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FRASER UPDATE
A weekly digest of our latest research, commentary, and blog posts
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Latest Research
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Canada’s high government spending and debt accumulation did not produce economic growth during COVID
Global Aftermath: The Economic and Fiscal Effects of COVID in Canada and the World finds that during the pandemic, despite high levels of government spending and debt accumulation, Canada’s economy underperformed compared to most other advanced countries.
Read More [[link removed]]

Medical wait times cost Canadian patients almost $3.6 billion in lost wages last year
The Private Cost of Public Queues for Medically Necessary Care, 2023 is a new study that finds an estimated 1.2 million Canadian patients waited for medically necessary treatment last year, and each lost an estimated $2,925 (on average) due to lost wages and reduced productivity during working hours. Put differently, long waits for surgery and medical treatment cost Canadians almost $3.6 billion in lost wages and productivity last year.
Read More [[link removed]]

J.S. Mill’s 160-year-old Harm Principle still relevant to the big debates of today
Mill’s Harm Principle: A Study in the Application of On Liberty is a new essay by Sandra J. Peart—part of the Institute’s Essential Scholar series—that explores in-depth John Stuart Mill’s famous harm principle, its relevance today and how it might impact the debates surrounding gun control, free speech and even mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More [[link removed]]


Commentary and Blog Posts
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Report cards should be clear, not confusing [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Globe and Mail) by Michael Zwaagstra
Unfortunately, British Columbia's new curriculum focuses on the process of learning rather than on actual content.

Rising prices at the grocery store—it’s complicated [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Ottawa Sun) by Jock Finlayson
In March, food prices were 9 per cent higher than a year earlier.

Federal government betting billions on uncertain technological breakthroughs [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Calgary Sun) by Kenneth P. Green
Solar power generated only 0.82 per cent of Canada’s electricity, and wind another 5.6 per cent.

P.E.I. government should freeze spending in upcoming budget [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Charlottetown Guardian) by Alex Whalen and Jake Fuss
Each resident of the province is responsible for $15,610 in provincial net debt.

Government debt interest costs rising across Canada [[link removed]]
by Jake Fuss
Federal debt interest costs will reach a forecasted $43.9 billion in 2023/24.

Parents deserve more school choice in Ontario [[link removed]]
(Appeared in True North) by Michael Zwaagstra
Public schools in the province are pushing critical race theory on students.

Nova Scotia lags behind most other provinces on employment income [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Halifax Chronicle Herald) by Ben Eisen and Alex Whalen
A lower employment rate also has implications for government finances.

Deregulation can help Canada avoid or shorten recessions [[link removed]]
(Appeared in the Hub) by Vincent Geloso
Barriers to competition limit the incentives of firms to innovate, cut costs and expand their activities.


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