The failure to index tax brackets is unjust and threatens Nova Scotia’s growth

The Houston government has been unrestrained in its spending. Nova Scotians will therefore have found it surprising that the province nevertheless showed an unexpected surplus in the fiscal year ending last March.

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Political Meddling With Electricity Rates Is Counterproductive

Premier Houston’s intervention on power rates is making a difficult situation worse. Here is why.

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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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When Will Our Politicians Be Honest About The Economics Of The Yarmouth Ferry?

The province wants an informed report on the economic benefits of the Yarmouth Ferry. CBC reports that 16 bids have been submitted to do the work. Your columnist is not one of them, but is puzzled that the matter needs such ponderous analysis. History provides a clear answer.

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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 »

Private Facilities Can Help The Publicly Funded System

Nova Scotia has a single payer health care system. This space completely supports the principal that the best care in that system should go to the sickest people, not the wealthiest. It should not be possible to buy your way to the front of the line. Read More »

The Housing Crisis Needs a Response from Ottawa

Canada’s housing crisis was the primary topic at the recent cabinet retreat in Charlottetown. The ministers received briefings and recommendations from experts. Prime Minister Trudeau’s remarks to the press afterwards were extensive but remarkably lacking in substance given the many ideas that have been proposed. Read More »

Let’s Hope That School Support Workers Are Back To Work On Monday

Should employees doing the same work be paid the same amount regardless of where they live in Nova Scotia? The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has been in the awkward position of taking both sides of the argument.

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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.

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The Municipality’s Inclusionary Zoning Proposal Does Great Harm And Little Good

When we hear governments talking about “affordable housing” the inference is that it is to help those who are homeless or struggling to pay their rent. A successful example is the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, which funds projects “for those in need of deeply affordable housing.” Read More »