Daily News says AIMS papers are a real education about equalization
In his 14 August piece, Money editor John Macleod of the Daily News argues that the debate on equalization is not simply about begging for more federal cash. Macleod encourages anyone interested in having a reasonable understanding of this issue to go to the AIMS site and review the recent studies on equalization that can be found there. Having read these studies he concludes that the debate is, rather, about the proper role of non-renewable resources within the equalization program. He points out that the federal government itself has been unable to reach a firm conclusion on how non-renewable resources and equalization go together. In fact, no fewer than ten adjustments have been made in the treatment of non-renewable resources since the equalization program was implemented.
School Choice, AIMS and the Wall Street Journal
On August 9 the Wall Street Journal published a piece by Canadian journalist and publisher Michael Taube about the value of competition and school choice for the public education system. Taube cites AIMS President Brian Lee Crowley’s comments that friendly competition between Canada’s public and private schools can only help the education marketplace and create more efficient institutions. In this context Taube discusses how Ontario and, in fact, Canada has become a leader in this innovative policy area. He applauds the Harris government for introducing tuition tax credits for parents sending their children to private school.
Swedish Health Care in Transition: Markets and Competition Here to Stay
In this, his first commentary, Johan Hjertqvist explores the debate over private sector provision of health services in Sweden. He highlights the positive developments in primary care contracting and the continued shift to entrepreneurs over employees in the search for doctors and nurses.
AIMS authors bring Dion back into focus
In a series of op-ed pieces in papers across the country Ken Boessenkool, Calgary based author of the AIMS paper "Taking off the Shackles: Equalization and the Development of Nonrenewable Resources in Atlantic Canada" and Brian Lee Crowley, AIMS President, again enter the national debate on equalization . The two argue that federal Intergovernmental affairs minister Stephane Dion has chosen the wrong focus in placing the discussion about equalization in the context of special treatment.
The Internet Empowers Swedish Healthcare Consumers
Johan Hjertqvist explores the concepts of choice, competition and accountability to the consumer. The internet is being used as a tool in Sweden to maximize the return from the competitive supply of health services.
AIMS author proposes staged equalization improvements
Ken Boessenkool, author of the AIMS paper "Taking off the Shackles: Equalization and the Development of Nonrenewable Resources in Atlantic Canada" published this piece in the National Post in response to an earlier article by Jack Mintz of the C.D. Howe Institute. Boessenkool agrees that the equalization system needs to be fundamentally reworked. He argues, however, that a necessary step in that reworking is to make a clear distinction between proceeds from the sale of a capital asset (royalties from nonrenewable resources like potash or natural gas) and revenues (like corporate and personal taxes). Publication: NP, July 31, 2001
AIMS On-Line for the end of July 2001
Here is what's new at AIMS - Atlantic Canada's Public Policy Think Tank
C.D. Howe enters debate on AIMS equalization proposal
The public debate initiated by two recent AIMS papers on equalization and its negative impact on economic growth in Atlantic Canada has taken yet another turn. Most commentators appear to have accepted the concept that the equalization system is due for a serious rethinking. The debate now is what to do first. Jack Mintz, President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute, and Arthur Andersen Professor of Taxation at the J.L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, argues in this piece from the National Post that we need to look at the entire formula for equalization. In Mintz' s view, addressing the treatment of non-renewable natural resource revenue alone carries more risks than rewards.
Harris aims at the wrong target
Ontario Premier Mike Harris is exercised about inequities in the way Ottawa treats his province, and rightly so. But he should reserve his fire for the federal government, and not shoot thoughtlessly at his potential allies in the battle for fairer federal-provincial arrangements. In this piece published in the National Post, AIMS President, Brian Lee Crowley, argues that Premier Harris should support equalization reform that ends asset seizure and rewards provinces for sound development of their resources. And the Atlantic provinces need to come to the table, too, and support Ontario's demands for equitable treatment of all Canadians by federal programs such as employment insurance. Neither side should allow Ottawa to engage in its old divide and rule tactics. For both Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, the policy problem lies in Ottawa, and they should be making common cause in putting it right. Publication: NP, July 23, 2001
AIMS Authors Buoyed by CTA Review Report Canada needs a for-profit model of port governance
CTA Review Report comes to same conclusion as AIMS study