Latest Research

Personal freedom on the wane worldwide: report

This year’s Human Freedom Index, which spotlights 162 countries, measures personal freedom—which includes freedom of movement, speech, assembly and religion—alongside economic freedom, the ability of individuals to make their own economic decisions without government or crony interference. New Zealand tops this year’s freedom index followed by Switzerland, Hong Kong, Denmark and Australia. The five least-free countries are (in descending order) Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, Sudan and Syria. Rankings for other significant countries include Canada (6th), Germany (9th), the United Kingdom and the United States (tied for 17th).

Canadian generosity has hit a new low

Generosity in Canada and the United States: The 2020 Generosity Index finds that the total amount donated to registered charities by Canadians in 2018—just 0.54 per cent of their income—is the second lowest amount since at least 2000. By comparison, American tax-filers donated 1.97 per cent of their income to registered charities in 2018—more than four times the percentage Canadians claimed.

Commentary and Blog Posts

New ‘stock options’ rules will make Canada less attractive to top talent

(Appeared in the Financial Post) by Steven Globerman and Alex Whalen

Ottawa plans to limit the deductibility of stock options as a form of compensation.

Flawed federal carbon-pricing plan will hurt economy

by Jairo Yunis and Elmira Aliakbari

According to the Trudeau government plan, the carbon tax will reach $170 by 2030.

Kenney government must control spending to stop Alberta’s fiscal fall

(Appeared in the Edmonton Sun) by Ben Eisen and Milagros Palacios

Alberta’s elevated spending levels produced large budget deficits and mounting debt.

New Brunswick health-care wait times among longest in Canada

(Appeared in the Fredericton Daily Gleaner) by Alex Whalen, Bacchus Barua, and Mackenzie Moir

In 2020, patients in New Brunswick faced a median 41.3 week wait for medically necessary treatment.

Deep flaw in EU architecture can erase pro-market reforms

by Fred McMahon

The European Union enjoyed its pinnacle of influence after the Soviet Union collapsed.

Alberta’s finances—back to the ’90s?

by Ben Eisen and Tegan Hill

The province expects a $15.5 billion budget deficit next year.

Higher electricity costs disproportionality hurting southwestern Ontario

(Appeared in the Epoch Times) by Elmira Aliakbari and Jason Clemens

Windsor was the only city tracked by StatsCan to experience a decline in median household income.

Ottawa should empower provinces to generate health-care funding

by Ben Eisen

Premier Ford wants the federal government to cover 35 per cent of health-care costs, up from 22 per cent.

Freer trade will benefit Atlantic provinces more than others

(Appeared in National Newswatch) by Ben Eisen and Alex Whalen

COVID has interrupted the free movement of products and people.

National economy relies heavily on Toronto and Vancouver housing markets

by Steven Globerman and Ben Eisen

B.C. has seen relatively low levels of capital investment in productivity-enhancing assets.

Higher federal carbon tax will imperil Canadian competitiveness

by Elmira Aliakbari and Jason Clemens

The federal government now wants a $170 per tonne carbon tax by 2030.

Hope springs eternal for freedom worldwide

by Fred McMahon

The Chinese Communist Party has intensified its attack on freedom at home and abroad.

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