The federal government plans to invest $634-million in Nova Scotia's infrastructure. AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill welcomes the investment in infrastructure, but questions whether government-to-government transfers is the most effective way to fund such projects.
The Moncton Times & Transcript called on AIMS for comment on the high-flying loonie. Ian Munro, Director of Research, pointed out that a rising Canadian dollar does present challenges for exporters, but also makes Canadian consumers richer and provides a golden opportunity for Canadian firms to invest in capital and boost productivity for the long term.
In this letter to the editor AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill explains why government shouldn't throw its money at ill-conceived projects, instead it should create a business friendly environment for the private sector to take the risk.
Nova Scotia has been actively engaged in public-private partnerships (P3s) for a number of years now. While some of the projects have functioned smoothly with little public opposition, others have generated controversy. Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, notes that even P3s that elicited a public outcry managed to accomplish things that the govenrnment wouldn't have been able to do alone.
Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, says the call for a regional forum to address transportation issues is the right move, but there is no need to create an entirely new organization; there are existing bodies that can take on the role.
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.
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.
After the federal Speech from the Throne, reporters in Ottawa turned to AIMS for better understanding of how policies outlined in the speech could help the region.
New Brunswick recently announced plans to set up a new program to give grants to small businesses in the province. Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, says that encouraging growth would be better served by implementing more business-friendly policies.