniors work more?
In my column today, I mention the potential of raising the retirement age in New Brunswick. According to the data (I only have 2006 figures which are getting a little stale), New Brunswick only has slightly fewer people aged 55-64…
Continue ReadingDispatches from the road: Barcelona
My wife and I decided to spend a few days in Spain. I’ve been working like a dog for about six months or so and we needed a little break. When we arrived, there was a general strike – so…
Continue ReadingTo the victor go the spoileds: Part 2
In the spirit of consistency I’ll say today what I said after Graham defeated Lord in 2006. Congratulations to the victor and I’ll thank Shawn Graham for his service to New Brunswick (and other losing candidates last night). Politics is…
Continue ReadingKrugman vs. Brooks
I real the editorial page of the New York Times just about every day. I am fascinated by the battle that plays out each week between the Nobel prize winning economist Paul Krugman and his nemesis David Brooks. Krugman is…
Continue ReadingMad men (and Women)
I had a long chat with a guy a couple of days ago who thinks this election cycle was the most acrimonious he had ever seen. I am not sure about that – I think we tend to forget the…
Continue ReadingChickens going down the road to roost
I have reported on these pages over the years about studies from Calgary and Ottawa-based think tanks arguing that the solution to Canada’s problems is more labour mobility. There was one study out of Ottawa that went further and recommended…
Continue ReadingMessage amplitude
This election cycle, there has been a lot of articles, commentaries, op/ed pieces, etc. about the complex fiscal, demographic and economic challenges facing New Brunswick. Even my stuff has been increasingly shrill (cough, cough). The problem is that it is…
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