The notion that anyone can be completely unbiased is a benevolent fiction
A recent editorial in the Prince Edward Island Journal-Pioneer has resurrected the old boogeyman of bias at Canadian research institutes. The editorial was inspired by a New York Times article, which called into question the Brookings Institution, one of the most-influential think tanks in the United States. Accusing someone of bias has long been a…
An east-west trade confederation would harmonize a variety of standards, saving time and money and removing roadblocks to economic growth
The recent court decision acquitting Gérard Comeau portends well for free trade in Canada. According to the judge, the law that Comeau was accused of breaking – transporting liquor into New Brunswick – violates the constitutionality of free trade between the provinces, going back to 1867. Unfortunately, it is not only restrictions on the trading…
No single project or government program will miraculously rescue Atlantic Canada from its depressed economy
Budget season prompts us to reflect on basic economic questions. A good life rule is: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. In public finances, balance is a sign of good management when the objective is a stronger economy and job creation. The same economic wisdom also teaches there are no silver bullets. This…
New Brunswick needs a long-term strategy for growth and a reform of its spending model if it is to reverse course
The recent New Brunswick budget shows that a series of tax increases and modest spending measures to tackle the province's dire fiscal situation will not mean less provincial debt. Rather, debt will continue to grow under the fiscal plan unveiled last week. To reverse course the province needs to adopt a strategy to grow its…
The level of support from other regions of the country has created a dangerous sense of entitlement
By David McKinnon and Marco Navarro-Genie Contributors A time of economic reckoning is at hand for Atlantic Canada. Deficits are growing and threaten to become solvency crises. Regional out-migration has slowed down but continues. Remittances from Western Canada are almost certain to fall rapidly. It is time to consider how to rescue Atlantic Canada from the disastrous…
Even those who are health literate are stymied because information about the potential benefits and harms of care is difficult to find
Canadians want better healthcare, but participation in health system reform is difficult. Ordinary citizens and governments are left in the dark because there is a shortage of useful information about health system performance. Citizens are unable to get timely information about waiting times for care, the results of care, or the rate of preventable mistakes…
Pricing based on usage also contributes to conservation and fosters innovation
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil recently chastised a local company about the pricing of bandwidth in a rural part of the province, claiming the company should not charge for services based on usage. Notwithstanding the peculiarities involved, the situation presents an excellent opportunity to discuss the nature and goal of prices in an economy, and…