The consequences of over-reliance on oil
Part I of the series on how Canada was unprepared for the drop in oil prices.
Whole economy
Reliance on oil means unnecessary pain
Summary of three-part series of article CMIS will be posting on how Canada could have avoided the problems caused by the drop in oil prices.
New study shows potential impact of tackling climate change
A new study, from economists at University College London shows the impact dealing with climate change could have on Canada and other countries.
Like other researchers, the authors of the study argue that curbing climate change means roughly two-thirds of fossil fuels need to stay in the ground. This finding is similar to the findings of other research on what needs to be done to keep the average global temperature rise from greenhouse gas emissions below two degrees Celsius.
Canadian Wheat Board privatization news suggests economic needs taking a back seat
The suggestion that the federal government plans to give away the assets of the Canadian Wheat Board to a multinational corporation instead of selling them to a farmer-owned group is not a surprise. Since the federal government announced that it was ending the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly on selling Canadian wheat, there have been a number of serious problems.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program relies on flawed data
Last week the Alberta Federation of Labour revealed that federal government decisions on whether or not to allow businesses to use the Temporary Foreign Workers Program are based on irreparably flawed data.
Mediocre innovation record blamed on lack of government involvement
In a recent article in the Toronto Star, internationally recognized expert on innovation, Mariana Mazzucato, blamed lack of direct government involvement for Canada's mediocre record when it comes to innovation.
She argues the approach taken by Canadian governments — cut corporate taxes, reduce regulation and sign trade deals that protect corporations and investors — has failed. Instead of investing more, corporations are hoarding cash.
Pension plans provide economic boost
The recent suggestion by the CEO of the world's money management firm BlackRock that good pensions were “one of the fundamental reasons” Canada didn't suffer as much as the United States during the last recession is just the latest reminder of how pension plans provide a boost to the economy.
Two studies released last year of Canadian pension plans show the impact pension plans have on the economy.
Trend in employment numbers a concern
There is good reason to be concerned about what has happened to employment numbers in Canada over the last few months.
While employment numbers fluctuate from month to month, Statistics Canada is reporting that, “there has been little overall employment growth in Canada since August 2013.”
High dollar hurts non-energy exports
A recent Bank of Canada discussion paper found that exports in half the categories surveyed would benefit from the decline in the value of the Canadian dollar. The paper also listed many of the sectors the Bank of Canada views as being key to Canada's economic recovery.
Post office closures harm rural economy
A recent survey by the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA) found that post office closures in rural communities are bad for business.
When post offices close, rural business people and residents are having to travel an average of 13.1 km to get their mail. For businesses relying on mail service, or for those who are uncomfortable driving or who don't own a car, that distance is a significant barrier.
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