Atlantica named one of top newsmakers of the year
Atlantic Business magazine named the top newsmakers of the year and Atlantica was named one of the top five.
How much should N.B. MLAs be paid?
New Brunswick's conflict of interest commissioner has delivered a report on compensation for members of the provincial legislature. If followed through it would mean an increase in MLAs salaries. AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill suggests such reviews should look at the national averages.
Commissioner calls for MLA pay raises
When an NB commissioner recommended increasing MLA salaries and removing the tax-free allowance, AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill expressed concern. He says a potential opt-out clause removes the transparency gained by the reform.
Development agency seen as model for this province
AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill provides some balance to a discussion about economic development and the use of arms-length government agencies.
Graham likely to push self-sufficiency with Harper, premiers
The impact of the high Canadian dollar, equalization and infrastructure spending are all expected to be on the agenda when the premiers meet this week with the Prime Minister. AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill explains what New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham should be looking to accomplish at the meetings.
High-flying loonie to dominate meeting with PM
The New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal turned to AIMS for insight of the public policies that should be discussed at the upcoming First Ministers' meeting. Acting President Charles Cirtwill comments on the high Canadian dollar and record fuel costs.
Graham looking for long-term fix for ailing forestry industry
AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill suggests NB Premier Shawn Graham should bring a focused approach to the First Ministers' meeting in January. Cirtwill says the premier needs to propose sensible and practical options to current problems.
Tracking student loan defaults has merit, says think-tank
AIMS gave the NB government full marks for introducing a system to track students who default on student loans. However, acting President Charles Cirtwill says there is a potential problem if the government uses the default information to dictate that schools need to change their curriculum.
Maritimes sail best under winds of Atlantica
Globe and Mail business columnist Neil Reynolds uses AIMS' latest Atlantica paper to explain why the concept works, and why the federal government should just let it be.
School-by-school test results to be released
The PEI government has accepted AIMS' advice and is releasing school by school test results. Senior policy analyst Bobby O'Keefe points out that data is critical if educators are serious about improving results. Such data, he says, show what a school is doing well, where it isn't succeeding, and how to make improvements.