By Matthew Lau

Matthew Lau is an adjunct scholar with the Fraser Institute.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves a small business after stopping to meet the people inside, in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press.

Welcome to 2024, Canadian businesses. Hope you like taxes

Clearly, businesses not only need to budget for taxes already announced, but they also must allow for the possibility that politicians will in the upcoming year find some political motivation to levy more taxes. Thanks to the federal government, businesses and other organizations in Canada must prepare to bear a heavier burden in 2024.

Matthew Lau - January 9, 2024

John Graham, President & CEO, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board speaks at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting & Convention in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press.

Viewpoint

CPP investment board’s ideological goals are costing you money

While the empirical evidence on ESG investing on financial returns is mixed, one thing is for sure—when asset managers add non-financial objectives, management fees are higher. When it comes to Canadian workers’ pension savings, this is clearly a value-reducing activity.

Matthew Lau - August 7, 2023

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland receives applause as she tables the federal budget in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press.

Viewpoint

COVID-style deficits are no longer necessary

Deficits made some sense in 2020. This year, however, deficits are unjustified and the federal plan in particular to continue with indefinite deficits appears reckless.

Matthew Lau - May 25, 2022