Federal support strong for college-driven research solving the problems of tomorrow
I am so proud to be a member of a government that has placed science front and centre. Since day one, we have made investments to support both the fundamental research that drives new discoveries and the applied research that addresses tangible business and social challenges and promotes the commercialization of ideas. Colleges, in particular, […]
Northern B.C. MPs top first-quarter spending
Travel to a far-flung riding and replacing outdated equipment all contributed to Conservative MP Bob Zimmer posting the highest expenses of any Member of Parliament for the first quarter of the 2018-19 fiscal year. Mr. Zimmer (Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, B.C.) topped the list of MP spending between April 1 and June 30, which was […]
If government strategy isn’t coherent, it’s a complete waste of money
When it comes to science and technology, government involvement is key. Let’s take the pharmaceutical industry as an example. From 1969 to 1987, the mandatory licensing regime offered little patent protection, driving up the production of generics in Ontario. Ontario was pleased with this policy that provided little innovation but ensured a high economic turnout. […]
Biotech industry is a pillar of growth for Canada
As our economy continues to evolve against a backdrop of rapid technological change and increased global competition, the Canadian biotech industry remains a pillar of growth for this country. It is responsible for more than 20,000 high-quality jobs and contributes more than $6-billion to the economy, while filling the role of innovation leader and destination […]
China’s ‘debt trap’ is a myth
Recently, some Western media outlets have been hyping up the idea of China’s so-called “debt trap,” claiming that by providing a large number of loans to some African, Asian, and Pacific Island countries, China attempts to gain control over resources, infrastructure, and even the sovereignty of those countries once they are gripped by debt due […]
Crash course: 2008 and the divided economy
On Sept. 19, 2008, four days after Lehman Brothers cratered, U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson unveiled “a number of powerful tactical steps” to restore confidence to the American financial system, and therefore to global markets. Paulson presented the Bush administration’s $700-billion plan to relieve banks of toxic assets tied to subprime mortgages that had been […]
Rejecting the courts, Ford dismisses any limits to his power—and that’s scary
OTTAWA—Ontarians got a taste on Sept. 10 of what they are in for under Premier Doug Ford’s version of populist government. In a performance fully worthy of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ford indulged himself in a bombastic outpouring of misinformation, personal attacks, fear-mongering, and conceptions of unchecked power. He specifically rejected the role of the […]
It’s not the economy, stupid: Quebec’s counterintuitive election
The Saint-Tite Western Festival is to the Calgary Stampede what Atlantic City is to Vegas: smaller in scale, shorter on high rollers, and a little rougher around the edges. But like its western counterpart, Quebec’s eastern rodeo is a required stop on the province’s summer political calendar, especially during election years. Which is why incumbent premier Philippe […]
Sens. Doug Black, David Wells, Marilou McPhedran top Senate spring spending
Ninety-four Senators spent $1.37-million on living and office expenses, travel, contracts, and hospitality during three months this spring, according to newly released figures from the Senate. That’s about 3.2 per cent more than the amount posted the same period a year prior, although there are now 10 fewer Senators. The quarterly expense disclosures published at […]
Diplomacy first, but new PBO says he’s not afraid to take departments to court
Canada’s new parliamentary budget officer says he’s ready to do what needs to be done to deliver government financial information to Parliamentarians and the public, even if it means going to court or putting him at odds with bureaucrats he’s worked with before. “I might be characterized as somebody who will be very demanding of […]
