*Editor’s Note: The writer’s kids tell him that that the word ‘lit’ was previously used to define the state of a person who is mildly intoxicated. Now, it has evolved to generally mean something that is cool or amazing. The…
Continue ReadingIt’s time for economic development 201 or even 301
As you might expect, when I talk with people these days the main question I get is “how do we get the economy back on the rails?” Usually this is in response to my presentation where I show New Brunswick…
Continue ReadingIs there no social acceptability for oil in Quebec?
There must have been something lost in translation. The Premier of Quebec is quoted in the English media as saying “there is no social acceptability for oil in Quebec.” Hmmm. Let’s see: -There are more than six million light vehicles…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick’s new 60/20 rule
You are familiar with the 80/20 rule which can be applied in many circumstances such as 20% of customers account for 80% of revenue or 20% of volunteers do 80% of the volunteer work, etc. In New Brunswick, I would…
Continue ReadingLiving in a Hallmark world – a competitive advantage?
I have a bit of a confession to make. I like cheesy Hallmark Channel movies (shown on the W channel here). I know, I know. You will mock me. Your opinion has tanked. I get it. But I still like…
Continue ReadingAre we poised for a Trumpian populist movement in New Brunswick?
There have been several stories/columns in the national press recently arguing we could be on the cusp of a populist movement in Canada like that seen in the U.S. and more recently in France. As I have written before, I…
Continue ReadingShould we organize trade missions to the EU or Manitoba?
I have made several presentations recently where I have suggested that these international trade agreements for the most part don’t mean much for New Brunswick. The truth is that other than a handful of firms in forest products and refined…
Continue ReadingThe McAdam resurgence?
CBC is reporting that the Village of McAdam is offering 16 serviced residential lots for $1 dollar. The mayor says he has had requests from out of province to look at the land. My fear is that a few people…
Continue ReadingDeveloping our non-renewable natural resources: A potential new approach
I recently had breakfast with a friend of mine who spent considerable time working at a high level in government on natural resources development files. He is frustrated with the state of natural resources development in New Brunswick because he…
Continue ReadingThe facts of government economic development incentives
The old saying “you are entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts” keeps coming to mind when I read commentary about ‘incentives’ used by government to encourage certain behavior by businesses. First of all, the commentary this…
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