AIMS // Atlantic Institute for Market Studies

AIMS Research Intern Andreas Korfmann says minimum wage increases can hurt rather than help small businesses, young people, unskilled workers and low-income families.

Atlantic university campuses are competing for 2 weeks to see which can reduce its energy use most. AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill advocates for goals that offer individual incentives to get students to really conserve.

AIMS' reference to equalization as "the help that hurts" is brought up in this op-ed suggesting change and leadership is needed to revamp Canada's approach to regional subsidies.

AIMS Board Member George Cooper explains that no progress can be made in our health care system until we fix its governance.

Tommy Douglas dreamed of a world where rich and poor alike had access to worthwhile and high-quality care. AIMS Health Policy Fellow David Zitner writes that instead, Canadian rich and poor pay the same amount for care — nothing — but the care they receive is different.

As NS Premier Dexter opposes the federal plan to pay health transfers to the provinces on a per capita basis, AIMS points out there is already unequal health care, but this plan will create more divergence.

Nova Scotia universities should make cuts at the administrative level to deal with reduced government funding, says AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill.

Gas regulation in New Brunswick will be reviewed in 2012. A study by AIMS says that gas price regulation has cost New Brunswick drivers over nine million dollars.

AIMS' Ninth Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools is featured in the 2011 Review.

The NB government will review the gas regulation system in 2012 as retailers complain weekly price settings cost them while consumers enjoyed 5 years of prices below the Canadian average. A 2009 AIMS report saying the regulation of gasoline prices has cost NB drivers about $9.4 million is referenced.

Audio: The Atlantic Institute for Market Studies' Ninth Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools is discussed. CBC interviews a local superintendent and a concerned parent with accountability concerns.

AIMS Research Fellow David MacKinnon argues that PEI needs to ensure they approach other Canadians for financial support in an informed way, showing understanding of the circumstances of the people they are seeking money from - none of which is present in the PEI government's recent appeal to Ottawa.

The ninth annual AIMS Atlantic Canadian High School Report Card tackles the question: How to make progress? View three op-eds on the topic by AIMS staff and contributors.

AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill argues that there's no crisis in education and that's the underlying problem. Our public education system isn't bad, but remains largely inflexible to individual need and special circumstances.

Providing structured early childhood education is socially and economically beneficial, yet does not top the education agenda. AIMS contributor Paul W. Bennett considers whether government should offer universal childcare programs or target support where it will do the most good.

Adam Davies from Pugwash writes that the school board and elected officials must acknowledge the findings in AIMS' Ninth Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools and offer an explanation if they wish to remain relevant.

This article references an op-ed by AIMS Health Policy Fellow David Zitner regarding the secrecy in Nova Scotia's public healthcare system.

AIMS Director of Research Don McIver argues that a sensible expansion policy should seek to achieve comprehensive education and skills development for all Nova Scotians — including our frequently disadvantaged communities.

Mount Allison University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Robert Campbell has been named to the Atlantic Institute For Market Studies board of directors.

Harry Koza's AIMS' Commentary, "Doin' the PRPP Walk" is contrasted with a CCPA report which prefers a mandatory, government Big CPP.