Municipal Affairs & Economic Development

M U N I C I P A L   A F F A I R S  &  E C O N O M I C   D E V E L O P M E N T

Even though news cycles do not pay as much attention to municipal policies, many of the most important policy decisions that affect Canadians and their families most directly are made at the municipal level. AIMS research on Municipal Affairs focuses on identifying the policy choices that help cities and towns thrive and develop economically and which ones lead to stagnation and decline.

This research area also deals with one of the most important objectives of public policy – to enable Economic Development and growth. Given the fiscal challenges we face in our region, and the social challenges flowing from rates of poverty and unemployment that are above the national average, the need for pro-growth economic policy in Atlantic Canada is especially urgent.

POLICY PAPERS & OP-ED COMMENTARIES

Maritime Morning: Municipal Tax Reform

AIMS President & CEO Charles Cirtwill, Dr. Michael Bradfield of CCPA-NS, and Wayne Fiander of NS Chambers of Commerce join Maritime Morning with Jordi Morgan of News 95.7 to discuss municipal tax reformListen to the interview here ...

Maritime Morning: Charles Cirtwill ‘Municipal Income Tax for HRM?’

Charles Cirtwill joins Jordi Morgan of News 95.7's Maritime Morning to discuss AIMS' latest paper assessing the potential of a municipal income tax in the HRM.Listen to the interview here ...

This Rose, By Any Name, Stinks

Criticisms of the property tax system are routine and growing. For Nova Scotia, the system of property taxation and assessment dates back to the 1880s. With the property tax system so generally and roundly condemned, the consideration of alternatives obviously becomes necessary. The two alternatives that are most commonly contrasted ...

‘Problems at Trade Centre Limited’ Charles Cirtwill on CBC Information Morning

'Problems at Trade Centre Limited' Charles Cirtwill on CBC Information Morning.Listen to the interview here ...

Creative Cities

On October 13, an estimated 20,000 Haligonians crowded the streets of downtown Halifax and Dartmouth to see and enjoy Nocturne. The evening’s array of hugely diverse and engaging art is the kind of thing that makes Halifax a wonderful place to live and work. In this commentary, Creative Cities, Bill ...
MEDIA MENTIONS

CBC Interview: Charles Cirtwill on Municipal Income Tax

Charles Cirtwill sat down with CBC's Jean Laroche to discuss AIMS' discussion and presentation on municipal income taxes with CCPA-NS and NS Chambers March 20, 2013 ...

The Rick Howe Show: Municipal Income Tax

AIMS President & CEO joins Rick Howe of News 95.7 to talk about March 20th's municipal income tax discussion.Listen to the audio here ...

Mainstreet Nova Scotia: Municipal Income Tax

AIMS President & CEO Charles Cirtwill, Michael Bradfield of CCPA-NS and Wayne Fiander of NS Chambers, joined Stephanie Domet of CBC's Mainstreet to discuss a proposed municipal income tax system ...

Charles Cirtwill on New Brunswick property tax reform

AIMS President & CEO Charles Cirtwill was a guest on News 88.9's Todd Veinotte Show in Saint John, NB to discuss property taxes and the idea of a municipal income ...