Is Canada the global leader Canadians want it to be or think it is?
There has been a great deal of debate in the media recently, especially following the release of Budget 2022, about Canada’s role in the world. In the midst of multiple global crises, including the war in Ukraine and the seemingly endless COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing Canada struggle to find the balance between reacting to […]
Federal budget continues to neglect our tax system
TORONTO—Budget 2022 has been criticized for its excessive spending and failure to forecast balance, with the government’s flawed “fiscal anchor” normalizing persistent deficits adding to the ever-increasing national debt. These deficiencies have overshadowed the budget’s disinterested treatment of our tax system, continuing the chronic neglect of tax policy matters under the current government. Credit is […]
Our innovation and productivity challenge is much greater than the federal budget’s claim
TORONTO—In the 2022 budget, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland promises a growth agenda to make Canada not only “a world leader in technology and innovation,” but “an economic leader for decades to come.” As the global economy changes, “Canada has everything we need to thrive,” she reiterates. “We can be leaders in the economy of today […]
PPS asks for ‘substantial increase’ to address Parliament Hill security
The physical security of the Parliamentary Precinct amid “an evolving threat environment” has prompted a request for nearly $10-million more for the Hill’s security team for the fiscal year. “This year’s the first in three years we’ve asked for a substantial increase,” Eric Savard, Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) chief financial officer, told members of Procedure […]
Russia travel bans treated as symbol of defiance and status
Getting banned from travelling to Russia is becoming a badge of honour, according to some who have been prohibited from setting foot on Russian soil, indefinitely, by the Russian foreign ministry. On April 28, Russia announced it had imposed entry bans on close to 600 Canadians, keeping them from travelling to the country for what […]
Let’s make sure we get Canada’s critical minerals strategy right
Given the context of this year’s federal budget—surging energy prices, post-COVID economic stabilization, and a war in Europe—the Government of Canada was understandably more focused than perhaps in any of the Trudeau government’s previous budgets. It was not Christmas morning with a bauble for everyone. It was a disciplined and focused approach to the challenges […]
Industry stakeholders, experts applaud feds’ critical minerals spending, as geopolitics loom large in supply chains
The federal government’s recent $3.8-billion budget proposal to develop Canada’s increasingly important critical minerals sector has been met with support from industry experts. But David Billedeau, senior director of natural resources and environmental sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, says it’s still “the start of a very long journey—other countries are more advanced in […]
Politics This Morning: Debate continues on motion to expedite spring legislation
Good Monday morning, The Senate is not sitting today, but the House of Commons will continue its royal rumble on the Liberals’ motion to waive certain procedural steps and extend available sitting hours to midnight until June 23. The temporary changes would make it easier for the government to pass legislation before the summer break. […]
Federal budgets should target balance, not the inadequate fiscal anchor
Budget 2022 claims fiscal responsibility by adhering to the fiscal anchor of a declining debt-to-GDP ratio over the next five years, without ever projecting budget balance. Some commentators even contend the long-accepted objective of budget balance is now obsolete. But closer scrutiny reveals serious flaws with the budget’s fiscal anchor. The problem with the declining debt-to-GDP ratio […]
Growth is the new mantra
TORONTO—Get ready. We are going to be blitzed with growth summits, growth conferences, growth speeches, and growth strategies. The federal budget, enthusing that, “we can be leaders in the economy of today and tomorrow,” while adding reassuringly that, “as the global economy changes, Canada has everything we need to thrive,” was the launch pad for […]
