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…
Continue ReadingNot the brand we want
Funny thing about little things. They can have big consequences. Checking my email alerts this morning I was inundated with articles from far and wide exclaiming “Southwestern Resources stops shale gas tests, citing safety concerns”. This story was picked up…
Continue ReadingFireside chat: Shale gas
FDR used to use his fireside chats to try and explain to people the big changes he was making to the way their government worked. They were supposed to be a comfortable, relaxing time where the President came into your…
Continue ReadingThe Gasland effect
I thought the movie Gasland was a straight up Michael Moore moment. A guy investigates shale gas development – takes a very narrow and one-sided view – and ends up likely becoming a millionaire on the profits. The truth is…
Continue ReadingEducation and economic development
I have stated before that I am a bit skeptical of the trickle down (up?) theory of education – pour more and more money into the post-secondary education system and some of that will eventually spill over into broader economic…
Continue ReadingHas economic stimulus failed?
To be honest with you I don’t even like this conversation because people interpret my views as ‘left wing’ or some other ideological overlay. My personal views on politics and economics run quite conservative. I think government should stick primarily…
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