Ian Munro, AIMS Director of Research, points out that New Brunswick’s plans to supply the northeastern United States will be affected by factors such as the availability of transmission capacity. He notes that the risks involved in Crown corporations selling power ultimately rest on the shoulders of New Brunswick taxpayers.
AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill was asked by the Daily Gleaner to explain the impact proposed increases to NB Power’s rates will have on business, investment and former New Brunswickers thinking of returning to the province. Cirtwill points out that the rate hike is untimely and will compound the negative effects of tax increases implemented in the Graham government’s budget.
Charles Cirtwill, AIMS acting president, tells the Times and Transcript that NB Power rate increases could not have come at a worse time and will be detrimental to the province’s business and investment climate due to broad based tax hikes introduced in the Graham government’s 2007 budget.
The Globe and Mail turned to AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill for analysis of Nova Scotia’s regulatory changes to its offshore oil and gas licensing regime. Cirtwill points out that the province does a great service to other petroleum producing regions by fostering a business environment that stifles exploration.
This issue of The Beacon covers the country from coast to coast, from BC`s trade agreement with Alberta to Atlantica`s trade with India.
This Telegraph-Journal op/ed from Dean Girdis cites a recent AIMS report on the benefits and disadvantages of an LNG Terminal being installed in Washington County, Maine.
Energy experts agree the potential exists for NB Power to export to power-hungry states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, however, there are also words of caution. AIMS acting president Charles Cirtwill suggests that while the idea is a good one, NB Power may not be in the best position to act on it.
In the ongoing LNG debate in Atlantic Canada, one of the most quoted works is AIMS' paper, "Casting a cold eye on LNG: The real possibilities and pitfall for Atlantic Canada". Author Angela Tu-Weissenberger talks about the need for cooperation among the provinces. It's a message she is bringing directly to Saint John as the guest speaker at a city reception this week.
AIMS' Special Commentary Series on Equalization wins over opinion leaders across the country, NS Premier Rodney MacDonald is told to follow the advice of AIMS, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development uses AIMS' research in its latest Economic Survey of Canada.
AIMS' "Fuel for Thought" Breakfast Briefing with Carol Montreuil, VP of the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute, attracted media attention from around the region. For many reporters, the message was a surprising one, use less fuel.