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Part One: AIMS author on the private sector in health care
Is there a role for the private sector in health care? Brian Ferguson, AIMS author and health economist with the University of Guelph, thinks so, and explains why on a recent appearance on CBC Radio’s Maritime Noon Phone-In. Throughout the interview, Ferguson attempts to clarify the definition of “private” as it applies to health care in our country. The resulting discussion, which also features Council of Canadian’s representative Maude Barlow, is an elaborate debate about the future of medicare. Along with several different callers, the two guests explore the Canadian evolution of medicare, the role of nurses and nurse practitioners, and the reasons behind the problem of migrating health professionals. The potential application of international health care models is another hot topic visited by the guests.
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Part Two: Equalization and Newfoundland — AIMS on CBC Radio
In this CBC Radio interview, AIMS’ author Kenneth J. Boessenkool discusses equalization’s design flaws and its negative impact on Newfoundland and Labrador. The author of AIMS’ new report, “Taxing Incentives: How Equalization Distorts Tax Policy in Recipient Provinces”, explains how equalization’s methodology creates incentives for Newfoundland, and other recipient provinces, to overtax their population. Because of the way the payments are currently being calculated, personal income taxes are about a quarter higher in Newfoundland than Ontario.
Boessenkool also reminds listeners of the message from one of his earlier AIMS’ papers – Taking off the Shackles: Equalization and the Development of Nonrenewable Resources in Atlantic Canada. Inappropriate inclusion of non-renewable natural resources (for example the mineral deposits of Voisey’s Bay) in the equalization equation, hampers the development and realization of the full potential of those resources.
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Part Three: New AIMS paper: Canadian aquaculture drowning in regulation
Canadian Aquaculture: Drowning in Regulation, AIMS latest report on Canada’s aquaculture industry, argues that the current federal-provincial regulatory environment for aquaculture is dysfunctional and that fundamental institutional change is required if this potentially vibrant and growing industry is to achieve its full potential in Canada. The paper, released in partnership with the Canadian Aquaculture Institute (CAI), concludes that the private property rights necessary for efficient development of Canadian aquaculture are not in place. Untoward costs and regulations hobble the industry.
One of the most basic reasons for the aquaculture industry’s problems is that regulators have a difficult time thinking in terms of private property with respect to the resource — the fish themselves, as well as the water in which they are raised. The authors of Drowning in Regulation, AIMS’ Board of Research Advisors’ Chairman Robin F. Neill, and award-winning aquaculturalist Mr. Brian Rogers also point out that vested interests in traditional fisheries holds considerable sway over the regulatory environment, to the detriment of aquaculture.
The authors close by suggesting that we seek inspiration from the experience of other jurisdictions – such as the United States, Australia, and Norway – where aquaculture is considered to be an industry to be developed, not obstructed, and where aquaculture-specific legislature exists.
Canadian Aquaculture: Drowning in Regulation is the first in a series of AIMS’ aquaculture papers, with a major one on property rights coming next.
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Part Four: Equalization isn’t working — AIMS in the National Post
“[Equalization] isn’t working,” says Kenneth J. Boessenkool, author of AIMS’ latest report on equalization, “Taxing Incentives: How Equalization Distorts Tax Policy in Recipient Provinces”. The Constitution provides for equalization to ensure provinces can deliver reasonably comparable services at “reasonably comparable levels of taxation”. The study’s author said his findings suggest that on average, personal income tax is about 33% higher in the poorer provinces than in the so-called “have” provinces. This would suggest that Canada’s $10.5-billion equalization program may be doing exactly the opposite of what it’s supposed to. While Boessenkool agrees that equalization does some good, the basic question remains: ‘Are taxes across the country reasonably comparable?’ and the answer is clearly: ‘No, they’re not.'”
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Part Five: Protesters or G-7 countries: Who’s right?
The anti-globalization protesters that were recently on the streets of Halifax were having a marvellous time. They weren’t just there for fun however, but to show their heart-felt support for a global movement that sees continued integration of the world’s economic activity as being inimical to justice and, in particular, sees globalization as a front for vicious exploitation of the peoples of the Third World. Are they right? In his regular column, AIMS’ President Brian Lee Crowley reviews the status of Third World countries that follow the prescriptions of the anti-globalization protesters and shows a more appropriate slogan for those truly wishing to help them should be “More Trade, Less Aid”.
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Part Six: AIMS seeks Operations Assistant
The Operations Assistant is a member of AIMS’ support staff and has responsibility in two key areas: Development and Communications support and Financial Systems support. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years experience in an office environment with a complete knowledge of office procedures, including excellent business communication skills, both written and verbal and will possess a high level of interpersonal, organizational and problem solving skills. The selected candidate will have proven PC skills, with emphasis on proficiency in Excel, Simply Accounting, Word and e-mail/internet and a working knowledge of Access and Maximizer. The position works closely with AIMS’ Manager of Special Projects, and reports to the Director of Operations. The job opening is located at the Institute’s head office in Halifax.
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