Newfoundland’s Failed Welfare Reform
In his latest column on Newfoundland public policy, AIMS Fellow Peter Fenwick tells the story of how social welfare advocates in the province stymied attempts to return welfare recipients to the workforce, despite compelling international evidence that such welfare reform is a powerful aid in reintegrating otherwise marginalized members of our society. Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair often argues that leaving people at home on welfare is to isolate them and bar them from participating in society. His reforms and those tried in the US have eliminated much of that exclusion and have given people the strongest incentive to get back on their feet. But vocal lobbying by powerful interest groups likely has prevented such policy reform from helping thousands of Newfoundlanders from making a successful transition from welfare to work.
AIMS On-Line for September 2002
AIMS presents Stephen Harper's first major policy speech in Atlantic Canada as Leader of the Opposition, AIMS on impact of 9/11, the federal Tories seek AIMS' advice on regional development and Brian lee Crowley on corporate governance.
AIMS at Acadia University on the meaning of sustainable development
Prescriptions to fix the world’s problems by restricting economic growth are a prescription for the exact opposite.
Breaking the Glass Wall: Economic Development in Atlantic Canada
Leader of the Opposition, Stephen Harper, outlines his vision for a prosperous Atlantic Canada within a dynamic federation.
Harper tells AIMS Luncheon that Atlantic Canada does not need “some new grand scheme”
Stephen Harper ventured back to Atlantic Canada on Friday. Speaking at an Economic Leadership Speakers series Luncheon hosted by AIMS, the Greater Halifax Partnership, Corporate Research Associates and Deloitte & Touche, Harper sidestepped earlier remarks that inflamed regional tensions and instead focused on a positive prescription for growth and development. Read this Canadian Press piece from the Halifax Chronicle Herald to see how the talk was received by the national media.
Borderlines: Canada in North America Conference
At the first of four national conferences to launch a national dialogue on Canada's role and place in North America, AIMS President Brian Lee Crowley was invited to talk about how continental integration is affecting Canada's regional policy. In his presentation, he spoke about how the 1989 Free Trade Agreement repudiated Sir John A. Macdonald's old National Policy and its assumption of an east-west economy defying the southward tug of the business giant on the other side of the border. Abandoning the National Policy also implied, whether Canadians realised it or not, the end of the political underpinnings of our massive transfer system for the less-developed parts of the country. As Ontario and Alberta become increasingly restive in their role as bankrollers of these transfers, the transfer recipients need to concentrate their efforts on reducing dependence, and increasing trade with the US must clearly be part of any strategy that can hope to succeed. An abridged version of this t
Canada’s Cities Look to the Future
At the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Capital Cities Organization in Fredericton on September 14, 2002, Dr. Michael J. MacDonald, AIMS’ Senior Fellow, was invited to present the keynote address on the future of Canada's cities. The debate on the role of Canada's cities within the federation and on ways to fund future investment in infrastructure and services is a major issue as Parliament begins a new session in the Autumn of this year. Trapped in a Victorian political structure that ignores the dynamic role of Canada's cities in the national and global economies, these urban municipalities now account for more than 80% of Canada's population. Yet recent public policy has ignored this fact and governments for the most part are focused not on these growth centres but on communities in crisis.
Bush must heed wise words from past
America's closest ally, British Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as a majority of U.S. public opinion are urging the formation of a broad international coalition against the real threat posed by Iraq. In this column, AIMS President Brian Lee Crowley discusses why that alone should cause the Bush administration to redouble its so far reluctant efforts to stitch together such a coalition. If the administration’s case is good, they will find, and they will deserve, allies in the fight against Saddam Hussein, and they will find their country's power, prestige and security in the world heightened as a result. The President needs to heed the words in the Declaration of Independence counseling “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind”. This respect, as the American founders knew, is a sign and source of strength, not weakness. Publication: CHH, September 11, 2002
AIMS Chairman discusses new business model in Atlantic Progress
In the interview, AIMS Chairman Gerry Pond explores his ideas about the role of government and emphasizes how recognizing and responding to trends in the global marketplace can help strengthen the Atlantic Canadian economy. Smaller more focused government and the resulting expansion in market opportunities would go a long way in assisting Atlantic Canadian companies to reach their full potential.
The Crisis in Corporate Governance
Finally, he offered some insights on the solutions being proposed to address the current crisis in corporate governance. Unlike those who see the solution in draconian new laws, Crowley sees the marketplace, investors and the existing criminal law rapidly meting out blame and punishment in a highly effective manner. What is needed over and above that is a moral and ethical renewal in our business and political leadership, something no law can accomplish by itself.