I was doing some research on another sector entirely and I came across this study of the economic and employment impact of the natural gas industry in Canada (a 2009 study). I get a little leery of the use of…
Continue ReadingAlward’s economic dilemma
Someone asked me why I am not attacking the Alward government’s job creation record over its first year in office. If you have been reading the blog, you probably know the answer but just in case here is the…
Continue ReadingEconomic development is about your neighbourhood
Once in a while, I will get an email or blog post from an irate reader that is unpostable. As I have said before, I don’t post comments that include overly foul language or nasty personal attacks. Yesterday, my interlocutor…
Continue ReadingStop the misinformation about shale gas
It is interesting how people can talk themselves into just about anything (and I guess I should include myself in that). Someone wrote a letter to the editor worthy of a response: Bad economic development is worse than none Re:…
Continue ReadingIt’s hard to break the grip of EI
I have a long standing debate with a colleague on the role of EI and economic development in New Brunswick. I am not going to get into the meat and potatoes of our debate. Suffice it to say that I…
Continue ReadingBrain drain or a lack of oxygen?
We have talked a lot on these pages about the brain drain from New Brunswick. We talk euphemistically about young people being our top export and there is good data to show a mostly steady net out-migration of young people…
Continue ReadingWhy not shale gas? Part 73
I don’t have any new points to make on this but in light of the protest and media coverage I think it is worth restating that as far as I know there are only three jurisdictions in the world that have banned…
Continue ReadingA ‘F’ or at least a ‘D’ on economic development literacy
I just got done listening to a podcast where a couple of Libertarians were expounding on their positions with a fairly hostile journalist interviewer. One of the segments showed for me just how illiterate most people are about economic…
Continue ReadingEntertainment hub not the right brand
I am happy that U2 is about to rock the hill here in Moncton – although after toying with the idea for weeks, I decided against going. From an economic development perspective, however; I want to reiterate my objection to…
Continue ReadingA mostly accurate depiction of my views on this stuff
This is a good article outlining Susan Holt – the Fredericton Chamber and soon to be Biz Council CEO – and my views on economic development. The piece reflecting my comments is mostly clear and accurate although I never used…
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