I recently read a report written by a respected consulting firm in the Maritimes where it discussed the leverage ratio of government investment in a sector to the amount of GDP created. It concluded the $100 million+ invested by government…
Continue ReadingThe elephants in the room (s)
Another dire warning in the TJ this morning from a political commentator out of Nova Scotia. He claims if we (in the Maritimes) don’t do something fast on the economic front ……. we are headed for disaster. If you have read this…
Continue ReadingIs manufacturing making a comeback?
From a recent TJ column: According to Statistics Canada, manufacturing sales in New Brunswick were up 7.7 per cent to $1.9 billion in October, the highest level on record. Compared to September, sales rose in 16 of 21 industries. Compared…
Continue ReadingRedefining the federal government’s ‘tough love’ relationship with NB
From a recent TJ column: I was surprised to hear the reaction of pundits and politicians to the recent news that the federal government will increase New Brunswick’s equalization payment by $153 million in the 2014-2015 year versus 2013-2014. Equalization…
Continue ReadingICYMI: Leveraging serendipity: The life and times of Harrison McCain
Without question my favourite Christmas gift this year was a copy of Donald Savoie’s new biography of Harrison McCain. I could hardly put this book down. It is a fascinating exposé of one Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs. Donald J. Savoie…
Continue ReadingDroning on about economic development
There is an excellent article in the Economist this week in the rise of unmanned drones for civilian use. I was particularly interested to read that many U.S. cities are trying to convince the FAA to make them one of…
Continue ReadingWill the Internet kill the customer contact centre rep in New Brunswick?
The old song warned that “video killed the radio star”. While it may have looked like that might happen at the time – when MTV, et. al. roared on the scene – the death of radio was greatly exaggerated. In…
Continue ReadingCommunities need to think well ahead to head off plant closures
From a recent column I wrote in the TJ. This is an issue I think needs far more discussion. I recently had a long talk with a person involved in economic development in southern Ontario who was ranting and raving…
Continue ReadingOpportunity 2000: 2014 edition
I just watched the video that was prepared for the Opportunity 2000 conference that was held in Moncton – I think it was in 1989 – 25 years ago. The music, clothes, cars, etc. in that video look ancient but…
Continue ReadingMore failures, please
You want to know one of the main reasons why the Maritimes economy has underperformed the rest of Canada. Read this article. Rarely in the history of man has anyone gotten the cause and effect relationship so twisted around. A Halifax…
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