In the aftermath of the Lac-Mégantic disaster, there were several newspaper articles and op-eds discussing the relative safety of transporting crude by rail versus via pipelines. For examples, see this article on the risk of tightened rail regulations, this one on the acceptability of rail, one on the future of oil by rail, and one […]
This content was originally published in the Globe and Mail as "Want lower cellphone prices? Expect lousy quality" on July 8. This version adds supporting figures and tables. Everybody seems certain that Canadians pay too much for cellular services. The “Wireless Code of Conduct”, the blocking of Telus’ acquisition of Mobilicity, and new restrictions on […]
During BC’s election campaign, Adrian Dix, Leader of the BC NDP, announced opposition to the expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline. Mr. Dix has been quoted in the media as saying “We do not expect Vancouver to become a major oil export port as appears to be suggested in what Kinder Morgan is proposing.” […]
For two days next week, the US and Chinese Presidents will meet near Los Angeles for a historic ‘get to know you.’ There is much to discuss but pre-meetings last September in China involving Secretary of Defense Panetta and more recently on May 28th with US National Security Adviser, Tom Donilon, suggest five key points. The […]
Canada, like many other nations, supports business R&D through the tax system; but Canada stands out in being unusually generous to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An international comparison of tax assistance for R&D showed that: SMEs undertaking R&D in Canada receive a subsidy through the tax system of just over 40%, the highest in […]
Another election; another “shockwave” and another round of mea culpas. The May 14 election in British Columbia caused consternation among the punditry and, coming just a year after a similar surprise in the Alberta election results, led to another round of calls for pollsters to explain themselves and to account for their (alleged) incompetence. Not […]
Thomas Mulcair recently wrote an opinion piece in the Institute for Research in Public Policy’s publication Policy Options, calling for Canadians to build a “balanced, sustainable energy future.” Overall, it is a thoughtful piece. Mr. Mulcair highlights “science-based” environmental assessments as key to NDP priorities. He is right to do so, but he should favour […]
Two headlines on the New York Times website on May 1, 2013 illustrate the complexity of the situation in Syria and why the Harper government’s ‘Do Nothing’ policy is the wisest at this time: “Obama Considers Expanding Support for Syrian Rebels”, and “Leader of Hezbollah Warns It Is Ready to Come to Syria’s Aid.” […]
The Boston Marathon massacre on April 15, 2013 was horrifying. We saw countless scenes of wounded marathoners and their families and friends caught in the blasts, as well as the image of young Martin Richard, the eight year-old victim of this murderous act who was near the finish line to celebrate his dad completing the […]