Blogs are opinion pieces and reflect their author’s views
When the Charter of Quebec Values was leaked to the news media this summer, the federal government was criticized for not attacking it. But, in fact, Ottawa’s cautious response was much wiser than vociferous criticism. The facts show why. At this stage, the charter is just a draft released for public consultation; we don’t know […]
A revolution of sorts is underway in international fiscal affairs. The lightning rod is tax planning by global businesses. Perceptions and judgments about this planning have become the focus of a multi-faceted international political, economic and fiscal inquiry. Although more prominent in the last eighteen months, the undercurrents of this debate have flowed for as […]
If English Canada and francophone Québec have been described as Two Solitudes due to their respective cultural differences and the ensuing lack of communication between English and French Canadians, the debate over Parti québécois Premier Pauline Marois’ proposed “Charter of Québec Values” Bill appears to be an interesting case study that supports the Two Solitudes […]
On September 12, 2013, I attended a meeting organized to consider issues around availability, affordability and sustainability of property insurance in Alberta. The discussion was triggered by a four-year period when insurance claims averaged $670 million annually (compared to the $100 million average from the previous 25 years). While the companies currently doing business here […]
Everyone shares a demand for shelter, that safe place to hold back the elements, provide security and a buffer from life outside. The character of that shelter reflects the culture we live in, the surrounding community and the environmental amenities that define the world around us. It also defines the competition for better locations, those […]