Policy in Five

Alberta Trailblazing On Property Rights Protections

Alberta Trailblazing On Property Rights Protections

Most pundits missed it, but Alberta’s revised Bill of Rights just strengthened property rights in a big way. Senior research fellow Joseph Quesnel breaks down how new amendments could protect landowners from regulatory takings—government actions that restrict property use without compensation. He examines key Supreme Court of Canada rulings and explains why every Canadian jurisdiction should take note. Could this be a game-changer for property rights? Read more.

Featured News

Ford Government Is Right To Halt School Renaming Process

Ford Government Is Right To Halt School Renaming Process

Senior Fellow Michael Zwaagstra supports the Ford government’s crackdown on school renaming, targeting boards like the TDSB for attempting to erase John A. Macdonald’s legacy. Yes, Macdonald was imperfect, but without him, there might not be a Canada. Renaming schools drains money and distracts from teaching, Zwaagstra argues. Honouring Macdonald preserves the country’s foundations, and Canadians owe him that.

Canadian Cities See Modest Gains in Financial Transparency, But Regional Gaps Persist

Canadian Cities See Modest Gains in Financial Transparency, But Regional Gaps Persist

Winnipeg, MB – June 5, 2025 – The Frontier Centre for Public Policy has released the eighth edition of its Local Government Performance Index (LGPI), authored by Research Fellow Lee Harding. The report evaluates the transparency and quality of financial reporting among 99 of Canada’s largest municipalities based on 2023 data, highlighting continued progress in public accountability but significant discrepancies across regions.

The Transparency Index (TI) component of the LGPI scores cities out of a possible 33 points, assessing how accessible and comprehensive their financial statements are. Criteria include audit timeliness, commentary on expenditures, historical data, capital asset reporting, and adherence to best accounting practices.

The Crown’s ‘Invisible Power’ Threatens Canada’s Democratic Protections

The Crown’s ‘Invisible Power’ Threatens Canada’s Democratic Protections

John von Heyking unpacks the not-so-symbolic power of the Crown in Canada, challenging claims that it can foster civic virtue. Behind the pomp lies a stealthy authority capable of proroguing Parliament, appointing unelected PMs, and signing off on billions with only limited oversight. If we’re serious about transparency and accountability, von Heyking argues, we need to stop romanticizing royal abstractions and start scrutinizing the flesh-and-blood power players behind them.

Canada Treats Energy As A Liability. The World Sees It As Power

Canada Treats Energy As A Liability. The World Sees It As Power

Research VP Marco Navarro-Genie warns that Canada’s future hinges on building energy infrastructure, not just expanding pipelines but forging a true North American energy alliance. With global demand rising and authoritarian regimes weaponizing energy, Ottawa’s dithering costs Canada $70 million daily. Sovereignty isn’t secured by speeches but by infrastructure. Until Canada sheds its regulatory paralysis, it will remain a discount supplier in a high stakes geopolitical game. Time to build.

NDP School Tax Policy Hitting Manitoba Homeowners Hard

NDP School Tax Policy Hitting Manitoba Homeowners Hard

Senior Fellow Michael Zwaagstra warns that the NDP’s rollback of Tory-era school tax reforms has hammered Manitoba property owners. The government has reignited an unequal, outdated funding model by scrapping a 50% rebate in favour of a flat credit and letting school boards hike rates. The result? Soaring tax bills with no promise of relief. Zwaagstra says it’s time for full provincial funding.

Carney Is Acting Like A President, And That’s A Problem

Carney Is Acting Like A President, And That’s A Problem

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scripted tax-cut spectacles are misleading and sidestep Canada’s constitutional rules. Carney chips away at the core of our parliamentary system by staging solo announcements that mimic President Trump. Canada isn’t a republic, and the prime minister isn’t a president. These theatrics bypass oversight and erode public trust.

Canadians Will Pay For The Federal Budget Delay

Canadians Will Pay For The Federal Budget Delay

In his latest commentary, Lee Harding slams the Carney government for skipping the federal budget while plowing ahead with tax cuts and spending sprees. With no clear plan and ballooning deficits, Canadians wonder how these promises will be paid for—hint: more debt. Harding warns that Ottawa’s “figure it out later” approach is reckless, echoing past fiscal blunders that still haunt taxpayers today. Brace yourselves—this bill is coming.