Farmer resists EI plan for local workers
AIMS Director of Research Don McIver comments on EI changes suggested by Ottawa, that may require people to take local jobs now filled by foreign labourers.
Financial Reality is Needed in Maritime Canada
David MacKinnon, AIMS Fellow in Common Sense in Confederation, The Ontario Perspective, takes issue with the approach the federal government has been taking in relation to the regional subsidies, proposing changes that could lead to Maritime prosperity.
Demanding more money – again
AIMS Research Fellow David MacKinnon argues that PEI needs to ensure they approach other Canadians for financial support in an informed way, showing understanding of the circumstances of the people they are seeking money from - none of which is present in the PEI government's recent appeal to Ottawa.
The Beacon – 4 November 2011
AIMS Director of Research Don McIver recommends the elimination of MLA pensions in Nova Scotia. MP Stephane Dion discusses the future of Canada's political system. AIMS highlights an FCPP paper on saying goodbye to forced funding of union advertising. Livio Di Matteo assesses the effectiveness of public health programs in Canada. Bill Black chases the jobs, and Don McIver discusses how governments cling to transfer payments.
Sticky Fingers
In this commentary, AIMS Director of Research Don McIver shows how shared cost programs and federal-provincial transfers serve to increase total government spending levels.
Careless Intentions: Regional Consequences of National Policies
In this commentary, Don McIver, AIMS Director of Research, discusses the unintended consequences of well meaning national policies. He argues that rather than complaining about the negative consequences for the Atlantic Provinces our leaders need to recognize our unique regional reality and act within it.
The Beacon – 16 June 2011
Bill Black discusses the challenges facing our public healthcare system. A federal initiative - without the price tag - is suggested. AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill discusses two public relations campaigns that have Atlantic Canada asking Ottawa for money. AIMS Director of Research Don McIver suggests the federal government is "killing us softly with their love." AIMS Board Chair John Risley thinks Atlantic Canada needs something to be known for internationally. Michael Zwaagstra's series on education is focused on AIMS blog Straight Talk!
N.B. lags in labour productivity growth: report
New Brunswick is the runner up for slowest labour productivity growth in the country. AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill says the "sacred cows" of regionally differentiated unemployment and equalization transfers for slowing the province down.
Killing us softly with your love
As new members of parliament begin familiarizing themselves with key economic and social issues, AIMS Director of Research Don McIver takes the time to review some of the more perverse consequences of existing strategies.
Possible federal initiative without the price tag
In this commentary, Stewart Kronberg of Glencott Associates makes the argument that with the new majority government, Canada is overdue for a groundbreaking initiative. He discusses an initiative that could be implemented in the face of severe fiscal constraints.