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Commentary

Ottawa’s infrastructure prescription may hurt more than it heals

Ottawa’s infrastructure prescription may hurt more than it heals

Infrastructure spending is like time-release medicine. It brings relief eventually, but in the short term it’s ineffective. It also can be tempting, and harmful, to increase the dosage when results are unapparent.
B.C. political funding stokes fires of disenchantment

B.C. political funding stokes fires of disenchantment

Writing on the eve of the U.S. election, I share the widespread concern that regardless of which party wins, dangerous forces have been unleashed that will be hard to contain. The anger, alienation and frustration bubbling up from millions of U.S.
The mega-dam age is over: why are we going in reverse?

The mega-dam age is over: why are we going in reverse?

All British Columbians today benefit from the large generation assets that BC Hydro built a generation or two ago in our province’s north and Interior.
Editorial: B.C. gas game plan needs upgrade

Editorial: B.C. gas game plan needs upgrade

Wins for B.C. in the natural gas major leagues require a new game plan.
Victoria’s civic tax grab a threat to local land-use authority

Victoria’s civic tax grab a threat to local land-use authority

The province is about to impinge on the civic tax base, land-use authority and democracy by using development fees to fund transit and by making increased density zoning a requirement of transit funding.
The long tail of the public record will be the Donald’s undoing

The long tail of the public record will be the Donald’s undoing

At the risk of famous last words: it will be Hillary. For safety’s sake, it has to be. Unless there is a catastrophe, it will be.
Retool energy policy to deliver outcomes, not endless debate

Retool energy policy to deliver outcomes, not endless debate

How did energy projects in Canada become so controversial? Public protests over pipelines and hydraulic fracturing have become commonplace, and the National Energy Board (NEB) has had record numbers of interveners in pipeline hearings.
B.C.’s masala bond gamble could pay positive business dividends

B.C.’s masala bond gamble could pay positive business dividends

On September 1 B.C. raised $98 million with an issue of Indian rupee-- denominated bonds, also known as masala bonds. The issue bears a 6.62% semi-annual yield and a maturity date of January 9, 2020 (three-year term).
Survey respondents cite the business case for the death penalty

Survey respondents cite the business case for the death penalty

Earlier this year, Canada marked four decades since the abolition of the death penalty. Last July, Insights West looked at how Canadians feel about this issue and found some eye-catching results, both in policy and motivations.
Government intervention threatens to drive up borrowing costs

Government intervention threatens to drive up borrowing costs

Pricing risk Government moves to cool the housing market could lead to higher mortgage rates for those seeking refinancing.