Stats: N.S. students still come cheaply
The latest report on education spending in Canada, shows Nova Scotia has one of the lowest per pupil spending rates in the country. AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill points out such reports don't tell us anything about what's going on in the classroom.
Experts say loss of N.B. call centres highlights transient nature of industry
For over a decade Maritime governments have actively recruited call centres as a way to reduce unemployment. Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, points out the folly in assuming that such a transient industry would provide long-term employment.
Truckers welcome Maine road, but take toll stand
Ian Munro, AIMS director of research, says that the trucking industry's proposal to lower tolls will result in a greater burden on individual taxpayers.
Partners without a union
A meeting of the cabinets of the Maritime provinces has some people again talking about political union. In this article, AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill observes that despite the potential economic and administrative benefits of a Maritime Union, the political will doesn't exist.
Economists say gateway strategy must stay focused
AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill notes that the focus of the Atlantic Gateway should market the entire Atlantic region abroad and that provincial interests should not override that.
Tuition credit a taxing situation
Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, points out that New Brunswick's tuition cash-back credit won't help students get an education nor will it encourage them to stay in the province.
Education, just asking the usual suspects is, well, suspect
What is the goal of our educational system? Is it to provide students with an education that provides them with an opportunity to future success? Or is it to promote the policies of a small group of education “experts”? In his fortnightly column, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill explores how Department of Education committees hinder innovation in our school system by not including parents, taxpayers and businesspeople in the decision-making process.
Don’t count your have-nots until they hatch
There’s no doubt it’s great news for Newfoundland and Labrador, finally a deal to develop the Hebron Ben Nevis offshore oil field. The project had been put on hold by the operators over a dispute with the province about royalty and ownership issues. However, in this opinion piece, requested by the Globe and Mail, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill examines the flaws in equalization revealed by the Hebron deal. Is it a case of having your cake and eating it too? Cirtwill stresses that while it’s an excellent deal for Newfoundland & Labrador, it was based mostly on circumstances and timing and other provinces should not expect similar deals.
Cianbro: We’ll build toll road across state
Maine-based company Cianbro has unveiled plans for a new east-west toll road in Maine. The proposal would strengthen commercial connections between Maine and New Brunswick.
East-west toll road proposed for Maine
Cianbro Corp. announced a proposal for a toll road in Maine aimed at improving connections between Maine and New Brunswick.