I have been hearing a lot about the problems with the regional service commissions. The lead story in the TJ details many of the challenges. I continue to believe the real issue here is the weakness at the municipal level…
Continue ReadingWhat went wrong with Elsipogtog?
I don’t want any snide or snarky comments to this post as this is an issue for which I am truly saddened. The median family income on the Richibucto 15 Indian reservation is 62% below the provincial average at only…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick household spending patterns – variance with our cousins
New Brunswickers spend a lot more on satellite TV, electricity, funerals, gambling, out-of-pocket health spending, RVs, child care, trucks, landline telephone services, etc. At the same time we spend a lot less compared to the rest of Canada on air…
Continue ReadingDefining brand spanking new growth
I lobbed my new theory about the importance of “brand spanking new growth” in my column recently and a couple of folks sent me emails indicating they weren’t sure my ‘point’. Because columns are only 600 words, it is hard…
Continue ReadingBrand spanking new economic development
From a recent TJ article: Over time, economic progress doesn’t follow a linear path. The introduction of disruptive new technologies, new natural resources development, efforts to foster free trade and many other factors can lead to a spike in economic…
Continue ReadingNotes on the public deficit: A mostly annual affair
New Brunswick’s annual deficit is now expected to be $500 million – although the cerebral NDP leader pointed out that this was wrong given that NB Power’s latest financials included less cash for the provincial government. As I have said…
Continue ReadingThe one mega-trend no one in NB is really talking about
I’ve been talking about this trend for almost a decade but when you read about New Brunswick’s economic ‘troubles’, this rarely shows up on anyone else’s radar. It should. In 2003, New Brunswick had 25,000 people employed in the administrative…
Continue ReadingWhat is your community’s economic raison d’être?
From a recent TJ column: Columnist Kurt Peacock recently wrote an inspiring piece about how the community of Sussex has combined its natural attributes with strong local leadership to foster a solid economic base in the community. He cites Sussex…
Continue ReadingLapierre and the zealots
A colleague of mine had a conversation with Louis Lapierre a few months ago – right after he did what he thought was a thorough and thoughtful review of the shale gas sector and came out with recommendations on how…
Continue ReadingNova Scotia election: Looking for clarity on economic development
A couple of people asked me to weigh in on the Nova Scotia election. As long time readers will know I have a horrendous track record of choosing winners in political races – I think I have been wrong most…
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