Insights

Reforming Support Programs to Cut Hydro Costs

On November 22, 2019 / Energy and Environment, Institute, Our Commentary, Our Thinking, Provincial

By Erik De Lorenzi Going into the 2018 election, 61% of Ontarians said that hydro rates would impact their vote. The Progressive Conservative platform seized on this consensus by committing to reduce rates by 12%. Since assuming power, the Ford government has aimed squarely at the cost

Trudeau’s Tightrope – Building a Cabinet that Can Survive Minority Politics

On November 20, 2019 / Federal, Institute, Our Thinking

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled his new Cabinet. Major key themes for the government include: A focus on economic anxiety and an attempt to address related regional tensions A policy focus on the interplay between climate and energy issues A recognition that Ontario and Quebec remain

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