Dear John,

Can you believe it is February already?

I hope that 2021 is off to a good start for you – despite these uncertain times and the restrictions in place across the country.

I have some great news to share with you today: the Fraser Institute, Canada’s top think tank, has been ranked the 14th best worldwide (out of 11,185) in this year’s Global Go To Think Tank Index by the University of Pennsylvania!

The Institute was also named a Centre of Excellence, placing it among an elite group of institutions that are recognized for their sustained commitment to quality and excellence in public policy research.

I’m so proud of what the Institute accomplished in what was a very difficult year.

Despite COVID’s many challenges and our entire team working from home, we didn’t ease up. Our research generated 18,000 news stories in the media in 2020. We also published 3,630 op-eds in newspapers, and reached over 16 million people through our social media channels!

But what really sets us apart, John, is the fact that we’re one of the only think tanks that consistently produces timely commentaries on government policies related to the pandemic.

• We have been the only think tank to highlight the problems and waste in new government programs that were developed in response to the shutdown.
   
• We were the only think tank that objected to the federal government’s power grab when they tried to give themselves unprecedented powers – including to unilaterally spend, borrow, and raise taxes without Parliamentary approval for nearly two years!
   
• We have been the only think tank to consistently highlight that Canada’s fiscal situation is at near crisis levels.
   
• We continue to be the most prominent think tank consistently arguing that Canada needs a change in policy direction – that more government spending, increased redistribution, and new and higher taxes are not the answer.
   
• We have been one of the only national think tanks to consistently push back against the federal government’s attempt to destroy Canada’s energy industry.
   
• We continue to be the only think tank discussing the real reasons for the lack of hospital beds in Canada.
   
• We are also the only think tank to highlight that the proposed increase in the federal carbon tax will cause serious and harmful economic effects.

These topics all generated attention and discussion because they are issues that matter to, and are therefore front-of-mind for, all Canadians.

While it is impossible to predict when COVID-19 will be behind us, there is little doubt that the response to COVID-19 will have consequences for years.

That is why our work will continue to be more important than ever.

And we don’t intend on letting up in 2021!

I think you’ll agree that now is the time to push harder and create a real understanding of the policies needed to change course.

John, thank you for your support of the Fraser Institute. If you are able to, please consider making a donation today.

We don’t accept government handouts – we rely entirely on donors like you to deliver on our priorities and continue fighting for a better Canada!

Sincerely,

Niels Veldhuis
President