Record Infrastructure Builds At Higher Interest Rates Are Underway. How To Cover The Cost.
The 2023-2024 provincial budget will be presented in early spring. The factors affecting revenue and expenses are more volatile than usual. The list of priorities need not include job creation. Read More »
Posted January 13, 2023
Political Meddling With Electricity Rates Is Counterproductive
Premier Houston’s intervention on power rates is making a difficult situation worse. Here is why.
Posted December 9, 2022
Beware of Governments Announcing Bold Expensive Projects
Have you had a good look at your electricity bill lately? Some of the power you are paying, for now, will not be received for 35 years.
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Posted August 28, 2020
Let The Owls Head Proponents Make Their Case
The 2017 mandate letter from then Premier Stephen McNeil to then Environment Minister Iain Rankin is the most up-to-date version as of March 19th. It instructed him to consider both the economy and the environment in exercising his responsibilities:
“I ask that the department continue to support a business environment which is conducive to innovation and economic development, striking the right balance, ensuring that effective regulation protects the interests of Nova Scotians while enhancing our provincial prosperity.”
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Posted March 19, 2021
The Conservatives must pick a leader who can win elections
Pierre Poilievre was just five years old when Jean Charest was elected to parliament at the age of 26. Poilievre was a year younger than that when elected in an Ottawa area riding in 2004. Read More »
Posted June 24, 2022
The Targets For Improving Health Care Capacity Are Too Low
Nova Scotia’s health care system, which includes long term care, is not keeping up with the need. Recent deaths of patients waiting for care in emergency departments are just one symptom of the problem. There are not enough doctors, not enough nurses, not enough facilities. This week’s “summit” had health care leaders discussing short term responses. Read More »
Posted January 20, 2023
Nova Scotia’s Population Will Grow More Slowly In 2023. Good.
This space has, since 2010, argued strongly for population growth and has celebrated the successes that have been achieved. Nova Scotians might be wondering if we now have too much of a good thing.
Posted February 3, 2023
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Can The Government And The Teachers Union Get Along?
In 2015, the Liberal government issued an ambitious plan for improving our schools. Of particular importance were the recommendations for changes to be negotiated with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU). There have been many bends in the road since then.
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Posted October 4, 2019
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The Teachers’ Plan Deficit Needs to be Addressed
The government and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union are doing a disservice to taxpayers and today’s teachers, who are paying for the inadequacy of past contributions by and for the teachers that retired long ago.
In contrast, the public-sector pension plans for civil service and health care workers are well-funded and can be expected to keep their promises to pensioners over the long term.
Posted May 18, 2018
The Province’s Intrusion Into Municipal Planning Is Risky
Nova Scotia’s population continues to grow by 10,000 people and more per year. Both Halifax Regional Municipality and the provincial government proclaim themselves to be enthusiastic supporters but they risk getting in each other’s way.
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Posted November 19, 2021
Transit Choices
A study of the possibilities for commuter rail is underway. It looks expensive. That is not the only option that should be considered. Read More »
Posted March 13, 2015