In that highly successful comedy series from the 1960s, Hogan’s Heroes, one of the funniest characters was Sargeant Schultz who was famous for saying: I see nothing. I know nothing. Well, in Moncton, we have our own version of Hogan’s…
Continue ReadingAl Hogan over at the Times and Trashscript ran a ‘semi-negative’ story on the economy today. However, even at that, the subtitle of the article “Atlantic Canada has ‘turned a corner’”. The article quotes some MPs being mildly optimistic. What…
Continue ReadingLet’s be clear about one thing
Another Canadian Press article hammering AC and propping up Alberta. Economic boom in Alberta luring skilled workers from East Coasthttp://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2005/10/27/1281487-cp.html They quote some hapless ex New Brunswicker: Christie says he may go back to New Brunswick one of these days…
Continue ReadingAtlantic Yarns, fables or myths
Just a quick note on the closure of Atlantic Yarns’ two plants in northern New Brunswick on the heals of a Fraser closure. This stuff happens. In the economy, some businesses fail and others succeed. Government’s should not be in…
Continue ReadingEconomic Transformation in Atlantic Canada
The Public Policy Forum held a conference entitled Economic Transformation in Atlantic Canada this week in Ottawa. The web site only contains a backgrounder and the ACOA minister’s speech and I haven’t read much about it in the press. I…
Continue ReadingAn unfortunate immigration story
As you know, everyone and their sister is talking up the need for immigration in Atlantic Canada. It has taken on the stature that ‘clusters’ had ten years ago. Even John Ibbitson, Mr. Six Cities Canada, says in his latest…
Continue ReadingThe blockbuster deal
Canadian Press is reporting today that the Newfoundland government will invest $10 million a year for at least the next three years to keep Abitibi Consolidated from closing its paper mill in Stephenville. In addition, the story states that the…
Continue ReadingInvesting in a New Pennsylvania
I have always liked Pennsylvania Governor Rendell ever since I got an email from him asking me if I wanted to expand my business in his state. After receiving that email, I did a little digging and while some of…
Continue ReadingOn insurance and economic development
Just a quick follow up to my previous, somewhat forceful, blog on auto insurance. I am not advocating that governments do nothing when a key cost of living component such as auto insurance (or electricity or gas for that matter)…
Continue ReadingLiberal faux pas
In this blog, I sometimes can be quite critical of government – particularly when it comes to economic development. Today, I turn the gun on the opposition – namely, the Liberal Party of New Brunswick. Today, I read a press…
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