I was surprised to read in the NY Times that 47 percent of Americans don’t pay federal income tax. I checked the Canadian data and 37 percent of Canadians with income don’t pay federal income tax here. The argument…
Continue ReadingAlgae biomass production in New Brunswick
I came across this while doing some research this morning. This is U.S. firm is working with someone in New Brunswick to establish “our first integrated commercial scale open-ocean algae biomass production operation.” HDS International Corp. (OTCQB: HDSI), a provider…
Continue ReadingThe new normal in labour markets
It seems economists are befuddled as to why we can have high unemployment and rising wages. This doesn’t fit the standard models – weak labour markets = less upward pressure on wages. What amazes me is that we can…
Continue ReadingA more focused approach to mining and economic development in NS
I like the wording of the mining section of the new Nova Scotia strategy: Mineral exploration Exploration is an important part of the mining cycle and is necessary for a sustainable mining sector. Nova Scotia competes with other places in Canada…
Continue ReadingNewpage loss could put up power rates for other customers
Ah that old contribution margin sneaking up on NS Power the way it did for NB Power. I noticed the following tweet from a CBC reporter yesterday: Witherscbc Paul Withers: NS Power and stakeholders consider the future of power rates…
Continue ReadingSmall biz tax credits, yes but…
PEI has become the latest jurisdiction to offer a tax credit for investing in small businesses. The Community Economic Development Business program (CEDB) offers Islanders a new method to invest in the economic development of their own communities, Sheridan said. Through…
Continue ReadingCould NB become an energy warehouse?
Here is another way to allow to possibly wind energy optimization. Last fall, Rubenius purchased 346 acres (140 hectares) at the Silicon Border development near Mexicali in Baja California, Mexico, for the installation of a large utility-scale energy storage operation. Rubenius…
Continue ReadingIs there ever a middle ground between environment and economy?
It’s not every day that environmental activists and economic development advocates enter into a win/lose battle as it seems to be the case with shale gas gas. If you consider other natural resources – forests, agriculture, fish, even other minerals…
Continue ReadingNB public pension monies making great returns – outside NB
It’s nice to see the retirement funds for New Brunswick’s public service teachers and judges doing so well. They’ve got over $100 million invested with Ontario government paper, millions invested in Verizon, Wells Fargo, Citibank – $30 million worth of…
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