I don’t know if you watched the Mad Men series but I thought the finale was quite interesting. From the very first episode we were led to believe that the life of a mad man was intense but ultimately terminal…
Continue ReadingSocial capital in New Brunswick: Some good and some not so good news
Statistics Canada recently published its “Trends in Social Capital” report for Canada and the 10 provinces. It is based on a wide ranging survey of concepts meant to test social capital including number of friends, contact with neighbours, participation in…
Continue ReadingThe paradox: Population growth could limit outward population migration
One of the reasons most cited for not ramping up our immigration efforts is the out-migration of our young people. Why do we need immigrants when many of our kids can’t find jobs? As always, the answer is more nuanced. …
Continue ReadingLosing out best and brightest, illiterate, over-taxed, bankrupt….. Folks, relax
A friend of mine used to call me “Dr. Doom” as on these pages I routinely expose some fairly challenging economic and demographic data. A role I will continue to play. But the reason I expose this data is not…
Continue ReadingHomebody redux: The ties that bind
I really enjoyed the HOMEbody symposium in Fredericton this week. The average age in the room was likely 25 and they were talking about pretty important things. I realize that this cohort may not like what Richard Saillant has to…
Continue ReadingThe case for public investment in economic development
I am sensitive to those that are wary of government spending on economic development. I share some of their concerns but there are a number of reasons why there should be a role for government in support of economic development.…
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