Insights

Reducing Hydro Rates in Ontario: Rebates

On November 19, 2019 / Energy and Environment, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

As detailed in part two of our series, the government is well on its way to achieving its promised 12% rate reduction by holding bills to inflationary increases only. However, in order to fully complete the promise, the Ontario government will either need to borrow even more

Can the Ontario Government Reduce Hydro Rates?

On November 13, 2019 / Energy and Environment, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial Highlight

The StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy will be producing a series of articles to explore the Ontario government’s options to achieve their stated electricity goals, including the promised 12% electricity savings for residential customers. Part two will examine how to measure the 12% and what

Minority report: Can Trudeau recover?

On November 11, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Federal Highlight, Institute

By John Duffy Canada has considerable experience with minority governments. Over the course of 43 elections, our country has had 14 hung parliaments. That’s a big enough selection for some patterns to emerge. By their very nature, minorities are transitional. The entire political system palpably yearns for

2019 Ontario Fall Economic Statement: A Deep Dive

On November 6, 2019 / Economy and Jobs, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

The 2019 Ontario Fall Economic Statement appears to strike the right note between taking budget balance seriously and providing services to Ontarians. Though it does not contain thousands of new initiatives or cuts, it clearly shows the government it attempting to listen and respond to the concerns

Inflamed relations between Ottawa and the prairie premiers don’t even need oil and gas to ignite

On November 4, 2019 / Economy and Jobs, Elections, Federal, Institute, Natural Resources, Our Thinking

By Andrew Steele After Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party won re-election without any representatives from Alberta and Saskatchewan, all eyes are on the potential clash between those oil-producing provinces and the federal government over carbon action. But this is not the only confrontation that looms for Confederation. Behind

What does the Renewed Bloc Québécois Mean for Canada?

On November 1, 2019 / Elections, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

By Shiv Ruparell During his speech on election night, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet declared to an upbeat crowd at the historic Théâtre National in Montréal: “nous revenons de loin, mais nous irons encore plus loin,” roughly translated to “we were off the map, but we’re back,

How to Avoid Ontario Teacher Strikes, Reduce the Deficit and Give Teachers a Raise All at Once

On October 30, 2019 / Education, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

This week the Ontario Legislature returned from an extended summer break. The government has been keen to show a conciliatory and softer tone, but they have one real challenge ahead of them – impending teacher strikes. The two sides appear to be at an impasse. The government

The 2019 Canadian Federal Election is Over. Where Could Premiers Go With the Carbon Tax Debate?

On October 24, 2019 / Energy and Environment, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

The 43rd Canadian election is behind us, and with it comes a strong minority for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party. All in all, 63% of Canadians cast ballots for a party that supported some form of a carbon tax. That stands in contrast to

Canadian Election Week 5: ‘Destination Gridlock’

On October 18, 2019 / Our Thinking

As the electoral finish line approaches on Monday, the picture is anything but clear. The debates are done, the platforms have been rolled out, and the attacks have been launched. After spending millions reaching potential voters, the Conservatives and Liberals remain essentially tied in popular support, and

Toronto Has a Transit Deal. What’s Next?

On October 16, 2019 / Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

All in all, the Province and the City have made significant strides to achieving a massive new subway and transit expansion totaling nearly $30 billion – including a real path to co-operation between all three levels of government – which is no small feat. We appear to have an agreement, but what does it all mean and what happens next?