Insights

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 Commentary, 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?

Can the Province Get Electricity Rates Down by 12% – Option 1: Convince People it’s Already Done?

On October 11, 2019 / Energy and Environment, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

Starting as soon as November 1, 2019, the Ford government plans to change electricity bills to include a new line item called the “Total Ontario Support” message. According to a regulation posted for comment by the Ministry of Energy, the new Total Ontario Support line will be the combination of all government supports, totaling the roughly 25% discount provided through the Fair Hydro Plan. Though the new line item will look like new savings to consumers, it will be the same subsidy previously provided.

Federal Election Update for Week 4: Lights, Camera, Action!

On October 10, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

With just two weeks to go in the 43rd federal election, we are getting down to the final days of what still appears to be a tight two-way race between the Liberals and the Conservatives. The Consortium English debate happened on Monday night and the French debate

Moving Goalposts: Each Party’s Contradictory Stances in Election 43

On October 9, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

Right before an election begins, most political staffers and commentators can be heard saying “anything can happen in an election.” They say it because it’s true. This election, so far, has been no different – exhibit A, the events popularly known as the Brownface Scandal. However, this

Federal Election Update: Week 3: Another Week Down in the Seinfeld Campaign

On October 4, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

The third week of the 43rd federal election may prove to be when Canadians finally started tuning in. Coming off a surprising brownface/blackface scandal, the election returned to its prior course of hastily constructed policy proposals and digs at past leaders. The Liberals released their election platform

Forward: A Real Plan for the Middle Class – A Look at the Liberal Party 2019 Platform

On October 2, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Federal Highlight, Institute, Our Thinking

Justin Trudeau used the last Sunday of September to release his party’s election platform at the University of Toronto (Mississauga) campus. The document’s focus is on continuing economic growth and ensuring Canadians in the middle-class share in the benefits through government action. In particular, the Liberals focused

Canada Election 43: Campaigns try to gain a footing. Here’s what you need to know about week one

On September 18, 2019 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

Election 43: Week One The first week of the campaign did not move the dial on public opinion for any of the campaigns, with polling remaining static and within the margin of error. The Conservatives and Liberals remain essentially tied in the mid-30s. The focus has been