Incentives, Identity, and the Growth of Canada’s Indigenous Population finds that Canada’s indigenous population increased by a staggering 275 per cent between 1986 and 2011—eight times faster than the general population—and is largely explained by so-called ethnic mobility as more and more Canadians start to identify as indigenous, and qualify for economic benefits.

This year Tax Freedom Day falls on June 9.  Tax Freedom Day measures the total yearly tax burden imposed on Canadian families by all levels of government:  If you had to pay all your taxes up front, you’d give government every dollar you earned before June 9. This year, the average Canadian family (with two or more people) will pay $47,135 in total taxes or 43.4 per cent of its annual income.

The Private Cost of Public Queues for Medically Necessary Care, 2017 finds that Canada’s long wait times for medically necessary treatments cost Canadians $1.7 billion—or $1,759 per patient—in lost wages and time last year. Including the value of lost time outside the traditional work week—evenings and weekends—the estimated cost of waiting jumps from $1.7 billion to $5.2 billion.