Radio: First Nations and Pipeline Politics
Canada’s First Nations are divided on the issue of pipelines. While the Energy East project is supported by the Indian Resource Council, other groups oppose it. Stakeholders are right to insist on stringent environmental assessments. But they should also consider the opportunity that responsible resource production accrues to them. Many First Nations are big players in the energy [...]
Democratic reforms need democratic consent
AIMS policy analyst Jackson Doughart discusses proposals for democratic reform in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. While proportional representation, e-voting, and lowering the voting age can all be considered, he writes, the most important factor is that proper democratic consent be attained before any of these measures are adopted. Read this article on the Telegraph-Journal website. Democratic reform is [...]
The Beacon – July 18, 2016 (Vol XXII, No. 15)
The Beacon - July 18, 2016 | Vol XXII, No. 15 Upcoming AIMS Events Summer is a busy time here at AIMS. In addition to our research on important policy issues to Atlantic Canada, we are hard at work in preparing a series of upcoming speaking events. The annual AIMS Chairman's Dinner promises to be a treat this year, with [...]
Finally, we see leadership, collaboration on key issues
AIMS Chairman John Risley praises recent federal-provincial collaboration on pensions, immigration, and internal trade. "It is good to see political leadership ... on these important files. Such leadership is often not rewarded by public opinion, so it is important to speak in favour of good public policy when it is evident." Read this article on the Chronicle Herald website. In [...]
Radio: Immigration Pilot Policy
The federal government has agreed to increase immigration in Atlantic Canada by 2,000 people, to fill job vacancies and alleviate outmigration. This policy would roughly double the region’s current migrant intake. Unfortunately, there is little reason to believe that their plan will work. More immigrants will come, but will they stay? If our economies remain uncompetitive, our regulations [...]
Tax hike won’t solve our spending problem
In his Telegraph-Journal column, AIMS Vice-President of Research John Williamson suggests that New Brunswick's government should commit to a limit on increased spending of one percent per year, to combat uncontrolled expenditure increases. This action, he argues, "would largely offset inflation and put downward pressure on the province’s spending arc." Read this article on the Telegraph-Journal website. New Brunswick raised [...]