Search

Search results

1. Federal finances ‘careening downhill’ fast

   It has now been nearly a week since federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the fall economic statement (FES). After a suitable period of digestion, it’s still unclear where exactly federal finances are heading aside from very ...

2. Canada’s fiscal situation near crisis levels

   As the pandemic continues, Ottawa and the provinces have embarked on a fiscal cruise whose ultimate port of destination is not necessarily a safe harbour. With an estimated federal deficit of more than $343 billion for 2020-21 combined ...

3. COVID-related spending increases threaten future economic growth

   Appeared in the Edmonton Sun, November 4, 2020 The COVID pandemic has sparked increased government spending worldwide including here at home. Many countries have introduced substantial fiscal packages with direct household income supports, loans, ...

4. Ontario stuck in vicious cycle of deficits and debt accumulation

   After a pandemic-induced delay, Ontario will release its provincial budget this Thursday and Finance Minister Rod Phillips has already said the budget will focus on COVID response measures. Earlier, the Financial Accountability Office of ...

5. Achieving the Four-Day Work Week: Part 1 Essays

   This is the first part in a new series of essays to be published by the Fraser Institute over the coming months focused on policy reforms that can improve productivity growth and lay the foundation for a four-day work week. Putting Government on a ...

6. Government wages and employee numbers drive municipal spending across Canada

   Appeared in the Ottawa Sun, October 7, 2020 Over the last two decades, in an apparent contradiction, municipalities across Canada have increased spending and employment while claiming they are fiscally challenged. They typically run surpluses for their ...

7. Spend first, ask questions later—not sustainable fiscal policy

   During the first six months of the pandemic, with the effects of the lockdown hitting the economy, government revenues collapsed. Spending increased to provide quick support and relief, producing a federal deficit that reached 15 per cent ...

8. Local Leviathans: The Rise of Municipal Government Spending in Canada, 1990–2018

   Canada’s municipalities have increased their spending and employment over the last two decades while maintaining that they are fiscally challenged. Notwithstanding the recent pandemic-induced fiscal shocks, they typically run surpluses on their operating ...

9. Freeland takes over during massive federal spending spree

   It’s out with the old and in with the new in Ottawa as Chrystia Freeland replaces Bill Morneau as federal finance minister. Freeland takes over during a dramatic time in Canadian history, so it’s worth reviewing the history of federal ...

10. COVID underscores problems with government intervention

    COVID underscores problems with government intervention ...