The secret to a successful growth agenda? Don't talk about it
Here’s a motivating question to get our policymakers thinking in the right direction: what would it take for Canada to achieve a $200,000 per capita GDP by 2050?
Economics
The Alberta equalization referendum is a desperate call for fairness in Canada
To claim that reducing or eliminating this one program means ending support for poorer provinces is manifestly unfair. Equalization could be abolished tomorrow and the wealthier jurisdictions will still be having billions redistributed to the so-called ‘have-not’ provinces through other programs.
It shouldn’t take three levels of government to pay for a train
Throwing around infrastructure money in the run-up to an election is a time-honoured tradition. A very bad tradition we should stop immediately.
Alberta’s $600-billion federal contribution leaves fairness in the eye of the beholder
Concerns around federal redistribution are neither new nor unique to Alberta conservatives. Grievances like these even pre-date Canada.
Trevor Tombe: Canada’s recovery looks strong. So do we need more fiscal stimulus?
As Canada emerges from the pandemic, one thing is increasingly clear: only months after the government revealed its fiscal plans, pitched as fiscal stimulus, the macroeconomic case for higher spending is significantly weaker. Stimulus may no longer be needed.
Matt Spoke: While Canada dithers, El Salvador wagers on Bitcoin
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced that the country’s congress had just approved a law classifying Bitcoin as legal tender. Of course, the cynics rolled their eyes, and they’ll continue to do so.
Steven Globerman: Aging population signals tough choices on the horizon
If no substantive changes are made to Canada’s OAS and GIS programs, the chief actuary projects that total combined spending on the two programs will increase by 400 percent between 2020 and 2060.
Karen Restoule: Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs offers new way forward
As Canada looks to build back better in the wake of the pandemic, engaging with Indigenous entrepreneurs is good business—for the country and for reconciliation
Robert Asselin: Big questions remain as the central banks look for balance on inflation
When and how central banks will start winding down this unprecedented accommodative monetary support has become a central question. It comes with huge implications for fiscal policy but more importantly for consumers (mortgages, prices) and taxpayers (deficit financing).
Samuel Duncan: Families should be the focus of post-COVID growth
It will be crucial in a post-pandemic world to think of economic policy not exclusively through the lens of the individual, but also through the most important social and economic institution that we have: the family.
