AIMS // Atlantic Institute for Market Studies

The angst over an assault on seasonal industries has been overblown since towns with a high percentage of seasonal work would be almost totally unaffected by the new rules.

Nova Scotia's unemployment rate surged to 9.2%, while both New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador posted job gains. Charles Cirtwill said the modest growth in other Atlantic provinces reflects a friendlier business environment and lower taxes.

As the Conservative government plans to introduce more stringent rules as to what kind of jobs EI recipients should be prepared to accept, AIMS President Charles Cirtwill is concerned the measures will be aimed at punishing employees, not employers.

AIMS Director of Research Don McIver comments on EI changes suggested by Ottawa, that may require people to take local jobs now filled by foreign labourers.

The new Canadian census results show population movement from rural to urban areas. AIMS Director of Research Don McIver says federal and regional development programs are doing little to reverse this trend.

New census findings show growth in every Atlantic province. Don McIver notes that while many think of Canada as a "rural wonderland," more than two-thirds of our population live in metropolitan areas.

AIMS President & CEO Charles Cirtwill joins CBC Information Morning to discuss outsourcing jobs to foreign workers.

Despite blanket regional statements from Ottawa about EI dependence in Atlantic Canada, the latest StatsCan report showing fewer Nova Scotians drawing EI suggests the jobs market is more nuanced.

[VIDEO] latest census confirms Nova Scotia has highest percentage of senior citizens in Canada. AIMS says major adjustments will need to be made and the lifestyles of Canadians will change as a result, with a greater focus on caring for family.

AIMS Director of Research Don McIver comments on the trends in the Canadian census and what the findings mean for Atlantic Canada.

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.

The executive director of the Cumberland Regional Development Authority (RDA) does not agree with the recommendations in a new AIMS report that recommends the end of RDAs in Nova Scotia, as they have failed to improve the economies of their target regions.

AIMS Senior Fellow Don McIver argues that workers in Newfoundland and Labrador deserve better than the current equalization structure allows.

In this feature on Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, AIMS President and CEO Charles Cirtwill notes that NS needs a long-term tax plan to be more competitive, but the province’s high tax burden predates Dexter’s government.

As Canadians move from east to west, Don McIver points out that young people are moving from rural to urban areas to find jobs.

For the first time, the population in Western Canada has surpassed that in Eastern Canada. Don McIver comments on the trends in Atlantic Canada and warns against regional development efforts.

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

Regional Development Authorities are failing to improve the economies of their target regions, says the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies.

A new research paper makes the case that government has to stop subsidizing business, and it should start by doing away with regional development authorities.

Atlantic Institute for Market Studies’ director of research Don McIver is calling for an end to Regional Development Authorities in Nova Scotia.