Novembre 20, 2015 3:00AM

Key policy areas for the new finance minister: Part 1—Canada Pension Plan

A series of blog posts will highlight key policy areas where Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s think-tank experience can be especially useful. In this post, we examine the policy choices surrounding retirement savings.

Sujet:

Is fracking safe? Well integrity

Kenneth P. Green, Taylor Jackson

The risk of well integrity failures are similar to other areas of risk for hydraulic fracturing—the risks tend to be quite low.

Sujet:

Environment, Natural Resources

Étiquettes:

risks of fracking, hydraulic fracturing, groundwater

Novembre 19, 2015 3:00AM

Don’t blame Ontario’s manufacturing woes on the currency

Ben Eisen, Jason Clemens

The popular angst over the “strong Canadian dollar” of the 2000s is arguably misplaced.

Sujet:

When green labels mis-LEED

Kenneth P. Green

Turns out, LEED school buildings actually consume more energy, and therefore cost more money, than non-LEED schools.

Sujet:

Environment

Étiquettes:

LEED, environment policy, energy, climate change

Novembre 18, 2015 3:00AM

Historic court ruling also raises questions for First Nations pursuing aboriginal title

Ravina Bains

Last month, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld an earlier B.C. Court of Appeal ruling that will allow the Nechako Nations to bring forward a damages claim against Rio Tinto, an aluminum industry giant.

Sujet:

Aboriginal Policy

Étiquettes:

aboriginal claims, first nation reserves, LNG

Novembre 17, 2015 10:59AM

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Reaction to Morneau’s 'Mandate Letter'

Ben Eisen, Charles Lammam

Prime Minister Trudeau's letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau lists 27 priorities—we offer a quick reaction to 13 of these priorities.

Sujet:

Education, Environment, Government Spending & Taxes, Natural Resources

Étiquettes:

canadian income tax, CPP, employment insurance, taxes, energy

Novembre 17, 2015 4:00AM

Ontario not likely to balance its books on schedule

Ben Eisen, Charles Lammam

Recent deficit reduction track record is quite weak, which is why Ontario is still running an $8.5 billion deficit in 2015/16, several years after the recent recession.

Sujet:

Government Spending & Taxes

Étiquettes:

ontario deficit, ontario finances

Novembre 16, 2015 12:25PM

There’s a rate of taxation that maximizes revenues—the Liberal tax plan may eclipse that rate range

Livio Di Matteo

Raising tax rates increases revenues at lower tax rates—but as rates rise, a work disincentive effect kicks in, as well as a stronger tax-planning incentive that erodes revenues.

Sujet:

Government Spending & Taxes

Étiquettes:

laffer curve, taxes, canadian income tax

Novembre 16, 2015 4:00AM

China displaces Canada as largest U.S. trade partner (though China’s bragging rights may be short-lived)

Steven Globerman

Canada remains the United States’ largest export market accounting for almost 19 per cent of U.S. exports, while China accounts for only 7.4 per cent of total U.S. exports.

Sujet:

Canadian Perspectives on the U.S.

Étiquettes:

canadian exports, trade with china, trade with united states

Novembre 13, 2015 11:38AM