Having trouble viewing? Try the web version [link removed] of this email. Latest Research Equalization reform intended to restrain costs has actually resulted in $10.5 billion in higher spending since 2018/19 [[link removed]]
Equalization Is Broken: How the Continuous Growth Requirement Inhibits Reform finds that a design flaw in Canada’s equalization program has resulted in $10.5 billion in overpayments since 2018/19. The flaw, known as the Fixed Growth Rate rule, requires equalization payments to grow in line with Canada’s economic growth even as the fiscal capacity gap between the so-called have and have-not provinces has been shrinking in recent years.
Read More [[link removed]] Atlantic Canada’s larger-than-average government workforce cost taxpayers an extra $2.7 billion in 2024 [[link removed]]
Measuring the Size and Cost of Atlantic Canada’s Government Workforce finds that across Canada, sub-national (provincial and municipal) government sector employees accounted for 18.4 percent of all jobs in Canada in 2024. All four Atlantic provinces exceeded that percentage, with Newfoundland and Labrador at 26.5 per cent, followed by Price Edward Island (22.5), Nova Scotia (22.3), and New Brunswick (20.4). If Atlantic Canada’s provincial and municipal governments had employment levels that matched the national average, governments in the region would have spent $2.7 billion less in 2024 on employee compensation.
Read More [[link removed]] Commentary and Blog Posts Is this the worst budget season in Canada since 1993? [[link removed]] by Grady Munro and Jake Fuss
Average provincial net debt is projected to be 29.9 per cent of GDP in 2026/27.
Ford government spent billions on housing initiatives yet homebuilding has declined [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Hamilton Spectator) by Austin Thompson and Jake Fuss
In 2025, new home construction fell to 65,400—12.3 per cent lower than in 2024.
Alberta government has a spending problem—not a revenue problem [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Calgary Sun) by Tegan Hill and Nathaniel Li
This fiscal year, the Alberta government’s net debt will reach a projected $51.4 billion.
P.E.I. government smashes records in irresponsible budget [[link removed]] by Alex Whalen and Grady Munro
The budget projects historically-large deficits exceeding $330 million through 2028/29.
U.S. aluminum tariffs and the Iran war—a case study in unintended supply chain vulnerability [[link removed]] by Scott Lincicome
The 50 per cent tariff and removal of the Canadian exemption in 2025 pushed major Canadian producers to divert exports to Europe.
Two easy ways to free kids from digital distraction in classrooms [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Toronto Sun) by Paige MacPherson
Smartphones are not the only screen-based distraction in K-12 classrooms.
Carney’s majority government should ‘get serious’ about fixing federal finances [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Western Standard) by Jake Fuss and Grady Munro
The government’s fiscal update will reveal just how “serious” it is about fixing federal finances.
Avalanche of government debt burdens younger Canadians most of all [[link removed]] by Grady Munro
The Ontario government plans to run deficits of $12.3 billion in 2025/26 and $13.8 billion in 2026/27.
Ontario housing will remain unaffordable without real reforms [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Hub) by Austin Thompson and Jake Fuss
As the market cools and prices fall, these fees stay the same, causing even more housing projects to get shelved.
Carney government should reduce other areas of spending to pay for defence increase [[link removed]] (Appeared in National Newswatch) by Grady Munro and Jake Fuss
The federal government plans to run annual deficits of more than $56 billion every year until 2029/30.
Should government force Canadian pension funds to invest more in the domestic economy? [[link removed]] by Steven Globerman
Limiting the freedom of pension funds to invest in foreign assets is equivalent to imposing a tax on investors.
Government child-care system wreaking havoc in Atlantic Canada [[link removed]] (Appeared in the Halifax Chronicle Herald) by Matthew Lau
The federal program has made it harder for thousands of families in Atlantic Canada to find quality child care.
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