In the United States, think tanks are hugely effective and a major part of the political debate. They play a constant role and an interactive role with government in terms of where government wants to go and trying to help with the kinds of policy prescriptions and the issues that they need to have looked at by independent people,” Here in Canada, Think-tanks here tend to present research that they have done in the abstraction from the public debate.
Year: 2005
Conservation the Only Answer – Jim Harris Powerpoint
Powerpoint slides (Pdf)
If It’s Broke, Don’t Fix It
Equalization should not be a political issue that pits region against region. It should be a national economic issue that pits Canadians against their governments.
Living in Interesting Energy Times
If Manitoba priced its hydro-electric resource at market rates, it would garner about a billion dollars more in annual revenues.
Featured News
Demand Fairness from Ottawa and Edmonton
A few weeks ago, Albertans voted to reduce the inequities in the federal equalization program. The deficit between the dollars that leave to and come back from Ottawa has recently been as high as $27 billion in one year. During times of crisis, it feels like salt in...
Inflation: They Win, You Lose: Politicos, Cronies Fleece Canadians with Monetary Expansion
One of the most widespread economic myths is that inflation—the reduced purchasing power of a currency—is a win for a nation, a sign of a booming economy. For the privileged classes in government and with initial access to monetary expansion, it is a win. For everyone...
To End Scandals, Dump Some Crowns
That corruption can always occur in fallible human beings who have access to power and who then trade it for cash is a given– that it is guaranteed is not.
Wanted: Leaders with Big Ideas, Willing to Take Risks
We have been a country of big ideas. When thoughtfulness and reflection in leadership is dithering and constructive opposition is weakness, we are in trouble. Paul Martin and Stephen Harper deserve more respect.
We Mustn’t Short Change Canada
Our duty to our country is to go beyond what the numbers say and give more tax power to provinces and cities, argues BOB RAE
Whose Manifesto?
The Labour Party’s election platform turns public monopolies on their heads.
More Private Healthcare in Canada?
A new book puts Canada’s Medicare system in context by describing the private healthcare sector in other countries with universal access
The Digital Hospital
Hospital spending on information technology is expected to climb to $30.5 billion next year, from $25.8 billion in 2004,
Hog Rulings Show Free Trade Works
If the borders are truly open, Canada’s economy will win.
First Nations Fiscal Act
The First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, which received royal assent last week, gives aboriginal groups the authority to pool property taxes they collect to use as collateral for bond issues, virtually assuring that they will obtain an investment grade rating on par with Vancouver or Montreal.
Accountability and Self-Rule
The transition from federal control of First Nations to self-government has been tarnished by a lack of consequences for misperforming leaders.