51做厙

Nova Scotias Election: A Bellwether for National Politics or a One-Off?

by Daniel Perry

The provincial race highlighted issues that resonate nationally. Pictured: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. Photo Credit: Tim Houston/X. The Progressive Conservatives (PC) decisive victory in Nova Scotias provincial election last week offers more than just a local political shiftits a crystal ball for federal parties. As Premier Tim Houston secured a second majority government, the […]

Crombie admits jump to provincial politics hasnt been easy

by Janet Ecker

Crombie and her team will be wise not to underestimate the Ford. Pictured: Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. Photo Credit: Bonnie Crombie/X. An important lesson for career advancement is to know what you dont know, particularly if you get promoted into a new job. The skill set that got you the new post is no […]

Houstons election gamble pays off

by Catherine Swift

Houstons PCs ended up winning a supermajority of seats. Pictured: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. Photo Credit: Tim Houston/X. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston opted to call an early election for Nov. 26, roughly eight months ahead of the fixed election date that had been earlier established by his own government. Election results this week […]

Torontos woke obsession with bike lanes

by Janet Ecker

Faulty data and biased sampling used by city officials to justify their case has hurt their credibility. Pictured: Toronto City Hall. Photo Credit: iStock. If one is looking for the definition of a woke approach to public policy, look no further than Toronto City Councils obsession over bike lanes. It doesnt matter that public opinion, […]

Ontario economy nothing to boast about

by Catherine Swift

The Ford government has done little to improve things from the previous Liberal record. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. The Ford government in Ontario has been bragging about various aspects of the provincial economy recently, claiming their so-called open for business policies have fostered employment growth and attracted new businesses to the […]

Crombie could do much more to make Ontarians energy bills more affordable

by Jay Goldberg

Crombie has yet to call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to scrap his federal carbon tax. Pictured: Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. Photo Credit: Bonnie Crombie/X. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie wants to make energy bills more affordable in Ontario, but only by a little bit. Thats because Crombie is pledging to remove the provincial […]

Some sanity prevails

by Catherine Swift

Two conservative premiers have secured their positions in the past week. Pictured: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: Danielle Smith/X. A couple of recent electoral developments in Canada give comfort that in this age of woke extremism, some sanity is still present. Two notable examples are last weeks election in Saskatchewan and this past weekends […]

Bethlenfalvy presents good-news economic update

by Jay Goldberg

Bethlenfalvys fall economic update offers a path to balance. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Heres some good news for taxpayers: the Ontario government stands on the cusp of balancing the books and theres tax relief coming. Those are great highlights in Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvys fall economic […]

Explaining Fords bike lane policy

by Janet Ecker

Congestion has become a regular complaint in Toronto these days. Photo Credit: iStock. For those on the progressive side of the political spectrum who dont understand why Ontario Premier Doug Ford, well into his second mandate, is still riding high in public opinion polls, look no further than his governments recent announcements over bike lanes. […]

Early election in Ontario?

by Catherine Swift

There are several reasons why Ford would favour an early election. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. In this weeks Economic Update, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy stated that higher tax revenues and reduced costs of borrowing as interest rates are declining left the province in a […]

The debt silver bullet? Ending corporate welfare

by Jay Goldberg

Corporate welfare is fueling government debt. And its time for it to stop. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Canadians are worried about government debt and axing corporate welfare is the closest thing to a silver bullet politicians have to solve the problem. Canadas politicians spent $89 billion handing out taxpayer cash to corporations in 2021, the last […]

Election disappointment in New Brunswick

by Catherine Swift

The New Brunswick election shows that there are still Canadians that get bedazzled by big spending promises. Pictured: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. Photo Credit: Blaine Higgs/X. Earlier this week, the New Brunswick Conservative government of Blaine Higgs was defeated after having been in power since 2018. The opposition Liberals led by Susan Holt won […]

Ford brings in Philpott

by Janet Ecker

Philpott will chair a new primary care action team with the heady objective of connecting every person in Ontario to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Pictured: Dr. Jane Philpott. Photo Credit: Jane Philpott/X. Ontario Premier Doug Ford seems to be having fun, stirring up a whirlwind of speculation about early election calls with constant […]

Danielle doubles down

by Catherine Swift

Smiths positions are hardly extreme at all but represent the common sense we need to see more of in all of our governments. Pictured: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: Danielle Smith/X. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has recently made some bold moves that further solidify positions she has taken earlier in several areas but have […]

Ford should challenge Trudeaus carbon tax in court – again

by Jay Goldberg

The Trudeau government has torpedoed the legal rationale the Supreme Court used to allow Ottawa to impose a federal carbon tax in the first place. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus carbon tax has never been more vulnerable. Its time for Ontario Premier Doug Ford to step up to […]

B.C. campaign signals shift toward pragmatism

by Josie Sabatino

Election campaign signals a shift toward pragmatic policy discussions as voters focus in on affordability and crime. Pictured: B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad. Photo Credit: John Rustad/X. Last weekend, the provincial election in British Columbia kicked off in high gear. Voters will head to the polls on Oct. 19 to tick their ballots for candidates […]

Ontario school boards are indoctrinating our children

by Janet Ecker

  What is needed is a clear policy prohibiting indoctrination nonsense and the ability for the province to enforce it. Pictured: Ontario Education Minister Jill Dunlop. Photo Credit: Jill Dunlop/X. If teachers and school boards spent as much time indoctrinating our children in how to read and do math, instead of dragging them into social […]

Flip-flop Eby

by Catherine Swift

We may still see some more policy flip-flops and revisions from Eby. Pictured: British Columbia Premier David Eby. Photo Credit: David Eby/X. Its amazing how an impending election loss can focus the mind and often change the mind too! Rather dramatically, in the case of British Columbias current Premier, David Eby. Eby has changed […]

The time for charter schools in Ontario is now

by Jay Goldberg

Better test scores and saving taxpayer dollars is a win-win. Pictured: Ontario Education Minister Jill Dunlop. Photo Credit: Jill Dunlop/X. Ontario taxpayers deserve choice and value-for-money when it comes to educating our kids. Its unfair to force parents to keep their kids in failing government-run schools. And its unfair to force taxpayers to continue to […]

New Brunswickers get tax cut commitment, while Ontarians face mountain of debt

by Jay Goldberg

Higgs was able to put an HST cut on the table because his provinces finances are in such good shape. Pictured: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. Photo Credit: Blaine Higgs/X. Its a tale of two premiers. New Brunswicks Blaine Higgs has been disciplined with managing his provinces finances, reducing debt and paving the way for […]

Singhs move complicates Fords early election calculus

by Janet Ecker

Predicting a federal election date is now a mugs game. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Last week, federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh reneged on his promise to support the minority Liberal government on any non-confidence votes, thereby preventing an early election. This not only complicates life for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. […]

British Columbia upset

by Catherine Swift

Current public opinion polls put the NDP and Conservatives neck and neck, so the stakes are high. Pictured: BC Conservative leader John Rustad flanked by three other MLAs. Photo Credit: John Rustad/X. Theres an old joke that claims politics has a very different character depending upon where you are in Canada. In the Atlantic region, […]

Smoke and mirrors budgeting hides massive debt spike

by Jay Goldberg

Taxpayers deserve to see the real numbers and the Ontarios politicians should have to be accountable for them. Pictured: Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo Credit: Peter Bethlenfalvy/X. Remember that friend you had in school who would change his report card before taking it home to his parents? It turns out premiers, mayors and prime […]

Ford has far too many cooks in the cabinet kitchen

by Jay Goldberg

Does anyone think their Toyota Highlander disappeared because there wasnt a cabinet minister watching it? Pictured: Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. Photo Credit: MPPKerzner/X. Premier Doug Fords cabinet was already excessively large. A surprise resignation should have been an opportunity to shed some extra weight. But somehow, Ford managed to add yet […]

Ford acts on safe consumption drug sites with plans for reform

by Janet Ecker

The new sites will focus on recovery and treatment, mental health and social services, employment support, shelter beds, supportive housing, showers and food. Photo Credit: iStock. Government rarely has right or wrong solutions to the problems it faces, but rather, faces a series of less wrong choices. That is clearly the situation before the Ontario […]

Ontario politicians must pledge to make Fords gas tax cut permanent

by Jay Goldberg

  Ontarians cant afford to see gas taxes surge in the new year, so taxpayers must make that clear to provincial politicians well in advance of the currently scheduled tax hike. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Premier Doug Fords gas tax cut saved Ontario families hundreds of dollars over the past two […]

Ford does an about-face on wind power

by Catherine Swift

  The province intends to virtually double the potential energy from wind from its current level, adding 5,000 megawatts of power, largely from additional wind turbines. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Since their election in 2018, the Ford government has switched up its policy on energy several times. Prior to being elected, […]

Action needed, not words

by Catherine Swift

A so-called conservative government like that of Premier Doug Ford should not hesitate to follow the lead of other provinces in permitting charter schools. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Talk is cheap. The Ontario Progressive Conservative government has talked a good game for years about getting the woke agenda out of our […]

Alberta Conservatives flirt with danger

by Catherine Swift

For the sake of Alberta and Canada overall, lets hope Danielle Smith remains as UCP leader and Alberta Premier. Pictured: Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: Danielle Smith/X. On November 1 and 2, the United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta will be having its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Red Deer. This meeting will include a […]

A parliamentary blame game failed victims of violence

by Lee Harding

The Canadian justice system is failing victims and the public at large, something no blame game can justify or resolve. Photo Credit: iStock. Do Canadians care more about policies and issues than the political games played around them? If so, they found little to celebrate at a contentious meeting of a House committee on the […]

Higgs HST cut promise shows prudence pays off

by Jay Goldberg

Higgs HST cut pledge is the first major policy proposal laid out ahead of this falls election. Pictured: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. Photo Credit: Blaine Higgs/X. Premier Blaine Higgs made it a priority to pay down New Brunswicks debt and that means theres room for tax relief. And thats exactly what Higgs is promising […]

Another foolish plastics ban

by Catherine Swift

Despite the current legal limbo regarding plastics bans, British Columbia has nevertheless announced it is going ahead with a provincial ban. Pictured: British Columbia Premier David Eby. Photo Credit: David Eby/X. Last November, the Federal court overturned Environment Minister Steven Guilbeaults ban on plastics. The ban attempted to classify plastics as toxic under the Canadian […]

Ford makes the right call on government advertising

by Janet Ecker

Ontarios approach, directing a portion of its considerable existing advertising budget towards local media publications, follows long-established practice. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Every so often, a government gets it right. The recent announcement of the Ontario Government that 25 per cent of its advertising budget will be directed to Ontario […]

Another win for Saskatchewan

by Catherine Swift

The Federal Court decided in Saskatchewans favour on the carbon tax, blocking the federal government from garnishing provincial funds, while awaiting a full hearing by the Federal Court. Pictured: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Photo Credit: Scott Moe/X. In the latest chapter of the ongoing war between the federal Liberals and the Saskatchewan government, the province […]

LCBO hastens its own demise

by Catherine Swift

Many observers believe the LCBO workers going on strike at all is just going to put another nail in the coffin of this outdated organization. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images. The LCBO strike currently underway is the first time the union representing LCBO employees actually proceeded with a strike since the organization came into existence […]

The political welfare straw man

by Jay Goldberg

If political parties want to raise cash, they should do so by winning over taxpayers, not raiding their wallets. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. For Ontarios political parties, the jig may finally be up. Premier Doug Ford is just six months away from scrapping Ontarios political welfare system. Political welfare has […]

On the Science Centre, lets take a valium

by Janet Ecker

Rather than the current controversy, accusing the Ontario Government of anti-science biases and secret plots, lets ensure there is a sound, master plan for the centres future. Pictured: Ontario Science Centre. Photo Credit: Trip Advisor. Okay, everybody, lets take a valium. Given all the challenges Ontario and Toronto are facing, the future of the Ontario […]

Fords bloated cabinet reflects an embrace of big government

by Jay Goldberg

With 36 Progressive Conservatives now in cabinet out of a caucus of 80, no less than 45 per cent of the governing caucus gets a 42 per cent pay bump. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Is Queens Park nearly twice as effective as it was six years ago? Thats a question […]

The stakes are high. The energy portfolio, like education, is critical to Ontarios future economic success. Pictured: Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. Photo Credit: Stephen Lecce/X. Stephen Lecce certainly didnt waste any time after the recent cabinet shuffle landed him in the expanded portfolio of energy and electrification, ending a relatively successful five-year run as minister […]

Its time to kill Ontarios political welfare regime

by Jay Goldberg

By the end of 2024, total payments from Ontarios political welfare program will have crossed the $100-million mark. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. One hundred million dollars. Thats how much Ontarios political parties will have taken from taxpayers before its sunset clause sets in the new year. Eight years ago, former premier […]

Bravo to more private clinics in Ontario

by Catherine Swift

Many of the arguments put forward against more private provision of health services have no factual base and are promoted by those who personally gain from the current system. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. This week the Ford government announced that they would be seeking applications from private providers to expand the […]

Lecces curriculum changes a welcome move

by Janet Ecker

Lecce has launched another series of welcome changes to the education system that will benefit our students and improve their chances for success. Pictured: Education Minister Stephen Lecce. Photo Credit: Stephen Lecce/X. Perhaps the Toronto Star headline, summed it up best Taking the home ec out of the kitchen. The story refers to Ontario […]

Ontario enters the 20th century

by Catherine Swift

Whatever the reason, it is about time Ontario loosened up the ridiculously Victorian rules around alcohol that have prevailed in this province for far too long. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. With last weeks announcement of a further loosening of the rules around selling alcoholic beverages in Ontario, the province has […]

Is British Columbia on track for another provincial election upset?

by Josie Sabatino

  Photo Credit: Facebook/John Rustad Wednesday marked the 11th anniversary of one of the most dramatic electoral upsets in recent Canadian history, when former Premier Christy Clark successfully led the BC Liberal Party (now BC United) to a surprise victory over the BC NDP. In the lead up to that fateful election day, public polling […]

Is Crombie really a tax-and-spend Liberal?

by Jay Goldberg

Fords claim that Crombie is a tax-and-spend Liberal holds water. But heres Fords problem: hes a tax-and-spend politician too. Pictured: Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie. Photo Credit: Bonnie Crombie/X. Premier Doug Ford desperately wants Ontarians to believe Bonnie Crombie is a tax-and-spend Liberal who cant be trusted with Ontarios finances. Hes spent millions of dollars on […]

Ford comes out decisively against Toronto drug decriminalization plan

by Janet Ecker

Premier Doug Ford said Torontos request was the craziest thing hes ever heard. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Some days Premier Doug Ford nails it. Last week, in response to the City of Torontos request of the federal government to decriminalize drug use in the city, he said it was the craziest thing hes ever heard. […]

Its time to turn the page on this failed public policy, in hopes that other jurisdictions learn from the mistakes made in BC. Pictured: Premier David Eby. Photo Credit: David Eby/X. British Columbias drug decriminalization pilot project will go down in the history books, serving as a lesson for jurisdictions who are desperately seeking solutions […]

British Columbia does an about-face

by Catherine Swift

The major element that changed regarded restoring powers to the police to restrict drug use in public. Pictured: B.C. Premier David Eby. Photo Credit: David Eby/X. Its amazing how a pending election focusses the mind. Last week, British Columbias NDP Premier, David Eby, reversed some of the most contentious elements of the provinces highly controversial […]

Ford to blame for Ontarios surging debt

by Jay Goldberg

The bottom line is that six years into Fords time on the job, any excuses for his fiscal fiasco fall flat. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Ontarios debt has erupted like a volcano under Premier Doug Fords watch and he has no one to blame but himself. Ford rode into office […]

Ripples of Middle East war reach the Ontario Legislature

by Janet Ecker

There is a long-standing rule in the Legislature that MPPs are not allowed to wear visible symbols in support of controversial or political issues. Photo Credit: Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The divisive ripples emanating from the Middle East war between Hamas and Israel continue to spread. This past week it hit the Ontario Legislature. MPP […]

The Alberta Model

by Catherine Swift

The Alberta Recovery Model is based on the belief that recovery from addiction is possible, and everyone should be supported and face as few barriers as possible when they pursue recovery. Pictured: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: Danielle Smith/X. One of the issues that was discussed at last weeks annual conference of the Canada […]

Ford rakes in more health taxes than ever

by Jay Goldberg

The Ford government is raking in $5 billion through the provinces health tax. The tax is charged on top of income taxes, so most Ontarians dont even realize theyre paying it. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Theres one statistic in Ontario budget that should raise the ire of taxpayers: a record […]

Fords gravy train chugs along

by Jay Goldberg

Fords practice of giving nearly everyone in his caucus pay bumps reflects his free spending approach to the provinces budget. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Its like a bad joke. How many politicians does it take to screw in a light blub? Nobody knows for sure, but apparently it takes more […]

Ford right on gas taxes, wrong on debt

by Jay Goldberg

To truly save money for taxpayers, Ford needs to both cut taxes and shrink the debt burden for future taxpayers. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Health Minister Sylvia Jones. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/LinkedIn. It was a week of ups and downs for Premier Doug Fords government. Last Monday, Ford announced […]

A disappointing budget in Ontario

by Catherine Swift

It seems the Ontario Conservatives have gotten used to big spending, and they like it. Pictured are Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and MPPs Stephen Crawford and Rick Byers. Photo Credit: Peter Bethlenfalvy/X. This week the Ontario Conservative government delivered its budget, which was notable only for the fact that it contained no new measures […]

Political upset brewing in B.C.?

by Catherine Swift

Public opinion polls over the last couple of months have demonstrated growing support for the reinvigorated BC Conservatives under leader John Rustad. Pictured: BC Conservative leader John Rustad speaking with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: John Rustad/X. Something interesting and unexpected is happening in the political climate in British Columbia. An election is pending […]

Ford should follow Furey and extend gas tax cut

by Jay Goldberg

Fords gas tax cut has meant real relief for Ontario families. The typical two-car Ontario family has saved about $8 per week at the pumps since July 2022. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X Premier Doug Ford has delivered real relief to Ontario families through his temporary 6.4 cent per litre gas tax […]

Alberta Budget is balanced, but where is the income tax cut?

by Kris Sims

Its good to balance the budget, albeit on the edge of a knife, but Albertans deserve lower taxes, not higher ones. Pictured: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Jason Franson.   Well, that was close. The good news is the Alberta budget is balanced, spending is restrained and money is being saved for […]

Leadership from the East

by Catherine Swift

Higgs has demonstrated some important leadership in recent years on some difficult issues, especially for a relatively small province. By all indications, he deserves to be re-elected to continue his successful track record. Pictured: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Stephen MacGillivray. Most of the news medias attention tends to focus on […]

Heres how Bethlenfalvy can fix the budget in 2024

by Jay Goldberg

If the Ford government addresses three key points spending control, tax relief and structural change it will begin to earn back the trust of disappointed Ontario taxpayers. Pictured: Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Chirstopher Katsarov.   Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy has a chance to turn the page on six […]

Manitobans want a gas tax cut extension

by Gage Haubrich

Keeping the relief going only makes sense for a government that claims to want to lower costs for Manitobans. Pictured: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. Photo Credit: Kevin King/Winnipeg Sun. From Brandon to Winnipeg to Steinbach and beyond, Manitobans want to keep the gas tax cut. The Manitoba government cut the 14 cent per litre provincial […]

Taxpayers want Houston to end bracket creep

by Jay Goldberg

The truth is that Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is using health care as an excuse to continue profiting off inflation at taxpayers expense. Photo Credit: X/Tim Houston. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is the only first minister in all of Canada deliberately profiting off inflation at taxpayers expense. By refusing to adjust income tax […]

Lecce stares down woke agenda of Ontario school boards

by Janet Ecker

Dividing people as the school boards manual does, wanting teachers to react to students according to their membership in a racial or other specially designated group is wrong and it is divisive, and it undermines the whole purpose and value of education. Pictured: Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: […]

Saskatchewan teachers strike out

by Catherine Swift

Everyone believes teachers should be properly paid and they are. Endless demands from unions are a fact of life but often not justified. The more information everyone has about teachers and other public sector workers compensation and benefits, the better the support will be for governments which are fighting back against endlessly demanding unions […]

Ford schools Trudeau on affordability

by Jay Goldberg

When it comes to affordability, Ford has shown he understands what families are going through. Trudeau, on the other hand, has shown just how out of touch he is with the lives of everyday Canadians. Photo Credit: Reuters/Cole Burston.   When it comes to making life more affordable for struggling families, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau […]

Court rules against majority in Ontario

by Catherine Swift

The current course of ever-expanding governments costing the productive private sector more and more is not sustainable. Courts that always decide against the majority of citizens are a big part of the problem. The only answer is for we the majority to demand smaller, more efficient governments and tax reductions that will boost economic growth […]

Nuclear will play a critical role in meeting Ontarios energy future

by Janet Ecker

If Ontario wants to be able to meet our future energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time, then nuclear energy must remain in the mix with natural gas, hydroelectric, wind and solar. Pictured: Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith. Photo Credit: Twitter/Todd Smith. What often gets lost in the debate over creating […]

Flirting with disaster in British Columbia

by Catherine Swift

As an unelected premier, Eby should be treading much more carefully. For a change as monumental as this, he is having a short consultation period which has been announced very quietly. It seems he would like to sneak this by BC citizens without giving them a fair chance to understand the issue and participate in […]

Ontario PCs in high spirits

by Catherine Swift

The politicians and party supporters were in high spirits, as any government would be if they were about midway through a second mandate in which they won an even bigger majority than in the first. That is not a common occurrence in politics, and the PCs are rightly proud of their record. Photo Credit: Twitter/Doug […]

Alberta pokes the beast

by Catherine Swift

The big news in social policy this week was the announcement in Alberta of a plan to manage the very touchy issue of gender rights, transgenderism and related identity issues as they pertain to children. This is truly a third rail political issue which most politicians are studiously ignoring despite its importance. Pictured is Alberta […]

Its time for Ford to make a budget U-turn

by Jay Goldberg

Ford has made his fair share of mistakes over the past six years. But with two years left in his mandate, Ford still has a chance to right his wrongs. That starts with this years budget. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Twitter/Doug Ford.   Premier Doug Ford created a financial mess over the […]

Its time to axe Ontarios health tax

by Jay Goldberg

Putting the health tax on the chopping block would be a boon for taxpayers and show Ontarians that Ford is serious about helping families make ends meet. Pictured: Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn.   Theres one tax in particular Ontario taxpayers want to see on the […]

Childcare should be a priority in the Ford governments 2024 budget

by Janet Ecker

Cross-province consultations are underway to identify the spring budgets priorities. One of them should be further steps for the childcare sector. Photo Credit: Stephen Leece/Twitter.   January to March is pre-budget time for the Ontario government. Cross-province consultations are underway to identify the spring budgets priorities. One of them should be further steps for the […]

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians face major gas tax hike

by Jay Goldberg

Without action from the province, the combined impact of the end of the gas tax cut and the increase in the federal carbon tax would be a stunning 11.8 cents per litre. That would drive up the cost of filling up a minivan by nine dollars overnight. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan.   Forty […]

A smart move by the Ford government

by Catherine Swift

This recent decision to overturn an unrealistic OEB decision demonstrates a practicality that is sorely needed in many of our energy policy discussions today. Hopefully, that practical approach will prevail in future energy policy decisions in Ontario and the rest of Canada. Pictured is Minister of Energy Todd Smith. Photo Credit: X/Todd Smith.   As […]

Start the Countdown to the end of political welfare in Ontario

by Jay Goldberg

Ford should seize the moment and end political welfare now. Photo Credit: Twitter/Doug Ford.   Ontarios political welfare system will finally be relegated to the ash heap of history a year from now. But thats not nearly soon enough. Political parties in Ontario have gotten millions of taxpayer dollars four times a year with no […]

Look out for major tax hikes in 2024

by Jay Goldberg

Trudeaus 2024 tax hikes, including increased payroll taxes and higher CPP contributions, will cost the average $80,000 earner an extra $507 annually. Meanwhile, Ontarios promised income tax cut by Premier Doug Ford remains undelivered, leaving taxpayers grappling with increased financial strain amid rising expenses. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Tara Walton   Prime Minister Justin Trudeau […]

Ford government announces beer, wine coming to corner stores by 2026

by 51做厙

The Premier promised to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores back in the 2018 election campaign. Move also includes all participating grocery stores, big box stores. Photo credit: X/Doug Ford   Ontarians will soon be able to pick up a two-four at their local corner store. On Thursday, the province announced that beginning no later […]

Islanders Set for Major Tax Relief to Ring in New Year

by Jay Goldberg

P.E.I. residents set to benefit from Premier Dennis Kings 2024 tax relief, potentially saving households $400 in provincial taxes, but concerns arise over bracket creeps long-term impact Photo Credit: Facebook/Dennis King Imagine what your family could do with an extra $400. Thanks to Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, Islanders wont be imagining what […]

Ontario Premier and Toronto Mayor Forge Landmark $9B Deal

by Janet Ecker

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow broker a landmark $9 billion agreement, transferring control of major expressways to the province while allocating funds for crucial city priorities, including transit and homeless services. Photo Credit: Facebook/FordNation   The impression often left by Toronto city council over the years is that it always seems […]

Surprise Switch-up from Ford and Chow

by Catherine Swift

Photo: Facebook/Mayor Olivia Chow Although there had been some hints of this possibility before, it was mostly a surprise that in a joint press conference this week Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced some major changes in provincial and municipal jurisdiction. The essence of the deal is that Ontario will take […]

Photo Credit: Facebook/Jill Dunlop   When judging the value of the recently released Blue Ribbon panel on the financial sustainability of Ontarios post-secondary sector, it is helpful to remember why governments so often use such bodies to help make policy decisions. Critics often accuse governments of passing the buck or ducking their decision-making responsibility when […]

Ontario Takes a Stand Against Antisemitism with Holocaust Education Reforms

by Janet Ecker

Photo Credit: Facebook/Stephen Leece   If government action can curtail the recent, alarming rise in antisemitism, then Ontario may have a chance of checking the growing number of such incidents in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. From street demonstrations to public statements, from university student groups, to violence and vandalism […]

Math is racist

by Catherine Swift

At least, thats what one advocacy organization in Ontario is seemingly trying to prove. Photo credit: Pexels/Vanessa Garcia   Yes, you read that right. This is just the latest incidence of lunacy in our public education system, and foolishly our so-called justice system played along. This all began when the Ontario government decided in 2018 […]

Alberta is on a roll

by Catherine Swift

Last week, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal Liberals Bill C-69 the so-called no more pipelines bill was unconstitutional. The decision means a big change in federal-provincial relations, with the federal government much less able to inflict its extreme and economically harmful views, notably on environmental issues, on the provinces. […]

Alberta ad campaign a PR win

by Catherine Swift

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The Alberta governments Tell the Feds advertising campaign is attempting to offset a lack of information from the federal government about its electrification agenda. Photo credit: Facebook/Danielle Smith   If youve been listening to the radio in Ontario recently, it would be hard to miss an advertising campaign from the Government […]

Education Minister Stephen Lecce. Recent EQAO test results suggest the Ford governments commitment to improving student outcomes is starting to pay off. Math scores, in particular, are trending upwards across all grade levels in both English and French school systems. Photo credit: Facebook/Stephen Lecce   It didnt receive a lot of news coverage, but the […]

Big changes for Manitoba

by Catherine Swift

NDP secure majority. Wab Kinew (pictured) becomes Canadas first-ever First Nations provincial premier. Photo credit: Facebook/Wab Kinew   This weeks provincial election in Manitoba has brought about a number of big changes. The major one is that the NDP won a majority government for the first time since 2016, when Conservative Brian Pallister took over […]

Province introduced expanded treatment power to pharmacists in January 2023. Ontario pharmacists can now treat 19 common ailments. Photo credit: Facebook/Shoppers Drug Mart   As part of its ongoing effort to address the healthcare crisis in Ontario, the provincial government has made it easier for people to receive treatment for common ailments by allowing pharmacists […]

Saskatchewan plans to employ Notwithstanding Clause to protect parental rights

by Catherine Swift

Premier Scott Moe (pictured) said he was extremely dismayed by the courts recent decision to grant an injunction halting the governments Parental Inclusion and Consent Policy from moving forward. Photo credit: Twitter/Scott Moe   Once again, the threat of a provincial government other than Quebec to use the Notwithstanding Clause in the Canadian Constitution has […]

Only time will tell. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   It was a rare sight at Queens Park last week. A politician stood up, admitted he was wrong, took responsibility, apologized for breaking his promise and abruptly changed course. After weeks of controversy and perhaps irreversible damage to his brand and to his government, Ontario Premier […]

Fords bloated government must end

by Jay Goldberg

Doug Fords government is anything but the lean, efficient administration he promised taxpayers. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   The man who once promised a leaner, more efficient and effective government at Queens Park has instead allowed it to balloon larger than any other Ontario premier in the 21st century. In Premier Doug Fords first throne […]

Here we go again with the teachers unions

by Catherine Swift

Another September, another threat of strike. Photo credit: The Washington Post/Maddie McGarvey   If its September, we must be talking about a teachers strike in Ontario. Like clockwork, the teachers unions are rattling the sabres yet again as contracts expire and the school year is about to begin. The current demands are especially outrageous as […]

And it still could help. It is a painful step for any minister, but for the political health and credibility of a government, it is a very important one. It shows that accountability matters. Pictured is Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark. Photo credit: Twitter/Steve Clark   If Ontario Premier Doug Ford loses […]

Houston needs to tell the truth and end his debt dive

by Jay Goldberg

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. In the span of just two years, Houston managed to increase government spending by a stunning 19 per cent. Photo credit: Twitter/Tim Houston   Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is slamming his foot on the gas pedal and driving the province toward a fiscal cliff. For the sake of future […]

Another vote for common sense in education

by Catherine Swift

In the ongoing battle to bring common sense back into Canadian classrooms, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick are leading the charge. Pictured is New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs at a meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers in March 2022. Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia   Earlier this week, Saskatchewan joined New Brunswick in defending parental […]

Heres the truth about Ontarios education spending

by Jay Goldberg

Ontario spends more now than it ever has and leads the pack per student among large provinces across the country. Plus, remember those supposed cuts you heard about? The opposite is true. Pictured is Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. Photo credit: Facebook/Stephen Lecce   As Ontario families face the possibility of a looming teachers strike […]

Scandal! Another Ontario development saga

by Catherine Swift

This latest issue regarding the Greenbelt is unlikely to go away, and the Ford government is going to have to do something more substantive than keep insisting its approach is the right one. Pictured are Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, Sept. 10, 2018. Photo credit: Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov […]

Its time for school choice in Ontario

by Jay Goldberg

Spending on government-run schools has reached record highs, yet performance has worsened. Photo credit: Pexels/RDNE Stock Project   Heres something Ontarios education establishment doesnt want you to hear: improving school choice would improve students outcomes and the provinces bottom line. Ontario students get to pick what post-secondary schools to apply for, tutors to hire and […]

Photo credit: Twitter/Stephen Lecce   Cabinet ministers are frequently shuffled into different portfolios according to the changing political priorities of the day. It is a rare gift to be given a long enough tenure in one portfolio to actually develop and execute on a reform agenda. Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce has been given such […]

Elections matter, especially when it comes to the fate of the housing market

by Josie Sabatino

The recent by-election in Ottawas KanataCarleton provides an interesting case study. Pictured is Ontario Liberal MPP-elect Karen McCrimmon. Photo credit: Twitter/Karen McCrimmon   All politics is local, as the old saying goes. While the day-to-day machination of clickbait headlines tend to drive us to focus on the biggest, most salacious stories, we can often forget […]

Ontarios broken health-care system needs real change

by Jay Goldberg

More money the proposed solution of choice for virtually all provincial governments past and present simply wont get the job done. Pictured is Ontarios Minister of Health Sylvia Jones. Photo credit: Twitter/Sylvia Jones   Heres a truth most politicians will never admit: throwing money at Ontarios health-care system wont solve its fundamental problems. […]

  Instead of providing the media and Opposition members fodder to cry patronage, the PCs should focus squarely on the bevy of important initiatives and fundamental changes its successfully making across healthcare, education, housing, and energy. Pictured is Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Downey   Governments and politicians only have so much […]

Federal-provincial conflicts heat up over energy policy

by Catherine Swift

Top-down demands and impositions from the feds, by way of Trudeaus climate czar Steven Guilbeault (pictured), has several provincial leaders up in arms. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Justin Tang   Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in disagreements between some provinces and the federal government over the Liberal push to achieve its net-zero goals […]

Parents fight back

by Catherine Swift

More parents and grandparents in provinces across the country are starting to push back against the radical gender ideology being introduced to young children in schools. Photo credit: Getty Images   It took a while, but we are finally seeing groups of parents and grandparents fighting back in Ontario and other provinces against the ridiculous […]

Though itll be a monumental challenge, the province at least has a long-term plan to ensure Ontarians can keep the lights on in the years and decades ahead. Pictured is Ontarios Energy Minister Todd Smith in Windsor announcing the governments new Powering Ontarios Growth plan, July 10, 2023. Photo credit: Twitter/Todd Smith   Ontario Premier […]

New nukes for Ontario

by Catherine Swift

To help meet rising electricity demands, earlier this week the Ontario government announced development of a new large-scale nuclear power plant. Pictured is Minister of Energy Todd Smith announcing the project at Bruce Powers Kincardine facility, July 5, 2023. Photo credit: Twitter/Todd Smith   This week, the Ford government announced that a new large-scale nuclear […]

On bracket creep, Houston stands alone

by Jay Goldberg

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. From coast to coast, every other government outside of Nova Scotia has acknowledged it is wrong to punish taxpayers simply for receiving a cost-of-living pay raise. Photo credit: CBC/Robert Short   Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston stands alone by deliberately profiting off of inflation. By failing to index income tax […]

After stumbling out of the gate early, is Crombie up to the challenge?

by Janet Ecker

Bonnie Crombie (pictured) may be a big city mayor, but she has never experienced the level of scrutiny or faced the kind of political challenge that exists when you are running for the provinces top political post. Photo credit: Twitter/Bonnie Crombie   The next provincial election just got more interesting. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has […]

Ford must be wise with revenue windfall

by Jay Goldberg

Provincial government expected to bring in over $200 billion in tax revenue for 2023. According to the FAO, Ontario is positioned to run a surplus of $3 billion this year, $7.4 billion next year and $10 billion the year after that. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Despite increasing government spending rapidly, the Ford government has […]

Prairie provinces utility corridor could be a game changer

by Catherine Swift

The notion of an east-west utility corridor from Alberta to Hudson Bay has been contemplated for decades. Pictured is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Photo credit: Government of Alberta/Chris Schwarz   Earlier this week, the Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba governments signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue the possibility of establishing a deep-water port at Port […]

Ford saving families hundreds at the pump per year

by Jay Goldberg

In total, data from the finance ministry shows Premier Doug Fords gas tax cut has left over a billion dollars in taxpayers wallets, and that tab will continue to grow for the next several months. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Eight dollars every week. Thats how much Premier Doug Fords gas tax cuts have saved […]

Is Ontarios push to a net zero electricity grid worth the risk?

by Janet Ecker

Blackouts, brownouts, increased costs and the like, just how far is the province willing to go to close the carbon gap and achieve the federal governments audacious environmental goals. Pictured is Minister of Energy Todd Smith. Photo credit: Twitter/Todd Smith   Right now, Ontarios electrical power grid is already 90 per cent non-carbon emitting, carbon […]

Whats happening to public education?

by Catherine Swift

The unions have completely run amok, and our children and grandchildren suffer increasingly poorer quality, at times harmful instruction. Photo credit: Pexels/Ksenia Chernaya   The horror stories abound. In public schools, themes such as critical race theory, which teaches children that all white persons are oppressors and is terribly divisive of different groups on the […]

Heres why Ford should cut the sales tax

by Jay Goldberg

Thanks in large part to inflation, provincial government set to collect nearly $25 billion more in tax revenue this year versus last. If hes truly a man of and for the people, the premier would share some of that windfall with the wider population by lowering Ontarios sales tax. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Its […]

With rules now in place, Ontario Liberal leadership race in full swing

by Daniel Perry

The federal Liberals will no doubt be watching the provincial leadership race closely to see what resonates with Ontario voters. Pictured is former Ontario Liberal cabinet minister and current federal MP for Ottawa-Centre Yasir Naqvi, who announced his candidacy this past weekend. Photo credit: Twitter/Yasir Naqvi   The will they, wont they dance for prospective […]

Quebec short of electricity? Cest impossible!

by Catherine Swift

  According to a new study, the provinces historical surplus of hydro power may be coming to an end, with the possibility of shortages occurring as early as 2027. Photo credit: Facebook/Hydro-Quebec   Quebec has long been known as the electricity powerhouse in Canada, generating the most electricity of any province with over 90 per […]

Conservatives win not-so-close battle in Alberta

by Catherine Swift

Predicted to end in a nailbiter on election night, on Monday Albertans awarded Danielle Smiths UCP 49 seats in government, a comfortable 11-seat victory over Rachel Notleys NDP. The UCP won 52.6 per cent of the popular vote, compared to 44 per cent for the NDP. Photo credit: Twitter/Danielle Smith   It was billed as […]

Is there such thing as a free lunch?

by Catherine Swift

An assortment of advocacy groups, teachers unions, and food banks recently penned a letter to provincial officials asking for the government to fund daily breakfast, lunch for all Ontario students. Photo credit: CBC   One of the best-known sayings of renowned economist and Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman is There is no such thing as […]

Ontario political party slush fund poised for a comeback

by Jay Goldberg

Taxpayer-funded quarterly allowances havent been awarded since last spring, when Premier Ford gave Ontarios political parties three payments in advance, allowing them to spend the funds on attack ads during last years election campaign. Come June, the political welfare payments are set to resume. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Chris Young   Ontarios political party slush […]

Breaking up isnt hard to do

by Catherine Swift

Ford government has tabled legislation that, once passed, will start the process of dissolving Peel Region and splitting its constituent communities into single-tier municipalities. Pictured (left to right) at Queens Park on Thursday, May 18 are Caledon Mayor Annette Groves, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie […]

Alberta under fire

by Catherine Swift

Currently one-third of the some 100 wildfires taking place across Wild Rose Country are considered out-of-control. Complicating the entire situation is the fact that Alberta is in the throes of an ultra-competitive provincial election campaign and mere weeks away from E-Day. Photo credit: The Canadian Press   For several weeks, Alberta has been besieged by […]

The never-ending public/private health care debate

by Catherine Swift

A new round of opposition to the Ford governments ongoing desire to supplement the current health care model with more private alternatives recently kicked up again in earnest. If you listened to the activist groups, you would think that all the current system was in public hands. Yet, about 40 per cent of health care […]

Theres no question that updated and expanded training for and increased promotion of the skilled trades in Ontario were long-overdue. However, the provinces pendulum swing in focus over the last four-plus years has caused many traditional institutions of higher education to fall behind in a big way. Pictured is Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and […]

Unequal equalization

by Catherine Swift

Last week, the Liberal government very quietly indicated its intention to extend the current equalization formula until 2029. The formula, which sees billions of dollars transferred from wealthier provinces to have nots each year, largely benefits Quebec and the Atlantic provinces at the expense of Alberta. Pictured is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith alongside Prime Minister […]

Ford needs to be straight with taxpayers on Ontario Science Centre plans

by Jay Goldberg

Rather than fix the present Science Centre, the Ford government is planning to build a brand-new facility on the grounds of the old Ontario Place. But building a new facility will take time and a lot of taxpayer dough. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   In trying to rationalize moving the Ontario Science Centre to the […]

Corporate welfare has consequences

by Jay Goldberg

In March, the governments of Canada and Ontario jointly announced what could turn out to be the largest corporate welfare handout in the countrys history. Experts say the governments collectively gave some $10 billion to Volkswagen to build its new electric car battery plant in St. Thomas. Photo credit: AP/Michael Sohn   Heres a sad […]

Ford a voice of reason on carbon taxes

by Jay Goldberg

Ontarios premier fought hard against Kathleen Wynnes carbon tax scheme and won. Now, he continues to fight the forces that be in Ottawa. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Ontario Premier Doug Ford has a penchant for recognizing a wolf in sheeps clothing. When it comes to carbon taxes, Ford wasnt fooled for a moment. Scrapping […]

More jurisdictional intrusion?

by Catherine Swift

Canadas federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld   Did the federal government, in the person of Justice Minister David Lametti, really say earlier this week that he would consider taking over provincial jurisdiction for natural resources in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba? Well, yes […]

Furey schools Trudeau on budgeting

by Jay Goldberg

The 2023 budget presented by the Newfoundlander and Labrador premier demonstrates clear fiscal prudence. In contrast, Trudeaus budget spends $20 billion more this year than last. Pictured is Premier Andrew Furey. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan   The premier and prime minister might be young Liberal pals with a lot of star power, but […]

A tale of two budgets

by Catherine Swift

The provincial government released its 2023 budget last Thursday, while its federal counterpart did the same earlier this week. Though both economic plans contain their fair share of high- and lowlights, the document produced by the feds houses noticeably more of the latter. Pictured is Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo credit: Twitter/Peter Bethlenfalvy […]

The Alberta-Ontario nexus

by Catherine Swift

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (pictured) recently sat down with the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada. Among other topics, she discussed the interdependencies and interconnectedness of Alberta and Ontario, as well as the intrusion of the federal government into provincial jurisdiction. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld   Last Friday, we at the […]

Ford leading a spending parade at Queens Park

by Jay Goldberg

In 2021-22, Ontario finished the fiscal year with a $2.1 billion surplus but instead of building on that surplus for budget 2023, Premier Ford (left) and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy (right) tore it down. Photo credit: Twitter/Peter Bethlenfalvy   Ontario Premier Doug Ford was like a rookie at a blackjack table during this budget […]

Its time for Houston to deliver

by Jay Goldberg

As Atlantic Canadians felt the crunch from inflation last year, the regions premiers responded in one of two ways. Three premiers chose to deliver tax relief. Only Nova Scotias Tim Houston failed to offer any kind of meaningful relief to taxpayers. Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia   Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston was Atlantic Canadas […]

King needs to offer Islanders a bold taxpayer-first agenda

by Jay Goldberg

Going forward, the P.E.I. premier cant count on massive revenue windfalls. His election platform should show prudence and outline a plan to stay in the black. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Brian McInnis   Rather than present a budget, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King has plunged his province into an election. While the election call […]

An eye-opening FAO report

by Catherine Swift

The latest report from Ontarios Financial Accountability Office laid out a number of disturbing findings about the provinces health care situation, including a shortage of 33,000 nurses and PSWs by 2028. Photo credit: Pexels/Rodnae Productions   Ontarios Financial Accountability Office (FAO) has historically provided solid research and analysis on a range of issues pertaining to […]

Albertas election budget

by Catherine Swift

Premier Danielle Smith and Finance Minister Travis Toews (pictured) struck a reasonable balance between increased spending and posting a surplus. The happy combination was made possible by strong prices in the oil and gas sector boosting government revenues. With Albertas next provincial election only three months away, Smith hopes her first budget at the helm […]

Houston and King living large on your dime

by Jay Goldberg

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston (left) and P.E.I. Premier Dennis King. Their respective provincial governments are stubbornly refusing to adjust their tax brackets to account for soaring inflation. Photo credit: Twitter and Facebook   Two Atlantic Canadian governments are cashing in on inflation and its time for taxpayers to stand up and demand better. When […]

Reality hits home

by Catherine Swift

The shift away from fossil fuels to renewables is not easy, nor cheap. Natural gas remains critical to the provinces electricity grid and isnt going away anytime soon, as plans for two new gas turbines in Windsor demonstrate. Pictured is Capital Powers East Windsor Cogeneration Centre. Photo credit: CHA   Following decades of fantastical assumptions […]

Ford faces a moment of truth

by Jay Goldberg

Although the premier has made a series of bad financial decisions of late, he has a fresh mandate and a new opportunity to return to his pro-taxpayer roots. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Premier Doug Ford is facing a moment of truth in the next budget. After years of runaway spending, will he finally embrace […]

Lessons to be learned from Ontario Liberal Partys misguided soul searching

by Josie Sabatino

Last weekend, a group of veteran provincial Liberals led by Deb Matthews, Greg Sorbara, and Liz Sandals wrote an open letter to Mike Schreiner (pictured), in which they urge the current Ontario Green Party leader to consider crossing the floor and vying for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Tijana […]

Ford needs to end Ontarios political party slush fund

by Jay Goldberg

Its time for the premier to make good on his 2018 promise to nix the per-vote subsidy. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Ontario Premier Doug Fords excuses for maintaining a taxpayer slush fund are wearing thin. A decade ago, former premier Kathleen Wynne thought it would be a bright idea to give Ontarios political parties […]

Higgs masterclass on fiscal management

by Jay Goldberg

While political leaders around the country used the pandemic as an excuse to increase spending across the board, New Brunswicks Blaine Higgs took a different approach. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Stephen MacGillivray   If anyone is looking for an instructor to teach a masterclass on defending the public purse, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs should […]

Fords changes to Ontario health care necessary, and really not all that novel

by Janet Ecker

When you dive into what the Premier and his health minister actually announced last week, you could be forgiven for asking is that all?. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   From all the hysterical caterwauling from Opposition parties, public sector unions and other assorted government critics, you would have thought that Ontario Premier Doug Ford had […]

Though some unions, certain public officials, and political activists may not like the increase in private sector provision of health care in the province, a greater mix of public and private providers will bring better outcomes for suffering Ontarians. Pictured is Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones. Photo credit: Twitter/Sylvia Jones   That sound you […]

Manitoba Conservatives jump ship

by Catherine Swift

Over a quarter of the governing PC Party caucus is not seeking re-election this October. Opinion polls indicate Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson (pictured) is one of the least popular provincial leaders in Canada right now. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/David Lipnowski   In recent weeks, a record number of Progressive Conservative Members of the Legislative […]

Atlantic jurisdictions push UBI

by Catherine Swift

Earlier this week, yet municipal council on Canadas east coast passed a resolution calling for a guaranteed basic livable income. Pictured is Saint John, New Brunswick mayor Donna Noade Reardon. Photo credit: Facebook/City of Saint John   It seems that yet another municipal government has not read the literature on UBI (universal basic income). This […]

Not a very just transition

by Catherine Swift

The Trudeau governments anticipated new energy strategy will be bad news for Albertans, and the Canadian oil and gas sector as a whole, but good news for Premier Danielle Smiths election chances. Photo credit: Winnipeg Free Press   After talking about it for almost two years, and distributing a discussion paper in 2021, it seems […]

How Ontarios Ministry of Education is helping address provinces labour shortage

by Janet Ecker

By expanding affordable childcare options for families, Minister Stephen Lecce (pictured) and his team are making it easier for parents to enter or remain in the workforce. Photo credit: Twitter/Stephen Leece   For Ontario families looking for childcare support so parents can stay in the workforce, 2023 could be a good year. Ontario Education Minister […]

Though the province wants to be a part of the climate solution, gambling that we can successfully experiment with our electrical supply and prematurely cut out natural gas is not the answer. Photo credit: TVO/Sergey Bobok   Ontarians take electricity for granted. We assume that when we turn the switch, the power will go on. […]

Self-serving union survey misses the mark

by Catherine Swift

Characterizing private health clinics as for-profit, as if profit in any and every form is inherently a bad thing, is all part of the conditioning Canadians experience on a regular basis. Photo credit: Twitter/OFL   The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), a federation comprised of 54 labour unions in the province, released the results of […]

The shocking cost of electrification

by Catherine Swift

Decarbonizing Ontarios already clean electricity system would not only be shockingly expensive, but it would also significantly reduce reliability. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette   Ontarios Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Crown corporation responsible for operating the electricity market in the province, recently published a study responding to the Energy Ministers request to […]

Much to the delight of union brass and membership, Ontarios superior court recently struck down the legislation that temporarily capped public sector wage increases. While the aggrieved are pleased, if the decision stands, it will not only let public sector unions ask for wage increases they might have received in the absence of Bill 124, […]

Premiers year-end approval ratings

by Catherine Swift

Francois Legault (pictured) leads the pack, with nearly six-in-ten Quebecers displaying a favourable view of the Premier. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot   The Angus Reid Institute has come out with its regular survey of approval ratings for Canadas Premiers and as usual there is good news for some and coal in the stockings […]

Saskatchewan takes action toward autonomy

by Catherine Swift

Albertas recent efforts to better protect itself from federal encroachment on its internal affairs have received a lot of attention lately, but Saskatchewan is making similar moves toward greater provincial autonomy. Pictured is Premier Scott Moe. Photo credit: Twitter/Scott Moe   Alberta may be getting most of the attention with its Alberta Sovereignty Within a […]

Oil and gas investment avoids Canada

by Catherine Swift

High taxes, environmental regulations, and land claim issues, among other concerns, make Canadas oil producing provinces some of the least attractive jurisdictions in which to do business. Photo credit: Flickr/Jason Hargrove   If there was still any doubt, a recent Fraser Institute study shows how various Canadian federal government policies have damaged the prospects for […]

Lots to chew on in AGs latest annual report

by Catherine Swift

Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk (pictured) released her yearly assessment of the provinces financial manaveurs on Wednesday. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Aaron Vincent Elkaim   The annual Ontario Auditor Generals report was released this week, with its usual litany of financial and policy missteps by the provincial government and its agencies. Not surprisingly, some of […]

Carbon taxes hit the east

by Catherine Swift

Atlantic residents will soon be paying considerably more to heat their homes and fill their tanks, as the federal government is set to impose its carbon tax on Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI. Pictured is Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston. Photo credit: CBC/Rob Short   The latest provinces to be hit by […]

Big changes in Alberta

by Catherine Swift

Premier Smith (pictured) is doing precisely what she said she would do, plus more. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Jason Franson   Newly-minted Alberta Premier Danielle Smith isnt wasting any time making changes. Less than two months into the job, she has fired the entire Board of the Alberta Health Services (AHS), fulfilling a leadership campaign […]

Pension fund follies

by Catherine Swift

In losing nearly $100 million to a volatile cryptocurrency investment, and by committing to the ESG narrative, two of Canadas largest and traditionally most successful public pension funds demonstrated that theyre hardly immune to poor judgement and being swept up by the flavour of the week. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Cole Burston The spectacular […]

Its always about the money

by Catherine Swift

Despite claims to the contrary, when it comes to public sector labour negotiations in Ontario, it is, has been, and always will be precisely about the money. Pictured is president of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Council of Unions Laura Walton, Nov. 16, 2022. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Chris Young   In the context of labour […]

Dark clouds over Fall Economic Statement

by Catherine Swift

As economic slowdown looms, province delivers fairly tame, boring mini-budget but perhaps thats a good thing. Pictured is Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy presented the Fall Economic Update this week, and not surprisingly the news wasnt great. In anticipation of a widely expected economic slowdown, […]

Prairies push back

by Catherine Swift

The current federal government has had a habit of interfering with areas of provincial jurisdiction, and it is long overdue that certain provinces begin to push back. Pictured is Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe. Photo credit: Facebook/Scott Moe   Canadas Prairie provinces Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have good reason to be perturbed about […]

In CUPE dispute, Ford government doing precisely what it was elected to do

by Janet Ecker

Premier Fords government was just given another majority mandate by Ontarians to do exactly what it is currently doing in ongoing dispute with CUPE: look out for the public interest by way of keeping kids in school and protecting taxpayer money during tumultuous economic times. Pictured is Education Minister Stephen Lecce. Photo credit: CBC/Carlos Osorio […]

Ford should be bold and cut the sales tax to counter inflation

by Jay Goldberg

Premier Doug Ford. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Its time for Premier Doug Ford to be bold. The cost of living is soaring for Ontario families. To deliver relief to every Ontarian across the province, Ford should cut the provincial sales tax. Ford owes Ontarians relief. Four years ago, hepromisedto cut income taxes for the […]

More health care spending not the answer

by Catherine Swift

Canada already has one of the highest levels of per capita health care spending among developed countries in the world, and citizens are hardly getting good bang for their buck. Thus, the countrys Premiers should stop spending time and money asking the federal government for more taxpayer dollars and instead concentrate their efforts on garnering […]

Mass walkout a betrayal of students, families and taxpayers

by Catherine Swift

The day of protest is ostensibly a response to the Ontario government tabling back-to-work legislation intended to prevent education workers from striking. Pictured is head of the Ontario Federation of Labour Patty Coates during a news conference at Queens Park on Monday alongside OSBCU president Laura Walton (left) and CUPE president Fred Hahn. Photo credit: […]

Ford should testify at Emergencies Act inquiry

by Catherine Swift

To date, Ontarios Premier has resisted all calls to take part in the public hearings currently underway in Ottawa. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey   It is mystifying why Ontario Premier Doug Ford continues to adamantly resist appearing before the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC), currently the hottest political ticket in Canada. Ford has […]

Be sure to vote in upcoming municipal election, but vote wisely

by Catherine Swift

Municipal elections historically drive the fewest number of voters to the ballot box. However, of all levels of government, the local level touches most citizens more directly and frequently than its provincial and federal counterparts and not just in terms of basic services and policing. In recent years, municipal governments have become increasingly more […]

Ontario is fast-approaching an energy crisis and so-called green fuel solutions will hardly be able to fill the gap. Photo credit: Atura Power   Most voters dont have high expectations of their governments. But they do expect a modicum of common sense. The Ontario government may be on the brink of ignoring it. How else […]

Public sector cost pressures rising

by Catherine Swift

Overall spending on Ontario public sector salaries has increased from about $36.3 billion in 2011 to $48.2 billion by 2022, about 2.9 per cent annually. Its projected the wage bill will reach $56.9 billion by 2027, assuming average annual increases of 3.4 per cent. Clearly, an ever-increasing public sector funded by a shrinking private sector […]

A big week in provincial politics

by Catherine Swift

Premier Francois Legault won a resounding re-election victory in Quebec on Monday, while Danielle Smith became the new Premier of Alberta Thursday night. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson and Jonathan Hayward   Two major developments this week promise to have a big impact on provincial and federal politics in Canada for the next few […]

Death by taxes for Eastern Canada

by Catherine Swift

Recent analysis demonstrates taxpayers in Canadas Atlantic provinces pay significantly more in personal income and sales taxes than their western counterparts. Pictured is Spinnakers Landing in Summerside, PEI. Photo credit: PEI Tourism/Stephen DesRoches   Whenever an election looms, all politicians claim to want to provide tax relief for the middle class. This is a logical […]

NDP hypocrisy, as interim leader talks energy policy

by Catherine Swift

Peter Tabuns (pictured) recently decried the Ford government for raising natural gas prices. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Chris Young   We are all accustomed to the enduring hypocrisy of politicians by now, but that doesnt mean it shouldnt be challenged. The latest instance came from MPP Peter Tabuns, interim Leader of the Ontario NDP. Tabuns […]

Ford needs to make his gas tax cut permanent to avoid being the grinch

by Jay Goldberg

After a temporary six-month pause, the provincial gas excise tax is set to be reinstituted at the end of the year. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   If Ontario Premier Doug Ford doesnt want to be the grinch who stole Christmas, hell start working on a plan to make Ontarios temporary gas tax cut permanent. Ontario […]

Exams are essential tools that teach more than just their subject matter

by Janet Ecker

Traditional evaluation methods develop students ability to plan, deal with pressure, cope with expectations and, on occasion, experience and learn from failure. Pictured is provincial Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. Lecces ministry recently confirmed that local schools and boards can now decide if they will administer an exam to determine a final grade for secondary […]

Energy insecurity awaits

by Catherine Swift

A number of Canadian jurisdictions are proceeding with plans to continue on the so-called decarbonization bandwagon and move away from more reliable and affordable energy sources. Pictured is Ontarios Lennox Generating Station, dual-fuelled by oil and natural gas. Photo credit: OPG   All indications are that Europe is facing the prospect of a very difficult […]

Electoral boundary changes controversial as always

by Catherine Swift

The changes take place every 10 years and never fail to ruffle a few feathers. Quebec, for example, was set to lose one seat based on current criteria an act deemed wholly unacceptable by the powers that be.   Following each national census conducted after a 10-year period, the Canadian Constitution requires that federal […]

To ensure success, students need uninterrupted return to class

by Janet Ecker

Direct data for Ontario is not yet available, but all signs from other jurisdictions point to extended school closures having had severe, worrisome effects on students academic progress. Pictured is Education Minister Stephen Lecce. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Tijana Martin   The quality of our childrens education should be a priority for parents and the […]

More challenges to plastics ban

by Catherine Swift

Alberta has joined dozens of industry manufacturers in Canada challenging the federal governments ban on single-use plastics ban. Premier Jason Kenney (pictured) recently commented that the federal policy intrudes on provincial jurisdiction and is yet another Trudeau government initiative harmful to Alberta economic interests. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito   The province of Alberta […]

The Alberta Sovereignty Act pushes back

by Catherine Swift

Should current favourite for the job Danielle Smith (pictured, centre) become the new UCP leader on October 6, she has vowed to introduce legislation designed to better protect Albertas provincial interests against federal encroachment and predation later this year. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh   It is said that the definition of insanity is […]

There are no quick fixes or silver bullet solutions. It will take time, increased resources, creativity, and better cooperation between government and those on the front lines. Photo credit: The Canadian Press   As one watches the Doug Ford government wrestle with the current health care crisis, several observations come to mind. First, one needs […]

Healthcare debate steals centre stage as political leaders grapple with reform

by Josie Sabatino

Premier Doug Ford met with his counterparts from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island earlier this week. What emerged from the maritime meeting was a consensus that, as a whole, Canadas healthcare system needs to not only change, but that new solutions must be introduced in order to address the fundamental flaws exposed […]

Ontario health care changes theyre a start

by Catherine Swift

Probably the most important of the many changes announced this week by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones (pictured) is the expansion of surgeries to private facilities, while still having these procedures covered by OHIP. Photo credit: Twitter/Sylvia Jones   The Ford government announced the latest phase of its so-called Plan to Stay […]

The strong mayor debate

by Catherine Swift

New legislation introduced by the province would give the mayors of Ontarios two largest cities, Toronto and Ottawa, the ability to streamline important decisions. Mayor of Toronto John Tory (pictured left, beside Premier Doug Ford) said he is in favour of the change. Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson (not pictured) said he doesnt see the […]

Anytime a government tries to talk about changing health care delivery for better outcomes, like the Ford government tried to do last week, the discussion is quickly shut down amidst the scare mongering over privatization and budget cuts. However, decades of excessive spending and exceedingly poor results indicate talks of change are not only worthwhile, […]

The three deadly words

by Catherine Swift

Ontario Legislative Building in downtown Toronto. High cost and poor performance are hallmarks of the public sector, and they are brought about and maintained across the country by a single phenomenon: unionized government monopoly. Photo credit: OLA   The hits just keep on coming. Blacklocks Reporter, an independent media organization that does not take bailouts […]

Is Scott Moe Canadas Ron DeSantis?

by Catherine Swift

Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe (left) and Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis (right). Photo credit: 980 CJME/Lisa Schick and AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack   Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has developed a reputation for pushing back against a range of leftist government policies including Critical Race Theory in the public education system to, most recently, what he […]

When will the green madness end?

by Catherine Swift

Ontario and other Canadian provinces stand to learn a thing or two from places like Germany (pictured) and Sri Lanka about the real-life consequences of over-reliance on green energy solutions and succumbing to climate change zealotry. Photo credit: Getty Images/Sean Gallup   As the evidence continues to pile up about how green policies are beggaring […]

Existing teachers contracts are set to expire August 31. High-performing Minister of Education Stephen Lecce (pictured) and his team started negotiations early to ensure educators are back and remain in the classroom this fall so that students can enjoy the full school experience after two years of closures and uncertainty. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Nathan […]

Stop the presses! Nova Scotia pauses pay raises for provincial politicians

by Catherine Swift

Premier Tim Houston (pictured) recently stated, when inflation is at a 40-year high, gas prices are at historic levels and many hard-working Nova Scotians are struggling to make ends meet, it is not the time to increase the pay of MLAs. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan   Something truly shocking happened recently and did […]

Provinces seek more control over immigration

by Catherine Swift

With an ever-growing backlog of new applicants, and significant need for more labour across the country, one would think the Trudeau government would jump at the opportunity for help from its provincial counterparts. And yet, as is typical with this federal government, the Liberals are dragging their feet, promising to look into the problem. Pictured […]

Ontario finance news misrepresented by Opposition again

by Catherine Swift

A recent FAO report indicates the provincial government spent several billion less than planned in the last fiscal year: an otherwise good news story that members of the Ontario NDP like finance critic Catherine Fife (pictured) are trying to twist as harmful underspending. Photo credit: Twitter/Catherine Fife   The most recent Expenditure Monitor […]

Health care in peril

by Catherine Swift

Most politicians and many Canadians continue to promote the fiction that our badly broken health care system continues to be viable and among the best in the world. But, at present, the only people benefitting from the current health care system are the public sector unions. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson   The horror […]

Dissatisfaction out east

by Catherine Swift

A recent poll indicates that the vast majority of residents in the Atlantic provinces are none too pleased with their respective governments performance when it comes to health care, among other issues. Pictured is Fredericton, New Brunswick. Photo credit: Atlantic Traveller   A recent public opinion poll by the Angus Reid Institute has highlighted a […]

The impossible green dream

by Catherine Swift

Fully 32 Ontario municipalities, including most notably Ottawa, have bought in to the notion that they will be able to phase out natural gas in the coming decades while doing no credible planning on exactly how reliable, relatively affordable gas can be replaced by unreliable and costly renewables. Photo credit: University of Ottawa The […]

Do you know what your children are learning?

by Catherine Swift

Hint: its no longer just 2+2=4. Photo credit: Pexels/Ksenia Chernaya   Evidence that our public school system is too woke for its own good and the good of its students and taxpayers has been clear for some time. Recently, however, there have been a number of episodes in Ontario and other jurisdictions which […]

Doug Fords big fat Cabinet

by Catherine Swift

After winning another majority mandate last month, Premier Ford expanded his Cabinet to 30 members and significantly increased the number of parliamentary assistants that will work alongside his executive council. Pictured: Ford shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell outside Queens Park in Toronto before naming his new Cabinet, June 24, 2022. Photo credit: CBC/Evan […]

More dumb housing policy

by Catherine Swift

The latest entry in the dumb housing policy sweepstakes was submitted by the Ontario government, which earlier this week opted to cap the 2023 permitted rent increase to 2.5 per cent. Photo credit: Homestead   It seems like the only policies governments implement these days to supposedly deal with the housing crisis in Canada are […]

Paid sick days back on the agenda

by Catherine Swift

The Ford governments pandemic-era Worker Income Protection Benefit is slated to expire at the end of July. Naturally, labour advocates are scrambling to ensure the program gets enhanced, or at the very least extended. Pictured: Ontarios Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. McNaughton introduced the benefit program back in April 2021 […]

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