A new study by the Fraser Institute finds that since Confederation, excluding wartime and recessions, there has only been one period in Canada’s 150 year history when the federal government’s role in the economy — and society more broadly — substantially grew, which in turn plunged the nation into chronic deficits. “Based on the new federal government’s … Read more
A new study by the Fraser Institute finds that government employees in Ontario get higher wages, on average, than comparable workers in the private sector and they retire earlier and take more days off per year. “Queen’s Park and the federal government, which has a lot of employees in Ontario, are both struggling financially. Scrutinizing public sector … Read more
The Alberta government could have posted a small budget surplus this year if successive governments had kept program spending increases in line with population growth and inflation, finds a new study released by the Fraser Institute. “Despite big deficits, this government has refused to correct the spending problems of its predecessors, and is instead repeating their … Read more
A new study released today by the Fraser Institute finds that strengthening protections of intellectual property rights for pharmaceutical drugs would encourage innovation of new medicines, create high-skilled jobs and grow the economy. “Canada is a laggard when it comes to protecting pharmaceutical patents, which puts a chill on innovation and creates uncertainty as to whether the … Read more
A new study by the Fraser Institute finds that paying the interest on all government debt in Canada cost taxpayers $62.8 billion last year, which translates into $1,752 for every Canadian or slightly more than $7,000 for a family of four. Federal and provincial debt in 2016/17 will total $1.4 trillion, an increase of more than … Read more
A new study released by the Fraser Institute finds that shuttering Ontario’s coal-fired power plants had very little effect on reducing air pollution, helped fuel skyrocketing energy costs, and should serve as a lesson to policymakers across the country. These findings confirm the government’s own internal forecasts prior to the coal phase-out, and they are especially important … Read more
Government workers in B.C. receive 7.4 per cent higher wages on average than comparable workers in the private sector, and enjoy much more generous non-wage benefits, too, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute. “Bringing public sector compensation in line with the private sector would not only help governments in B.C. control spending without reducing … Read more
A new study by the Fraser Institute finds that Australia’s government funding of independent and religious schools, which is adjusted based on the socioeconomic status of the communities in which students live, offers more school choice for parents, particularly lower-income families. “Parents choosing independent schools across Canada — even in provinces where partial government funding is provided — … Read more
A new study released by the Fraser Institute finds tghat corporate and personal income tax hikes in Alberta in 2015 have wiped away crucial tax advantages that helped fuel the province’s economic prosperity for years. “Alberta used to enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in North America, which attracted investment and people to the province, but … Read more
A new study by the Fraser Institute finds that Ontario’s Catholic school system can be part of education reform, despite public misperceptions about the nature of its protection in the Constitution. “For far too long, genuine discussion about education reform in Ontario has been stymied by a misconception regarding the nature of constitutional protection afforded Catholic education,” … Read more
