How often do we hear or read the phrase “Statistics Canada reported today that…”? As the publisher of official statistics for Canada, we rely on Stats Can for valid and reliable facts. Surely this national resource is one antidote for the increasing flim-flam that marks current political and social discourse. By any measure, Statistics Canada is one of the world’s premier … [Read more...] about The role of Statistics Canada in a post truth world
Implementing a basic income will be complex
The drumbeat for a basic income continues. Canada’s business sector has recently promoted the idea, and reaction to the cancellation of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot Project has been almost uniformly negative, with a few exceptions. The idea of a basic income — which guarantees a minimum income to all, regardless of employment status — has always looked good at first … [Read more...] about Implementing a basic income will be complex
Preserving the old not always sensible
Once again, we see plucky "neighbourhood activists" standing up against a "multimillionaire" developer. These activists no doubt celebrate the 11th-hour decision by Winnipeg’s director of planning, property and development to issue an emergency order to nominate "the Crescentwood neighbourhood as a historical conservation district." The mansion at 514 Wellington Cres., … [Read more...] about Preserving the old not always sensible
Anti-vaxxers miscalculate risk assessment
The current outbreak of measles has startled public health practitioners, who declared measles controlled over two decades ago. We are now grappling with a low-level epidemic that may become endemic. Health professionals, armed with the science to back up vaccination, strongly disapprove of parents who do not vaccinate their children. They characterise … [Read more...] about Anti-vaxxers miscalculate risk assessment
Kapyong offers challenging opportunity
Over the past 20 years, the courts have validated long-standing claims by First Nations that Canadian governments have systematically ignored and violated the terms of treaties negotiated between 1871 and 1921. One approach to mitigating treaty violations is the additions-to-reserve process. In short, First Nations purchase land from a private owner and apply to transfer it … [Read more...] about Kapyong offers challenging opportunity
Economic lessons from the SNC-Lavalin fiasco
I will leave it to those more ethically evolved and politically astute than me to comment on the hapless performance of the prime minister in managing the SNC-Lavalin fiasco. I do feel certain that Trudeau the Elder may have simply arched an eyebrow and dismissed the entire affair with the greatest of ease. Trudeau the Lesser has demonstrated that while the apple may not fall … [Read more...] about Economic lessons from the SNC-Lavalin fiasco
Time to eliminate tax break for charitable donations
My smartphone is finally cooling off. It all started three weeks before Black Friday, in late November. Because I make most of my charitable contributions through a website, I need to offer my email address to receive a tax receipt. This has led to a proliferation of retailers and charitable organizations alike seeing me as fair game. Read the full article … [Read more...] about Time to eliminate tax break for charitable donations
It’s a wonderful economic life lesson
Truth be told, I could never sit through the perennial holiday "classic" It’s a Wonderful Life. Many people make an annual ritual of watching this movie, but I always thought the story schlocky and Jimmy Stewart’s performance overwrought. I recently changed my view when I saw a theatrical version of the story told in the 1946 Frank Capra movie. At the Royal Manitoba … [Read more...] about It’s a wonderful economic life lesson
In defence of Stats Can’s financial-data request
Statistics Canada’s proposal to collect a range of detailed financial data from 500,000 Canadians has certainly touched a nerve. Many commentators argue this invades privacy and is overreach, while only a few brave pundits defend the plan. The tide of public opinion has turned and our system of official statistics is under serious threat. … [Read more...] about In defence of Stats Can’s financial-data request
We dodged Amazon’s ransom bullet
Last year, Amazon dangled its new headquarters like a shimmering lure, and politicians everywhere rose like suckers to the bait. Winnipeg and many other cities assembled teams to polish their images as business-friendly locales with trained workforces and favourable tax environments — no doubt, we also noted our central location. Setting aside the fact that if one rotates a … [Read more...] about We dodged Amazon’s ransom bullet
