Three ways AI can substantially improve economic analyses
The recent boom in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has shown their potential to revolutionize our societies, with noticeable advances in applied sciences (automation of transport, health, and interpersonal interaction). However, these powerful tools still have relatively low popularity in the social sciences. How can AI and ML be useful to a […]
We must foster collaboration to build back better
How can we emerge from this pandemic stronger and more resilient? This is a question Canadians in all sectors, including business, are asking. Today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to re-ignite the economy at its annual general meeting. And at the Research Money conference last week, the private, public and academic sectors agreed on the […]
Past fiscal anchors were all arbitrary and without evidential justification, says Kazdan
Re: “Canada needs a new ‘fiscal anchor’ and Freeland needs to share financial plans, says PBO Giroux,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 19, p. 1, by Peter Mazereeuw.) Past fiscal anchors (whether “balanced budgets,” “modest deficits,” or “declining debt-to-GDP ratios”) had this in common—all were arbitrary, without evidential justification, and ideologically disposed to restrain government spending. Instead […]
A comprehensive plan for zero GHG emissions by 2050
OTTAWA—Although we are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not too early to start attacking the other emergency: climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Canada’s failure to meet previous GHG reduction targets can be traced to a lack of progressive targets for every emitter. Here, the target GHG reduction for […]
A snap election would actually be a welcome diversion
OTTAWA—The nail-biter vote in the House of Commons on Oct. 21 is a precursor of things to come. Two confidence votes, two near misses in two weeks prepares voters for the fact that an election will come sooner rather than later. A national campaign might be a nice break from the onslaught of bad news […]
Feds’ support for helpline comes at a critical moment in pandemic’s trajectory
COVID-19 is the most significant health and economic challenge Canada has faced in several generations. It’s forced hundreds of thousands of Canadian residents to seek financial, medical, and social support they never thought they’d need. As Canada hurtles toward the second wave of the pandemic, the stakes are even higher, because our most vulnerable are […]
Pondering the NDP’s future
OAKVILLE, ONT.—The federal NDP’s future is an interesting topic right now, because Canada’s main socialist party seems to be at crossroads. Where does it go from here? Will it build itself up from its recent electoral debacles, so that it eventually contends for power, or will it ultimately evolve into nothing more than the Liberal […]
Proposed rule on allocation of committee seats antithetical to efforts at Senate modernization
Like most Senators, Progressive Senators are in favour of a sustained focus on Senate modernization. We believe that our rules should reflect our practices, emphasize equality, and enshrine the rights of all Senators. At the same time, this important work of continuing to make our institution more modern, transparent, and accountable must not overshadow what […]
Why UN World Data Forum matters to Canada
Full disclaimer: this is probably a niche passion, but I just can’t help getting excited about the United Nations World Data Forum this week. While this year’s event is, of course, happening online, it’s usually a dynamic and interactive affair, which, for me, as a freshwater scientist here in Canada, reveals just how far we […]
Feds’ pandemic wage subsidy could be lifeline—if it gets it right
The Speech from the Throne gave workers laid off due to the pandemic reason for hope and worry. Recognizing that phasing out recovery benefit programs would be a mistake, the government moved to extend benefits like the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021. CEWS was designed to keep workers affected by pandemic shutdowns connected […]
