COVID-19 is simultaneously a health and economic crisis. If we do not flatten the curve, or if a second wave of illness emerges as social distancing eases, disease impacts may well extend into the summer and even further into the fall, with a possible repeat cycle starting by December. Read the full article … [Read more...] about Time to put the Economy on COVID-19 pause
The moral hazards of our economic response to COVID-19
Little doubt exists that COVID-19 represents an existential challenge. But could our economic policy responses complicate the return to “normalcy” whatever that may mean? Governments everywhere are introducing massive subsidies to individuals and business, replicating the standard response in previous recessions. But what if government did much less, or even nothing? … [Read more...] about The moral hazards of our economic response to COVID-19
Reconciliation starts with the land
The current blockades are the latest development in a land-surrender process that started in the 17th century. The first commercial compacts between the European settlers and Indigenous peoples of North America presented the two parties with challenges in understanding each other’s world views on land title. This challenge persists to this day in resolving the Wet’suwet’en … [Read more...] about Reconciliation starts with the land
Nuclear energy must be part of the climate-crisis solution (with J. Borsa)
The recent false alarm at the Pickering nuclear power plant highlights the mythologies and heightened perceptions of risk with nuclear power. The anti-nuke activists have created deep misunderstanding about nuclear power that undermines climate change action. A watershed moment of awareness occurred in my early university years when I learned that very few problems have a … [Read more...] about Nuclear energy must be part of the climate-crisis solution (with J. Borsa)
Economic illusions of the federal election
As an economist, I approached voting in the Canadian federal election with deep ambivalence that was shared by most everyone I know regardless of vocation or political persuasion. Most expressed resignation and stated, with a sigh, that: "X is at least better than the alternatives," or "I don’t want X to win, so am voting for Y." I too fell into that ditch of despair, but … [Read more...] about Economic illusions of the federal election
Politicians must stop trying to buy us off with our own money
As Larry the Liquidator said in that not-so-classic film Other People’s Money: "I love money more than the things it can buy … but what I love more than money is other people’s money." With the federal election soon upon us, it’s time to issue a call for politicians to stop buying us off with our own money. Read the full article … [Read more...] about Politicians must stop trying to buy us off with our own money
International collaboration spurs technology and the economy
Ottawa has just invested $30 million in food processing innovation as part of the $1 billion directed to five innovation clusters. Proponents of this collaboration of Prairie industry, universities, and government believe that "this super-cluster will make Canada a leading source for plant proteins and, ultimately, feed the world." Will such collaboration work, without … [Read more...] about International collaboration spurs technology and the economy
Is it always better to be safe than sorry?
Often when some natural disaster has occurred or a public health challenge emerges, we hear leaders exercising "an abundance of caution" when adopting a conservative strategy. An example was the boil water advisory issued in Winnipeg during 2016 in in response to very low levels of E.coli in a few water samples. And is it not always better to be safe than … [Read more...] about Is it always better to be safe than sorry?
Is Canada benefitting from “Trumpconomics?”
How is it that the Canadian economy continues to add jobs at a rapid clip despite all the Cassandra’s predicting imminent collapse.” Could it be that Trump has been good for Canada? Read more … [Read more...] about Is Canada benefitting from “Trumpconomics?”
An economic path forward for First Nations
After reading the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, I had two reactions. First, a deep sadness at how Canada, and I mean all of us, have failed these women and their families. The layer upon layer of pain from the detailed testimony is numbing and sobering. But then I felt frustration. After three major inquiries , … [Read more...] about An economic path forward for First Nations
