Federal interest costs will increase—perhaps substantially—if interest rates continue to rise

Low Interest Rates and the Cost of Government Debt and Canada’s Budget and Deficit Cuts in the Late 20th Century: An Amazing Success Story are the latest installments in an essay series on government deficits that emphasize the risks of higher interest costs on government debt, and note the similarities between today’s federal fiscal situation and the mid-1990s when interest costs consumed one of every three dollars of government revenue. At that time, the government enacted major reforms—including spending reductions—to help dramatically reduce the federal debt.

Canada is only one of six industrialized countries (out of 28) that doesn’t have cost-sharing; introduction could improve Canadian health-care

Understanding Universal Health Care Reform Options: Cost-Sharing for Patients is a new study that finds Canada is only one of six (out of 28) industrialized countries with universal health-care that doesn't use any form of cost-sharing as part of the model, which can be used to incentivize more efficient use of scare health resources and potentially reduce wait times.

Commentary and Blog Posts

Morneau slams Trudeau government—then doubles-down on its misguided policies

(Appeared in the National Post) by Steven Globerman

Low levels of capital investment and expenditures on research and development contribute to Canada’s slow productivity growth.

All provinces—not just Alberta—should allow charter schools

(Appeared in the Toronto Sun) by Michael Zwaagstra

Charter schools increase the choices available to families, particularly those with limited means.

Aging population poised to strain government purse strings

(Appeared in the Edmonton Sun) by Ben Eisen

Life expectancies have increased considerably since these programs were designed.

Ford government gets second chance to repair Ontario’s finances

by Ben Eisen

According to forecasts, the province’s net debt will eclipse $468 billion by 2024/25.

Alberta government increased program spending by $4 billion in three months

by Tegan Hill

The province's revenue will likely be even higher than forecast in Budget 2022.

Nine out of 10 parents in Atlantic Canada support standardized testing

Appeared in the Fredericton Daily Gleaner by Paige MacPherson and Alex Whalen

Standardized testing provides an objective assessment of student progress and proficiency in core subjects.

STAY UP TO DATE

SUPPORT THE FRASER INSTITUTE

The Fraser Institute has been ranked the #1 think tank in Canada, and the 14th best think tank out of more than 8,200 around the world! We keep Canadians – and decision-makers! – informed.

But we are only as strong as our supporters. We do not accept government grants or payments for research - we depend on individuals like you to continue our good work! We are a charity - your donation entitles you to a generous tax credit at tax time!

Donate Now

The Fraser Institute's mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. Email is one of the best tools we have to accomplish these goals. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail updates from us, click here to unsubscribe.

Fraser Institute 4th Floor, 1770 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6J 3G7