Dear John,

The federal election is in full swing, and as expected, some of the biggest issues are those which the Fraser Institute’s recent studies have covered.

First off, Canada’s economic growth. The Prime Minister has repeatedly claimed that his government’s policies — namely higher taxes, higher debt-financed spending and more regulation of the economy — have led to stronger economic growth.

But that is simply not true. It’s something we recently highlighted in our commentary published in the Globe and Mail. In fact, the current government has overseen the lowest (pre-recession) annual average rates of economic growth dating back 30 years!

Secondly, Canada’s debt position. The federal government is very quick to point out that Canada’s net debt relative to the size of the economy (GDP) is the lowest in the G7. But they use the assets of the Canada Pension Plan and the Quebec Pension Plan – which shouldn’t be counted because they are pledged to support these specific programs and not to pay back government debt – to alleviate the true gravity of Canada’s indebtedness.

Our recent study finds Canada’s debt ranking falls from best in the G7 to 5th worst of 29 advanced countries when total debt is measured! Our study received national media attention including in the Globe and Mail, the National Post, and across the Sun media Chain.

Thirdly, climate change. The federal government recently decided to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035 in the drive to achieve “net zero” emissions. This is part of a politically-driven agenda kick-started by a 2018 “Special Report'' issued by the United Nations which showed limiting warming to 1.5°C would yield net benefits to society.

Before pushing ahead with such a drastic policy, our federal government should have reviewed the economic literature surrounding that report. As a recent Fraser Institute study highlights, mainstream analysis shows that the extreme policies associated with achieving net-zero and the 1.5°C target impose costs that far exceed the expected benefits.

Finally, the government’s COVID response. Perhaps one of our most important studies of 2021 was a detailed, 86-page study that includes a statistical analysis of nearly 200 countries and their experiences with, and responses to, COVID-19. 

The study finds that high testing rates and availability of hospital beds were crucial to managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that prolonged lockdowns and restrictions do not work.

It also finds that Canada’s performance in dealing with COVID was among the worst in the developed world. Indeed, there were major deficiencies in Canada’s pre-pandemic preparation, combined with low rates of testing, and low numbers of hospital beds.

All these studies of ours (and so many more!) were well-received by Canadians. In fact, in the first six months of 2021 alone, we:

• generated 5,300 news stories in Canadian mainstream media;
• placed over 650 opinion commentaries in newspapers across the nation;
• had over a million unique visitors to our website; and
• reached over 5.2 million people on social media.

As you know, critically analyzing government policy and getting Canadians past the spin and rhetoric are important parts of what the Fraser Institute does. Regardless of how the election turns out, I am certain you will agree that the Fraser Institute’s research and outreach is needed now more than ever!

If you’re able to, please consider making a donation today so that we can continue educating and informing Canadians for years to come.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Niels Veldhuis
President