It has taken a while, but almost all the major political parties now seem to finally agree that it’s time to tax the digital e-commerce giants: Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google. But each has made different commitments which may appear subtle but add up to big differences in how…
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After many years of “serial disappointment” and concerns about secular stagnation, Canada’s economy is finally growing at a solid pace, as Finance Minister Morneau and the Bank of Canada Governor Poloz underlined in the recent Fall Economic Statement and Monetary Policy Report. This has led to higher revenues, lower deficits,…
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Here’s the first section of the budget summary and analysis I’ve prepared for CUPE. The full version is on-line on CUPE’s website together with our press release . Missing In Action: Federal Budget 2014 CUPE Federal Budget 2014 Summary and Response Conservatives ignore pressing economic needs with a Do-little budget…
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Regina is engaged in a controversial debate about a proposed public private partnership (P3) for the city’s wastewater plant. Residents formed a Regina Water Watch group to keep the facility public. They collected enough names to take the issue to a municipal referendum on September 25th, despite attempts by the…
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At times, the Fraser Institute produces such helpful material. I hope they make their well-heeled funders, such as the multi billionaire Koch brothers, proud. However, I’m sure the Kochs are more concerned missteps by their progeny Mitt and Ryan are derailing their chance to buy the US presidency. So back…
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Kudos to Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney for raising the profile of the over $500 billion Canadian corporations are holding in excess cash surpluses and not investing in the economy, which garnered front page coverage (and kudos to the CAW for inviting him to speak). It’s not the first time he’s…
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Following recent dismal reports on rising unemployment, stagnant GDP growth, and a deteriorating economic outlook, we can only hope federal Finance minister Jim Flaherty will provide some Christmas cheer with changes “to better promote job creation and economic growth” (as he’s asked for advice on through his pre-budget consultations). Unfortunately, Santa Flaherty seems to…
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The last-minute election fear-mongering has started. This time it’s mostly directed at Jack Layton and the NDP. With all the recent news stories — as well as alarm raised by other leaders — about the fiscal and economic impact and record of NDP governments, I decided to take a look…
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Despite all the political scandals, very distinct political visions for this country, and recent attempts by political leaders to get Canadians to “rise up”, there doesn’t seem to be a ton of public enthusiasm in this federal election campaign yet. One problem may be that Canadians are simply working too much….
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There has quite rightly been a lot of discussion about corporate taxes during this election campaign, but very little discussion about cracking down on tax avoidance, whether by legal or illegal means. Harper of course has a big get tough on crime platform, but the white collar bit is focused on small…
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