Editorial: Time to overhaul equalization
As the Ontario Chamber of Commerce joins Alberta in pushing for equalization reform, fellow critics wonder if Ottawa will finally listen to their concerns.
Note to premier: Get on with pension review
Four Nova Scotia MLAs were recently charged with various criminal offences related to a few thousand dollars. They were charged, but now the NS government won't look into look into historical spending without specific criminal complaints. Criminal complaints did not spur the initial review. AIMS President Charles Cirtwill explains why a review is necessary.
Province warned not to follow N.S. example
As New Brunswick pursues university funding agreement, AIMS President Charles Cirtwill warns not to follow Nova Scotia example.
Rural N.B. enjoys power surge
As New Brunswick population moves from country to cities, rural voters have stronger voice than urban voters in the NB Legislature. This trend is not unique to the province.
Amalgamation: no quick fix
In light of recent discussions about whether Rothesay and Quispamsis should amalgamate into a city, the pros and cons of amalgamation are discussed.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls for more sense within equalization
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released a report suggesting Canada's productivity is being jeopardized by transfer payments between provinces. AIMS refers to equalization and transfer payments as 'the help that hurts.'
Highway tolls unwanted tax, say industries
As the New Brunswick government considers adding highway tolls, AIMS President Charles Cirtwill explains that such an act can be an effective value-added tax, but this is not the case in New Brunswick.
Auditor questions industry funding program
New Brunswick's auditor general says Business New Brunswick should set targets and make public whether it is getting value for money from The Financial Assistance to Industry Program. AIMS President Charles Cirtwill says the auditor general's recommendations won't prevent Business New Brunswick from making bad funding decisions, and suggests not funding companies at all, or providing payroll rebates once jobs are created.
Future of rural schools in doubt
AIMS President Charles Cirtwill says we need to have a panic-free discussion about education without calling each other names - which is what's happening presently. The issue of declining enrolment must be addressed. Our kids need quality education.
Health Care: Why the Veil of Secrecy?
David Zitner, family doctor, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, and Health Policy Fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, urges Atlantic Canadian legislators to update our information systems in health care.