I don’t know if you watched the Mad Men series but I thought the finale was quite interesting. From the very first episode we were led to believe that the life of a mad man was intense but ultimately terminal…
Continue ReadingSocial capital in New Brunswick: Some good and some not so good news
Statistics Canada recently published its “Trends in Social Capital” report for Canada and the 10 provinces. It is based on a wide ranging survey of concepts meant to test social capital including number of friends, contact with neighbours, participation in…
Continue ReadingThe paradox: Population growth could limit outward population migration
One of the reasons most cited for not ramping up our immigration efforts is the out-migration of our young people. Why do we need immigrants when many of our kids can’t find jobs? As always, the answer is more nuanced. …
Continue ReadingLosing out best and brightest, illiterate, over-taxed, bankrupt….. Folks, relax
A friend of mine used to call me “Dr. Doom” as on these pages I routinely expose some fairly challenging economic and demographic data. A role I will continue to play. But the reason I expose this data is not…
Continue ReadingHomebody redux: The ties that bind
I really enjoyed the HOMEbody symposium in Fredericton this week. The average age in the room was likely 25 and they were talking about pretty important things. I realize that this cohort may not like what Richard Saillant has to…
Continue ReadingThe case for public investment in economic development
I am sensitive to those that are wary of government spending on economic development. I share some of their concerns but there are a number of reasons why there should be a role for government in support of economic development.…
Continue ReadingGladwell, the underground economy and NB’s fiscal gap
I recently heard Malcolm Gladwell ruminating on why the Americas are so good at paying their taxes. According to him, they have the highest tax paying rate (least cheating) among advanced economies and one of the most lax enforcement systems.…
Continue ReadingFracturing debate: Natural gas and aquaculture
The Economist magazine this week has an interesting story about an entrepreneur who has developed a technology that uses methane and bacteria to create low cost food for farmed salmon. All of the testing they have done shows the fish…
Continue ReadingSeeking economic growth? It’s complicated
In my new role I am partially tasked with helping government figure out its role in helping to foster a sustained level of economic growth in the years ahead. This is key to fiscal stability as a province not to…
Continue ReadingA sort of homecoming: Thoughts on my new role
Way back in 1992 I returned to New Brunswick from a six-year educational odyssey in the United States. I started looking for a job but had a really hard time. I carpet bombed just about every organization in the…
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