Insights

Budget 2021: COVID Recovery Plan and Pre-Election Manifesto?

On April 19, 2021 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

As Canada continues to try and chart a way through the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Liberal government has also tried to chart a way forward through the current third wave and post-pandemic recovery through its 2021 Budget. The Budget is the first for Finance Minister and Deputy… Continue Reading Budget 2021: COVID Recovery Plan and Pre-Election Manifesto?

Canada’s NDP: Preparing to Fight on All Fronts in Next Campaign

On April 16, 2021 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

Doubling down on progressive policies that tackle inequality, the recent NDP policy convention provided an opportunity for Leader Jagmeet Singh to deliver his core message of fighting for Canadians. It also saw Singh receive 87% support on his second leadership review, securing his leadership for the next… Continue Reading Canada’s NDP: Preparing to Fight on All Fronts in Next Campaign

Yukon Liberals reduced to minority government despite successful vaccination campaign

On April 13, 2021 / Elections, Institute, Northern and Rural Issues, Our Thinking, Provincial

Yukon voters delivered a message to the Yukon Liberal Party last night: pandemic crisis management alone is not quite enough to take the territory into the future. In a see-saw election night that at various points had the Liberals risking a third-place finish, Premier Sandy Silver and… Continue Reading Yukon Liberals reduced to minority government despite successful vaccination campaign

Trudeau, Freeland, Carney Illuminate Liberal Strategy at National Liberal Convention

On April 12, 2021 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

The Liberal Party of Canada’s convention provided a glimpse into the budget, platform, and strategy of the Trudeau Liberals as they look to secure a majority government in the next election. With nearly 60 hours of programming over 3 days, 100 speakers, and 4,000 virtual participants, Saturday… Continue Reading Trudeau, Freeland, Carney Illuminate Liberal Strategy at National Liberal Convention

Canadians on pandemic-era customer service: “Let me talk to a real person”

On March 31, 2021 / Institute, Our Thinking

2020 was an anti-social year. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Canadians were encouraged to do everything from investing to buying liquor without ever speaking to another human. Grocery delivery went mainstream. Apps dominated – not just for Covid screening tools or meal delivery startups, but telecom and… Continue Reading Canadians on pandemic-era customer service: “Let me talk to a real person”

Quebec’s Economic Recovery Budget

On March 26, 2021 / Economy and Jobs, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

Analysis provided by Mercure Conseil The Budget unveiled by Quebec’s Minister of Finance, titled A Resilient and Confident Quebec, marks the halfway point of the Coalition avenir Québec’s (CAQ) majority government. The first two years of a majority mandate are typically used to implement a government’s flagship… Continue Reading Quebec’s Economic Recovery Budget

Supreme Court Rules Federal Carbon Tax is Legal – What’s Next?

On March 25, 2021 / Energy and Environment, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its long-awaited ruling on the constitutionality of the Government of Canada’s system of carbon pricing, often referred to as “the carbon tax.” The Court ruled in favour of the Government of Canada, calling the carbon tax constitutional.… Continue Reading Supreme Court Rules Federal Carbon Tax is Legal – What’s Next?

2021 Ontario Budget: Pandemic Management & Economic Recovery

On March 24, 2021 / Economy and Jobs, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

As expected, Ontario’s 2021 Budget attempts to straddle the line between pandemic management and pandemic recovery. Investments in contact tracing, vaccination rollouts, and hospital capacity help to ensure the health care system can continue to handle the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. This spending lays the groundwork… Continue Reading 2021 Ontario Budget: Pandemic Management & Economic Recovery

Conservative Party Convention – What is at Stake?

On March 19, 2021 / Elections, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

Canada’s three major political parties are about to hold conventions. The Liberals, Conservatives, and New Democrats postponed conventions from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In “normal” times, party conventions are an opportunity for party members from across the country to meet in person, debate policies, network,… Continue Reading Conservative Party Convention – What is at Stake?

Yukon Premier goes to the polls, capitalizing on successful vaccination campaign

On March 12, 2021 / Elections, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver dissolved the Yukon Legislative Assembly today and sent Yukoners to the polls early, with eight months left in his five-year term. Yukoners will vote Monday, April 12. Silver, Canada’s second-longest-serving premier, was widely expected to call an early election. Thanks to an aggressive… Continue Reading Yukon Premier goes to the polls, capitalizing on successful vaccination campaign