Lowering costs, not raising wages, key to helping low-income earners
By PATRICK WEBBER (AIMS Research Associate) Huddle, 13 June 2017 Troy Media, 14 June 2017 The Guardian, 19 June 2017 New Brunswick's government has raised the minimum wage by 35 cents to $11.00 per hour, the 12th increase since 2007. This policy moves the wage floor to the highest level in three decades. People tend to applaud minimum wage increases, but [...]
Radio: Memorial University Tuition
In Newfoundland and Labrador, tough economic times have induced government to cut funding for Memorial University. This is a reasonable decision given financial challenges. Unfortunately, the province also wants to maintain a tuition freeze, keeping fees at Memorial the lowest in Canada. This decision will hamper the university's ability to operate and remain independent. To offer programs, pay [...]
“Buy local” against the spirit of free trade
HALIFAX, NS – Trade is a fundamental ingredient to Nova Scotia's economic success, as identified by the provincial government and the Ivany Commission. And yet there are numerous lingering examples of protectionism, which serve to impede the flow of goods to and from the province. A new study, published today by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), dispels newfound [...]
The Benefits of Trade
Sketch: Arrival of Radisson in an Indian camp, 1660. The Benefits of Trade examines the economic argument for free trade, with an emphasis on the importance of trade for Canadian provinces. The author discusses international, interprovincial, and local trading relationships, explaining the benefits of free exchange for all three types. He argues that a major factor in [...]
For the food industry, the $15-hour fight is pointless. Here’s why
By SYLVAIN CHARLEBOIS (AIMS Senior Fellow) Globe and Mail, 4 June 2017 Troy Media, 7 June 2017 Waterloo Region Record, 8 June 2017 LocalXpress, 8 June 2017 The minimum wage is rising in many parts of the country. Recently, Ontario announced that it would raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour, to match NDP-not-so-happy Alberta. In the U.S. the push [...]
Submission to House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
On May 31, 2017, AIMS President Marco Navarro-Génie appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to discuss demographic and economic challenges in Atlantic Canada. Below is the text of his presentation: Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members of the Committee, Good afternoon: I am grateful for the chance to appear before you on behalf of the [...]