From a recent column in the TJ: The latest jobs numbers from Statistics Canada underscore New Brunswick’s ongoing economic challenges. In October 2007, on a seasonally adjusted basis, there were 356,900 people working in the province. Fast forward six full…
Continue ReadingAldea, the Biz Hall of Fame and Ambition
I was happy to see Aldea Landry inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame last night. She’s not a traditional candidate – someone who built a large and successful business in New Brunswick – but she has had an…
Continue ReadingBrushing up on your economics lingo
Here are a few common mistakes when it comes to economics data. I hear these mistakes made quite a bit particularly by journalists but also by others. 1. When an economist says something like “public spending as a percentage of…
Continue ReadingThere will be gas, regardless
I talked with someone not that long ago about Irving Oil’s move into natural gas using CNG (compressed natural gas). Large manufacturers such as McCain and others are switching from higher cost oil to lower cost and cleaner natural gas…
Continue ReadingA more intelligent fed-prov relationship
I never really understood the federal-provincial government relationship. Lately I’ve been thinking about this more and more. I’ve talked with folks who are worried the Senate will be abolished and New Brunswick will lose any sense of balance (although I…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick: Out of sight and out of mind (mostly)
I attended university in Virginia and after I would tell people I came from “north of Maine” they would respond with “isn’t it ocean north of Maine”? It may sound like a Rick Mercer sketch but it is true. More…
Continue ReadingBuilding the start-up brand in Fredericton: Seeking the surfeit of problem solving geeks
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to be part of the team looking at the new vision for Fredericton’s economic development. The overwhelming consensus was that local stakeholders wanted the city to be “the start-up capital of Atlantic…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick government deficits keep rollin’ along
The recently thawed out Dr. Evil in Austin Powers asks for a ransom of ……$1 million dollars! and then is told by the suave Robert Wagner that his companies make a billion in profit each year. Someone asked me…
Continue ReadingThe day of fiscal reckoning is coming, maybe?
I am now under the belief that the New Brunswick provincial budget is in a structural deficit and we will not be able to grow or trim spending to get out of it. We will either need sizable new…
Continue ReadingMalcolm Gladwell’s take on the inverted u curve
I finished Malcolm Gladwell’s new book David and Goliath last night. I was hoping, given the title, that I would be able to extrapolate lessons for New Brunswick (David) as it competes with larger jurisdictions (Goliath). I didn’t glean much…
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