As the federal finance minister was announcing tax cuts, reporters were turning to AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill to explain the impact. He says the plan to cut taxes by $60 billion over the next five years will help small and medium sized businesses, and the low corporate tax rate can lead to a competitive advantage globally.
In the lead up to the proposed cut to the GST, a Globe & Mail survey showed that Canada’s top economists disagreed with the cut. Among the 20 economists surveyed was Ian Munro, AIMS Director of Research. He argued that the federal government’s giant surplus would be better spent by reducing the source of the surplus – personal income taxes and taxes on business.
Reporters around the country were scrambling to cover the story of the soaring loonie. In this New Brunswick newspaper article, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill provides some basic tips to consumers. He says if people neglect to factor in duties and other add-ons, they could end up paying a lot more than they anticipated.
The results of writing assessments in New Brunswick are not good; it seems that few children are being taught how to write properly. Bobby O'Keefe, an AIMS senior policy analyst, suggests that one reason for the poor results may be that schools aren't focused enough on the basics of education.
It's time for business to step up to the plate and take action on the Atlantic Gateway and Atlantica. In his bi-weekly column, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill notes recent announcements are generating a lot of momentum, which we can take advantage of if we're smart. But he cautions government to take a supportive role in Atlantica and leave leadership to private enterprise.
As New Brunswick explores the possibility of starting a number of mega-projects some local firms are looking for the government to institute an industrial benefits program. Such a program would see local companies given preference in contracts. AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill says such polices are folly and inevitably lead to higher costs and fewer projects.
Educators need to not only collect data about student performance, but they need to continue to use it to improve performance. AIMS senior policy analyst Bobby O'Keefe explains that the New Brunswick education department appears to have it right as it works to improve math and literacy skills.
A study by the Conference Board of Canada says that Canada will not be able to benefit from increased shipping traffic from China and Europe unless it tears down its barriers to trade.
A report by the Conference Board of Canada says that we will not be able to take advantage of increased trade from Europe and Asia if we can't keep traffic moving smoothly at the Canada-U.S. border.
The latest federal Speech from the Throne includes a plan by Ottawa to limit federal spending in areas of provincial jurisdiction. Called to comment on the new policy, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill suggests it will actually provide more freedom for the provincial governments.