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  • Jordan Peterson is too big to be silenced by the naysayers and regulators—but what about the rest of us?
    Joanna Baron
  • Canada deserves to be relegated from the G7
    Howard Anglin
  • Quebec slaps new taxes on vapes after drop in tobacco tax revenue
    Geoff Russ
Steve Lafleur

By Steve Lafleur

Steve Lafleur is a senior public policy analyst with over a decade of experience working at various think tanks.

Contributor Connect

Police attempt to hand out notices on the 21st day of the "Freedom Convoy" protest, in Ottawa, on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

The rule of law matters too: Lessons from the Freedom Convoy, one year later

Protests are a legitimate part of democratic life. However, there are limits to what anyone will or should accept. The idea that people have the right to cosplay as revolutionaries and occupy a city indefinitely is utter nonsense. 

Steve Lafleur - Posted on January 31, 2023
A Via Rail passenger train makes its way along the tracks in Ottawa on Monday, July 11, 2022. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Crown corporation CEOs are underpaid, actually

If we want our crown corporations to be run well, then we should ensure that we are paying enough to attract a deep pool of qualified candidates. Overall, it’s worth it in the long run.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on January 18, 2023
A man walks by a Via Rail schedule board at central station in Montreal Monday, December 26, 2022. Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

There is no obvious scapegoat for Canada's rail travel woes

It’s natural to see events through an ideological lens. But sometimes there isn’t a big lesson to be learned. The Via Rail holiday delays are one such case.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on January 2, 2023
Donna McDougall leads a line dancing workout in her Roncesvalles neighbourhood in Toronto, Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Cole Burston/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

You want to support workers? Build more housing

Raising taxable income for workers would help. But so would paying less in rent or to own their own home in a dense, walkable neighbourhood that doesn’t require a punishing commute to work.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on December 1, 2022
Cyclists use a pathway system in Canmore, Alta., Saturday, May 29, 2021. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Alberta is calling—should Ontarians answer?

Whether Alberta is really an option depends on the person. Alberta offers a relatively low cost of living without punishing commutes and has as much variety as you can expect from a province with two mid-sized cities.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on October 31, 2022
Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Francois Legault raises his arms as he walks on stage for his victory speech on Monday, October 3, 2022 in Quebec City. Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Why housing was key to François Legault's resounding re-election

The housing in Quebec isn’t the policy problem that it is in BC or Ontario. Voting in an incumbent is to be expected when things are pretty good for most people in Quebec.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on October 12, 2022
A sold sign is displayed in front of a house in the Riverdale area of Toronto on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Evan Buhler/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Be careful what you wish for—a housing market crash probably wouldn’t help buyers

Housing prices are certainly too high in Canada and must be brought under control. But if they fall too far and too fast, we might actually have bigger problems on our hands.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on September 26, 2022
Toronto Mayor John Tory (right) sits with Councillor Josh Matlow in the Council Chamber at Toronto City Hall, on Thursday September 13, 2018 as council sits to discuss the Ontario Government's introduction of legislation to reduce the size of Toronto City Council . Chris Young/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Why doesn't anyone want to run for city council?

Toronto is a big global city—surely there are a few people who might be interested in running the place! Alas, there is little enthusiasm for municipal government. 

Steve Lafleur - Posted on August 25, 2022
Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, right, is checked by Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid during first period NHL second-round playoff hockey action in Edmonton, Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

Protectionism is no way to run a hockey team—or an economy

The reality is, if you’re trying to win, you need to go with the best talent regardless of where players are born. The same principle applies in our competitive global talent market.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on August 9, 2022
A passenger looks for his luggage among a pile of unclaimed baggage at Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport, in Montreal, Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press.
Viewpoint

There is no obvious scapegoat for Canada's air travel woes

While we can argue that mistakes were made when it comes to the increasing delays at our airports, perhaps we’re being too quick to rush to judgement of any one particular party. Much of the world is facing many of the same challenges we are.

Steve Lafleur - Posted on July 12, 2022
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