Science makes evidence-based decisions, while businesses are prepared to underwrite a portion of loss based on risk taking
The COVID-19 global pandemic has set science and the economy on a collision course. Governments around the world face a debilitating dilemma: to select appropriate public policy in response to science or the needs of the economy. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments aren’t immune to this dilemma. Should public policy be grounded on scientific…
Some vital economic sectors require government support and protection in order to grow and mature and not be held hostage to foreign influence
An old and obscure economic theory should have shaped the Canadian response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sometimes we need to go back to find the right path forward. The infant industry argument was first proposed by Alexander Hamilton in 1791. He made a case for the United States government to protect fledgling industries against…
The modern border is porous, malleable and surmountable. It’s not an effective deterrent for undesirable political, social, medical or economic consequences
What do the global financial crisis of 2008, climate change and the COVID-19 global pandemic have in common? All three catastrophic events have confirmed that they don’t build borders the way they used to. Today, national borders are no match for globalization. In effect, borders have been overpowered and outsmarted by globalization. There’s no denying…
The shambles of the Iowa caucuses reconfirms that electronic voting is still a long way off
The recent Iowa caucuses debacle reminded me of two things. First, my about-face as a member of the New Brunswick Commission on Electoral Reform with respect to electronic voting. Second, further confirmation that the electronic infrastructure continues to be an impediment in advancing digital democracy. The 21st century has empowered humanity with electronic connectivity and…
The first month of a new year was named January after the Roman god Janus, who was always depicted as having two faces: one looking backward and the other looking forward. This suggests the first month is a good time to take stock of the year just ended and to look to the future. I…
Looking for – and finding – solutions to hot-button issues from education to economic vibrancy to population growth
New Brunswick has much to learn from the Republic of Ireland. My recent selection as a Dobbin Scholar by the Ireland Canada University Foundation allowed me to conduct an academic visit to Maynooth University and the Republic of Ireland in June. The purpose of my visit was to explore the lessons that the Celtic Tiger…
They provide the machinery and the fuel for empowering and sustaining the new global economy of the 21st century
Rhodes, the modern capital city of the Greek island of the same name, is built around an historic landmark with a distinguished history. In 1988, the medieval city at the modern city’s core was designated a UNESCO world heritage site. It lays claim to being the only European medieval city in constant habitation since the…
Jesse Canney's performance at the recent Special Olympics has been a catalyst for breaking down the barriers of marginalization
Jesse Canney did New Brunswick proud. He was a competitive swimmer at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. He returned to New Brunswick in late March with three gold medals – in the 1,500-metres freestyle, the 800-metres freestyle and the four-by-100-metres freestyle relay. He also won…
The Greeks believe that supporting the arts and culture is not a luxury but an investment in human progress
Throughout the ages, Greece has created a significant footprint and an inspiring legacy in the arts and culture. Hardly a day goes by when we don’t recognize the foundational endowments to the modern arts and culture made by ancient Greece. Renowned Greek philosophers, architects, sculptors, poets and playwrights have left their mark for future generations.…
An electronic empowerment has been unleashed by the information technology and communications revolution
By Constantine Passaris and Allen Bentley Contributors Troy Media The English language has traditionally embraced new words in response to the cultural evolution of civil society, in response to the production of new products and services, and to the articulation of innovative concepts in science and technology. However, English has, at times, been at a…
The COVID-19 global pandemic has set science and the economy on a collision course. Governments around the world face a debilitating dilemma: to select appropriate public policy in response to science or the needs of the economy. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments aren’t immune to this dilemma. Should public policy be grounded on scientific…
