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David Crane

David Crane is an award-winning journalist with special interests in the economics of globalization, innovation, sustainable development and social equity.

Transitioning to a low-carbon world is one of the great game-changing challenges of our generation, but Liberals have failed to sell it

  • In the absence of blood-sweat-and-tears leadership, there is a dangerous gap emerging between what’s needed and what we will achieve. It’s not too late to
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | December 4, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Transitioning to a low-carbon world is one of the great game-changing challenges of our generation, but Liberals have failed to sell it

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | December 4, 2023
  • In the absence of blood-sweat-and-tears leadership, there is a dangerous gap emerging between what’s needed and what we will achieve. It’s not too late to

Transitioning to a low-carbon world is one of the great game-changing challenges of our generation, but Liberals have failed to sell it

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | December 4, 2023
  • In the absence of blood-sweat-and-tears leadership, there is a dangerous gap emerging between what’s needed and what we will achieve. It’s not too late to
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured recently in a Hill scrum. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland fails to address future of Canadian economy in forthright terms

  • Now more than ever, Canadians need substance and forthright leadership on how we climb out of the current morass for a better future.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 27, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland holds a press conference in the lock-up before tabling the government’s fall economic statement in the House on pictured Nov. 21, 2023. Productivity really matters, yet Freeland gave it little attention in her update, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland fails to address future of Canadian economy in forthright terms

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 27, 2023
  • Now more than ever, Canadians need substance and forthright leadership on how we climb out of the current morass for a better future.

Freeland fails to address future of Canadian economy in forthright terms

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 27, 2023
  • Now more than ever, Canadians need substance and forthright leadership on how we climb out of the current morass for a better future.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland holds a press conference in the lock-up before tabling the government’s fall economic statement in the House on pictured Nov. 21, 2023. Productivity really matters, yet Freeland gave it little attention in her update, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A better Canada starts with better leadership

  • It is the fundamental responsibility of a prime minster and the government he heads to demonstrate vision, define the big challenges the country faces,
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 20, 2023
The failure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to meet the future needs of Canadians—notably those in the middle class and others who haven’t yet reached it—raises the risk of social breakdown, writes David Crane.

A better Canada starts with better leadership

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 20, 2023
  • It is the fundamental responsibility of a prime minster and the government he heads to demonstrate vision, define the big challenges the country faces,

A better Canada starts with better leadership

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 20, 2023
  • It is the fundamental responsibility of a prime minster and the government he heads to demonstrate vision, define the big challenges the country faces,
The failure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to meet the future needs of Canadians—notably those in the middle class and others who haven’t yet reached it—raises the risk of social breakdown, writes David Crane.

Canada’s trying to fight inflation and restore economic growth through rear-view mirror policies

  • From geopolitical tensions to rising debt levels and aging, the effect of these trends is a reduction in the capacity of the supply side to respond
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 13, 2023
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured recently at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, will deliver the fall economic update in the House on Nov. 21. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s trying to fight inflation and restore economic growth through rear-view mirror policies

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 13, 2023
  • From geopolitical tensions to rising debt levels and aging, the effect of these trends is a reduction in the capacity of the supply side to respond

Canada’s trying to fight inflation and restore economic growth through rear-view mirror policies

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 13, 2023
  • From geopolitical tensions to rising debt levels and aging, the effect of these trends is a reduction in the capacity of the supply side to respond
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured recently at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, will deliver the fall economic update in the House on Nov. 21. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada urgently needs more capital here at home

  • If we could get an extra five percentage points of the Canadian Pension Plan and other institutional pools of capital currently flowing into foreign markets
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 6, 2023
Our pension funds, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other managers of Canadian savings send billions of dollars every year to the United States, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe to invest in their growth companies while young Canadian firms find themselves starved of funds, writes David Crane. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Canada urgently needs more capital here at home

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 6, 2023
  • If we could get an extra five percentage points of the Canadian Pension Plan and other institutional pools of capital currently flowing into foreign markets

Canada urgently needs more capital here at home

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | November 6, 2023
  • If we could get an extra five percentage points of the Canadian Pension Plan and other institutional pools of capital currently flowing into foreign markets
Our pension funds, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other managers of Canadian savings send billions of dollars every year to the United States, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe to invest in their growth companies while young Canadian firms find themselves starved of funds, writes David Crane. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Freeland’s economic update needs to be realistic and honest

  • Canada has put off facing reality for too long; we cannot take our future for granted any longer. We need a government—and a country—that
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 30, 2023
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's upcoming fiscal outlook is a critical part of the budget process because, if done properly, it sets out the framework for policy choices in next year’s budget, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s economic update needs to be realistic and honest

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 30, 2023
  • Canada has put off facing reality for too long; we cannot take our future for granted any longer. We need a government—and a country—that

Freeland’s economic update needs to be realistic and honest

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 30, 2023
  • Canada has put off facing reality for too long; we cannot take our future for granted any longer. We need a government—and a country—that
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's upcoming fiscal outlook is a critical part of the budget process because, if done properly, it sets out the framework for policy choices in next year’s budget, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s on the wrong side of the big issues

  • If we had pride in our country and its place in the world, we would be leading the way in the transition to a new
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 19, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently on the Hill. The reality is that the Western-dominated system of global governance created after the Second World War, and the long period of economic progress it generated, no longer works, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s on the wrong side of the big issues

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 19, 2023
  • If we had pride in our country and its place in the world, we would be leading the way in the transition to a new

Canada’s on the wrong side of the big issues

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 19, 2023
  • If we had pride in our country and its place in the world, we would be leading the way in the transition to a new
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently on the Hill. The reality is that the Western-dominated system of global governance created after the Second World War, and the long period of economic progress it generated, no longer works, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Break-up of world economy into competing blocs poses huge risk to human society

  • If Canada wants to be useful in the world, we should be a champion for multilateralism, as we once were.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 16, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seen recently on the Hill. Canada is 'among the loudest voices for fragmentation, friend-shoring and all the other simplistic impulses that have us on course for a much more dangerous and difficult world,' writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Break-up of world economy into competing blocs poses huge risk to human society

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 16, 2023
  • If Canada wants to be useful in the world, we should be a champion for multilateralism, as we once were.

Break-up of world economy into competing blocs poses huge risk to human society

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 16, 2023
  • If Canada wants to be useful in the world, we should be a champion for multilateralism, as we once were.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seen recently on the Hill. Canada is 'among the loudest voices for fragmentation, friend-shoring and all the other simplistic impulses that have us on course for a much more dangerous and difficult world,' writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada lacks capacity for effective policy-making, and we’re not alone

  • The latest Global Innovation Index ranks Canada 15th globally. The top 10 include Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Britain, Singapore, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 9, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the Hill on Sept. 27, 2023. The Liberal government has been committing billions upon billions of dollars of public funding and incentives which it says will lead to a badly needed high-innovation economy based on the industries of the future, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada lacks capacity for effective policy-making, and we’re not alone

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 9, 2023
  • The latest Global Innovation Index ranks Canada 15th globally. The top 10 include Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Britain, Singapore, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and

Canada lacks capacity for effective policy-making, and we’re not alone

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 9, 2023
  • The latest Global Innovation Index ranks Canada 15th globally. The top 10 include Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Britain, Singapore, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the Hill on Sept. 27, 2023. The Liberal government has been committing billions upon billions of dollars of public funding and incentives which it says will lead to a badly needed high-innovation economy based on the industries of the future, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Complacency is our enemy today, bold thinking is our future

  • We need a future-oriented economy with innovative Canadian firms with their own IP that makes them competitive and free to operate and grow globally.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 2, 2023
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, pictured on the Hill on Sept. 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Complacency is our enemy today, bold thinking is our future

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 2, 2023
  • We need a future-oriented economy with innovative Canadian firms with their own IP that makes them competitive and free to operate and grow globally.

Complacency is our enemy today, bold thinking is our future

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | October 2, 2023
  • We need a future-oriented economy with innovative Canadian firms with their own IP that makes them competitive and free to operate and grow globally.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, pictured on the Hill on Sept. 19, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The G7 can no longer call the shots

  • BRICS+ represents a long overdue step toward a new world order where the developing world's interests have greater influence.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 25, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The United States, cheered on by Canada, is working to divide the world into competing blocs, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

The G7 can no longer call the shots

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 25, 2023
  • BRICS+ represents a long overdue step toward a new world order where the developing world's interests have greater influence.

The G7 can no longer call the shots

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 25, 2023
  • BRICS+ represents a long overdue step toward a new world order where the developing world's interests have greater influence.
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The United States, cheered on by Canada, is working to divide the world into competing blocs, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Corporate Canada needs to support net-zero emissions

  • We can expect a fierce fight against a cap on oil and gas emissions, or to make it so high to be largely irrelevant.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 18, 2023
It will be a test of our corporate community to see whether it is led by opportunistic profit maximizers, or by more visionary investors and executives who can work with the transition to a healthier and more viable future. Without such support, we are unlikely to achieve net-zero emissions, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Corporate Canada needs to support net-zero emissions

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 18, 2023
  • We can expect a fierce fight against a cap on oil and gas emissions, or to make it so high to be largely irrelevant.

Corporate Canada needs to support net-zero emissions

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 18, 2023
  • We can expect a fierce fight against a cap on oil and gas emissions, or to make it so high to be largely irrelevant.
It will be a test of our corporate community to see whether it is led by opportunistic profit maximizers, or by more visionary investors and executives who can work with the transition to a healthier and more viable future. Without such support, we are unlikely to achieve net-zero emissions, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

No greater threat to the Canadian dream today than our misguided complacency

  • Statistics Canada's recent data shows that productivity in the business sector fell in the second quarter, marking the fifth successive quarter in which our
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 7, 2023
The Canadian business sector output gap with the U.S. has been falling steadily since the mid-1980s: from 92 per cent of the U.S. level then to just more than 75 per cent now. Our productivity level is one of the lowest among advanced economies, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No greater threat to the Canadian dream today than our misguided complacency

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 7, 2023
  • Statistics Canada's recent data shows that productivity in the business sector fell in the second quarter, marking the fifth successive quarter in which our

No greater threat to the Canadian dream today than our misguided complacency

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 7, 2023
  • Statistics Canada's recent data shows that productivity in the business sector fell in the second quarter, marking the fifth successive quarter in which our
The Canadian business sector output gap with the U.S. has been falling steadily since the mid-1980s: from 92 per cent of the U.S. level then to just more than 75 per cent now. Our productivity level is one of the lowest among advanced economies, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Avoid the zombie thinking of major cuts to federal spending

  • The idea that massive tightening of monetary and fiscal policy will put us on the path to stronger growth is not well connected to the
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 4, 2023
The embrace of so-called 'friendshoring', of which Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is a fan, is a new form of protectionism, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Avoid the zombie thinking of major cuts to federal spending

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 4, 2023
  • The idea that massive tightening of monetary and fiscal policy will put us on the path to stronger growth is not well connected to the

Avoid the zombie thinking of major cuts to federal spending

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | September 4, 2023
  • The idea that massive tightening of monetary and fiscal policy will put us on the path to stronger growth is not well connected to the
The embrace of so-called 'friendshoring', of which Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is a fan, is a new form of protectionism, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s chance to be useful in a divided world

  • We can choose to be a leader for multilateralism, rather than serving as a junior partner for those who seek fragmentation.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 28, 2023
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly addresses the Global Heads of Mission Meeting in Ottawa in June. The time has come for Canada to return to its traditional role as a champion of multilateralism, effective global institutions, and global governance, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s chance to be useful in a divided world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 28, 2023
  • We can choose to be a leader for multilateralism, rather than serving as a junior partner for those who seek fragmentation.

Canada’s chance to be useful in a divided world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 28, 2023
  • We can choose to be a leader for multilateralism, rather than serving as a junior partner for those who seek fragmentation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly addresses the Global Heads of Mission Meeting in Ottawa in June. The time has come for Canada to return to its traditional role as a champion of multilateralism, effective global institutions, and global governance, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada cannot rely on a branch-plant strategy for the future

  • We have underinvested in intangible and tangible assets, been slow to recognize the implications of a digital world, and neglected the importance of building
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 21, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a 2020 announcement on the retooling of the Oakville, Ont. Ford assembly plant. The pursuit of electric vehicle assembly plants, battery plants and critical minerals is a prime example of the federal government’s branch plant mentality, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada cannot rely on a branch-plant strategy for the future

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 21, 2023
  • We have underinvested in intangible and tangible assets, been slow to recognize the implications of a digital world, and neglected the importance of building

Canada cannot rely on a branch-plant strategy for the future

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 21, 2023
  • We have underinvested in intangible and tangible assets, been slow to recognize the implications of a digital world, and neglected the importance of building
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a 2020 announcement on the retooling of the Oakville, Ont. Ford assembly plant. The pursuit of electric vehicle assembly plants, battery plants and critical minerals is a prime example of the federal government’s branch plant mentality, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s been on easy street for too long

  • The International Monetary Fund presents a sobering outlook for Canada's economy over the next few years, warning us again that we need to become more
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 14, 2023
People crossing Metcalfe and Sparks streets in Ottawa on Aug. 9, 2023. A new paper by Peter Nicholson, one of Canada’s leading thinkers on innovation and productivity, outlines why we have such a poor record on business innovation, despite the skills and new knowledge breakthroughs by individual Canadians, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s been on easy street for too long

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 14, 2023
  • The International Monetary Fund presents a sobering outlook for Canada's economy over the next few years, warning us again that we need to become more

Canada’s been on easy street for too long

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 14, 2023
  • The International Monetary Fund presents a sobering outlook for Canada's economy over the next few years, warning us again that we need to become more
People crossing Metcalfe and Sparks streets in Ottawa on Aug. 9, 2023. A new paper by Peter Nicholson, one of Canada’s leading thinkers on innovation and productivity, outlines why we have such a poor record on business innovation, despite the skills and new knowledge breakthroughs by individual Canadians, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada facing harsh attacks from U.S. over next year’s digital services tax

  • With a deal unlikely anytime soon, delaying a possible digital sales tax deprives Canada of billions of dollars in much-needed tax revenues. It is
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 7, 2023
Treasury Board President Anita Anand, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, at Rideau Hall on July 26, 2023. Freeland and the Trudeau government are under harsh attacks for not following American orders—in this case, our unilateral decision to proceed with a digital services tax next year, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada facing harsh attacks from U.S. over next year’s digital services tax

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 7, 2023
  • With a deal unlikely anytime soon, delaying a possible digital sales tax deprives Canada of billions of dollars in much-needed tax revenues. It is

Canada facing harsh attacks from U.S. over next year’s digital services tax

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | August 7, 2023
  • With a deal unlikely anytime soon, delaying a possible digital sales tax deprives Canada of billions of dollars in much-needed tax revenues. It is
Treasury Board President Anita Anand, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, at Rideau Hall on July 26, 2023. Freeland and the Trudeau government are under harsh attacks for not following American orders—in this case, our unilateral decision to proceed with a digital services tax next year, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Solving the productivity puzzle is our most urgent challenge

  • Without better economic performance, we can't advance the Canadian dream of individual opportunity for advancement and an inclusive society of high-quality public services. In
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 31, 2023
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tests out an F-35 fighter jet simulator at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on June 1, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Solving the productivity puzzle is our most urgent challenge

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 31, 2023
  • Without better economic performance, we can't advance the Canadian dream of individual opportunity for advancement and an inclusive society of high-quality public services. In

Solving the productivity puzzle is our most urgent challenge

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 31, 2023
  • Without better economic performance, we can't advance the Canadian dream of individual opportunity for advancement and an inclusive society of high-quality public services. In
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne tests out an F-35 fighter jet simulator at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on June 1, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dear government: don’t be pressured by the hype from natural gas producers and pipeline owners

  • While the resource industries are naturally frustrated by the challenges of government impact assessment hearings, there is no evidence Canada is undermining the energy
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. All Canadians have an interest in the setting of the national policy agenda, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Dear government: don’t be pressured by the hype from natural gas producers and pipeline owners

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
  • While the resource industries are naturally frustrated by the challenges of government impact assessment hearings, there is no evidence Canada is undermining the energy

Dear government: don’t be pressured by the hype from natural gas producers and pipeline owners

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 24, 2023
  • While the resource industries are naturally frustrated by the challenges of government impact assessment hearings, there is no evidence Canada is undermining the energy
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, pictured on the Hill. All Canadians have an interest in the setting of the national policy agenda, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Promising prospects for Canada in global transition to new energy world

  • Despite our boasting, we're far from a world leader in the energy transition. We will have to push harder to do better. We have
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 17, 2023
Canada's Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, pictured June 15, 2023, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Promising prospects for Canada in global transition to new energy world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 17, 2023
  • Despite our boasting, we're far from a world leader in the energy transition. We will have to push harder to do better. We have

Promising prospects for Canada in global transition to new energy world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 17, 2023
  • Despite our boasting, we're far from a world leader in the energy transition. We will have to push harder to do better. We have
Canada's Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, pictured June 15, 2023, on the Hill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives should seize the policy opportunity on climate change, but will they?

  • A party committed to dismantling much of what has been put in place—rather than improving what we have—is not a party that deserves to
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 10, 2023
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who is within range to become our next prime minister should Canadians decide they're done Justin Trudeau, has so far had little to say on climate change, mainly engaging in angry attacks on the Liberal government. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Conservatives should seize the policy opportunity on climate change, but will they?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 10, 2023
  • A party committed to dismantling much of what has been put in place—rather than improving what we have—is not a party that deserves to

Conservatives should seize the policy opportunity on climate change, but will they?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 10, 2023
  • A party committed to dismantling much of what has been put in place—rather than improving what we have—is not a party that deserves to
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who is within range to become our next prime minister should Canadians decide they're done Justin Trudeau, has so far had little to say on climate change, mainly engaging in angry attacks on the Liberal government. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada should be aspiring to be more than a branch-plant economy

  • If we want a more independent Canada, we have to build the talent, own the tech, and grow firms so wealth is created here
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 3, 2023
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured June 1, 2023, speaking at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa. Can the government focus on building a Canadian-owned and headquartered corporate community that has the scale, talent, and intellectual property to make us a serious player, asks David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada should be aspiring to be more than a branch-plant economy

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 3, 2023
  • If we want a more independent Canada, we have to build the talent, own the tech, and grow firms so wealth is created here

Canada should be aspiring to be more than a branch-plant economy

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | July 3, 2023
  • If we want a more independent Canada, we have to build the talent, own the tech, and grow firms so wealth is created here
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured June 1, 2023, speaking at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa. Can the government focus on building a Canadian-owned and headquartered corporate community that has the scale, talent, and intellectual property to make us a serious player, asks David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Does Parliament matter anymore?

  • Politics is in bad shape. Without real reform, Canada will become more difficult to govern, and we'll pay the price. Is there not a
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 26, 2023
As economic commentator Martin Wolf, writes in his book, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, there is an urgent need to restore a sense of citizenship: 'This is the tie that binds people together in a free and democratic society,' writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Does Parliament matter anymore?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 26, 2023
  • Politics is in bad shape. Without real reform, Canada will become more difficult to govern, and we'll pay the price. Is there not a

Does Parliament matter anymore?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 26, 2023
  • Politics is in bad shape. Without real reform, Canada will become more difficult to govern, and we'll pay the price. Is there not a
As economic commentator Martin Wolf, writes in his book, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, there is an urgent need to restore a sense of citizenship: 'This is the tie that binds people together in a free and democratic society,' writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada better start playing the long game, now

  • We need an economic council of some of our best minds who can, with the future in mind, analyze policy issues, better frame public understanding
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 19, 2023
Even though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has committed much more public funding for business investment to generate more investment, Canada may 'still lag global peers, fall behind in global competitiveness, and experience a slow erosion of living standards,' Bennett Jones' recent economic outlook warns. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada better start playing the long game, now

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 19, 2023
  • We need an economic council of some of our best minds who can, with the future in mind, analyze policy issues, better frame public understanding

Canada better start playing the long game, now

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 19, 2023
  • We need an economic council of some of our best minds who can, with the future in mind, analyze policy issues, better frame public understanding
Even though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has committed much more public funding for business investment to generate more investment, Canada may 'still lag global peers, fall behind in global competitiveness, and experience a slow erosion of living standards,' Bennett Jones' recent economic outlook warns. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s not broken, but it can do much better

  • Canada needs to create an economic council that brings together our best minds in non-partisan work for a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future. Canada
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 12, 2023
Many things work well in our country, thought many setbacks and failures can also be found. It’s not that Canada is broken, but it’s that we can and must do better. The most important place to start is with our economic performance, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s not broken, but it can do much better

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 12, 2023
  • Canada needs to create an economic council that brings together our best minds in non-partisan work for a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future. Canada

Canada’s not broken, but it can do much better

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 12, 2023
  • Canada needs to create an economic council that brings together our best minds in non-partisan work for a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future. Canada
Many things work well in our country, thought many setbacks and failures can also be found. It’s not that Canada is broken, but it’s that we can and must do better. The most important place to start is with our economic performance, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Where is the sense of national ambition to seize and build on new opportunities today?

  • Four major Canadian-owned and headquartered corporations today all originated as Crown corporations. Our major electric power utilities are other examples of public policy pursuing major
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 5, 2023
A turbo train in original CN livery, before VIA Rail took over the passenger service, seen in Calgary in 1975. Four of our country’s major Canadian-owned and Canadian headquartered corporations today—Potash Corp., Cameco, Air Canada, and CN Rail—all originated as Crown corporations, writes David Crane. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Where is the sense of national ambition to seize and build on new opportunities today?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 5, 2023
  • Four major Canadian-owned and headquartered corporations today all originated as Crown corporations. Our major electric power utilities are other examples of public policy pursuing major

Where is the sense of national ambition to seize and build on new opportunities today?

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | June 5, 2023
  • Four major Canadian-owned and headquartered corporations today all originated as Crown corporations. Our major electric power utilities are other examples of public policy pursuing major
A turbo train in original CN livery, before VIA Rail took over the passenger service, seen in Calgary in 1975. Four of our country’s major Canadian-owned and Canadian headquartered corporations today—Potash Corp., Cameco, Air Canada, and CN Rail—all originated as Crown corporations, writes David Crane. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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G7 must adjust to the reality of a multipolar world

  • If, as Canadians, we want to make a serious contribution to a better world, rather than sounding like an echo for U.S. interests, our
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 29, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The recent G7 summit was based on the false assumption that the West, led by the U.S., can set the rules for the rest of the world, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

G7 must adjust to the reality of a multipolar world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 29, 2023
  • If, as Canadians, we want to make a serious contribution to a better world, rather than sounding like an echo for U.S. interests, our

G7 must adjust to the reality of a multipolar world

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 29, 2023
  • If, as Canadians, we want to make a serious contribution to a better world, rather than sounding like an echo for U.S. interests, our
U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The recent G7 summit was based on the false assumption that the West, led by the U.S., can set the rules for the rest of the world, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Copyright is king in the battle for Canadian content

  • It is through their ownership of intellectual property that Canadians companies can prosper, grow, and take risks while funding new opportunities. 
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 22, 2023
Jean Yoon, left, of 'Kim's Convenience' and Kevin Hanchard of 'Orphan Black' at a Canada Media Fund event in 2017. Canadian content rules and fiscal incentives have worked, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Copyright is king in the battle for Canadian content

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 22, 2023
  • It is through their ownership of intellectual property that Canadians companies can prosper, grow, and take risks while funding new opportunities. 

Copyright is king in the battle for Canadian content

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 22, 2023
  • It is through their ownership of intellectual property that Canadians companies can prosper, grow, and take risks while funding new opportunities. 
Jean Yoon, left, of 'Kim's Convenience' and Kevin Hanchard of 'Orphan Black' at a Canada Media Fund event in 2017. Canadian content rules and fiscal incentives have worked, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

We say Canada is open for business, but the reality is that our country is for sale

  • The Trudeau government is pushing for a branch-plant economy with key business decisions for our economic future made elsewhere, while the wealth generated from these
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 11, 2023
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured in a Hill scrum, introduced Bill C-34 which proposes to revise the Investment Canada Act. The House Industry Committee's study of the bill offers MPs the chance to propose broader changes to address Canada's economic security, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

We say Canada is open for business, but the reality is that our country is for sale

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 11, 2023
  • The Trudeau government is pushing for a branch-plant economy with key business decisions for our economic future made elsewhere, while the wealth generated from these

We say Canada is open for business, but the reality is that our country is for sale

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 11, 2023
  • The Trudeau government is pushing for a branch-plant economy with key business decisions for our economic future made elsewhere, while the wealth generated from these
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, pictured in a Hill scrum, introduced Bill C-34 which proposes to revise the Investment Canada Act. The House Industry Committee's study of the bill offers MPs the chance to propose broader changes to address Canada's economic security, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Investment Canada not serving the country’s best interests

  • There are two big issues here: Investment Canada's lack of transparency, and the loss of young domestic firms scooped up by foreign multinationals thanks
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 8, 2023
The committee will meet to discuss amendments to the Industry Canada Act proposed by Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne aimed primarily at curtailing China's investment in Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Investment Canada not serving the country’s best interests

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 8, 2023
  • There are two big issues here: Investment Canada's lack of transparency, and the loss of young domestic firms scooped up by foreign multinationals thanks

Investment Canada not serving the country’s best interests

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 8, 2023
  • There are two big issues here: Investment Canada's lack of transparency, and the loss of young domestic firms scooped up by foreign multinationals thanks
The committee will meet to discuss amendments to the Industry Canada Act proposed by Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne aimed primarily at curtailing China's investment in Canada. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s over-dependence on foreign investment is a problem

  • Ownership does matter. If so many of our corporate head offices are in other countries, then that's where Canada’s economic future will be decided.
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 1, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Hill scrum on April 25, 2023. The federal government is pursuing a role for Canada in electric vehicles, batteries and critical minerals, and is spending billions of dollars on foreign corporations in pursuit of investment. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s over-dependence on foreign investment is a problem

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 1, 2023
  • Ownership does matter. If so many of our corporate head offices are in other countries, then that's where Canada’s economic future will be decided.

Canada’s over-dependence on foreign investment is a problem

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | May 1, 2023
  • Ownership does matter. If so many of our corporate head offices are in other countries, then that's where Canada’s economic future will be decided.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a Hill scrum on April 25, 2023. The federal government is pursuing a role for Canada in electric vehicles, batteries and critical minerals, and is spending billions of dollars on foreign corporations in pursuit of investment. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian ownership is critical if we are to prosper from minerals strategy

  • Some degree of long-term public equity may be the only answer if we want to ensure that a reasonable share of our mining sector
Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | April 24, 2023
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson described critical minerals as presenting a 'generational opportunity for Canada.' But Canadian ownership will be necessary if we want to retain some of the profitable wealth from our own natural resources, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade.

Canadian ownership is critical if we are to prosper from minerals strategy

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | April 24, 2023
  • Some degree of long-term public equity may be the only answer if we want to ensure that a reasonable share of our mining sector

Canadian ownership is critical if we are to prosper from minerals strategy

Opinion | BY DAVID CRANE | April 24, 2023
  • Some degree of long-term public equity may be the only answer if we want to ensure that a reasonable share of our mining sector
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson described critical minerals as presenting a 'generational opportunity for Canada.' But Canadian ownership will be necessary if we want to retain some of the profitable wealth from our own natural resources, writes David Crane. The Hill Times photograp