Economic Development

From taxes to health care to the recession to the Great Depression, there's a little history, a little reflection and a little wishful thinking in this edition of The Beacon.

The beginning of the labour shortage has started as New Brunswick travels to Toronto to recruit workers back to the province. AIMS Executive Vice President Charles Cirtwill explains this is the reality of a demographic shift.

New Brunswick business development agency should look to Nova Scotia's agency for inspiration. AIMS Executive Vice-President Charles Cirtwill says government departments tend to go for short-term quick hit responses to business needs that often don't result in long-term sustainable economic development. However, an arms-length agency, like the one in Nova Scotia, does a better job because it's modeled after a company's business plan.

New Brunswickers' high income earners are taxed at a higher rate than those in other Canadian provinces. AIMS Executive Vice-President Charles Cirtwill explains how this may be one of the factors delaying growth in the province's economy.

As Nova Scotia and New Brunswick sign an agreement to allow for free movement of goods and services, AIMS Executive Vice-President Charles Cirtwill cautions as it makes it difficult to then promote national agreements.

The community of Tabusintac in New Brunswick is lobbying for a new community-based school they want to build. Some say such projects are ill-advised, but AIMS Executive Vice-President Charles Cirtwill explains how these community-based schools can really benefit small communities.

Our population is getting older. This Commentary, based on a talk to the Canadian Education Association, examines how that fact will impact education policy.

With the Federal budget allowing for many people in the province to renovate their homes and receive a tax break on supplies many are jumping at the opportunity. But AIMS asks whither the renovator? With a labour shortage and long delays to find painters, plumbers and electricians, we need to be cautious in our estimates of what this program can do to stimulate economic activity as opposed to simply creating inflation and even greater scarcity of skills.

Fredericton mayor, Brad Woodside responds to AIMS Executive Vice-President Charles Cirtwill's suggestions on how to to make New Brunswick and Fredericton a more private-sector friendly place.

As US President Barack Obama prepares to take the oath of office, this story in the Telegraph-Journal examines what affect the new administration could have on New Brunswick. AIMS President Brian Lee Crowley explains reopening NAFTA is a concern.