Commentary
Federal debt from 1867 … and after the pandemic
The federal debt is rising fast and is likely to reach at least 63 percent of GDP by 2025, a level not seen since the fiscal crisis of the 1990s. But the current low level of interest rates (if continued in the future) mean that the debt-to-GDP ratio is sustainable and will likely decline gradually over time, without the need for any sharp fiscal consolidation in the coming years. Read this articleFederal debt from 1867 … and after the pandemic
Finances of the Nation Research Roundup – July 30
This instalment of the Finances of the Nation Research Roundup Series covers the Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Report, profit shifting by multinational enterprises, a number of Canadian think tank articles relevant during the pandemic, Newfoundland and Labrador’s fiscal update and much more. Read this articleFinances of the Nation Research Roundup – July 30
Wealth Inequality: A Long-Term View
The distribution of wealth in Canada is a hot topic, yet longer term trends are not frequently discussed. Piecing together many studies shows that the wealth share of the top one percent, stable over most the post-war era, may again be increasing. A broader view however shows there have been gains for the middle class and decreasing shares of wealth for the top ten percent. Read this articleWealth Inequality: A Long-Term View
Tracking the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
CERB is the most important, if temporary, new income support program in generations, but little is known yet about how and for whom it is working. Read this articleTracking the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Finances of the Nation Research Roundup Number 1 – July 13
This post is the first of a regular series coming to Finances of the Nation which will serve to aggregate selected current research from think tanks, journals and other relevant sources relating to the Finances of the Nation project. This installation covers the federal government’s Economic and Fiscal Snapshot, Alberta’s economic recovery plan and recommendations on policy for the post-pandemic world. Read this articleFinances of the Nation Research Roundup Number 1 – July 13
Building the Bridge to a Post COVID-19 Economy
How do governments manage fiscal planning amid the unpredictable health and economic effects of a deadly pandemic? Read this articleBuilding the Bridge to a Post COVID-19 Economy
Pandemic response by Canadian governments: A summary
Defund This
Municipal police budgets have been rising steadily in most major cities for many years, despite stable police employment and declining crime rates, and the average big-city resident pays $390 annually for the municipal police operating budget. The exception is Toronto, where police employment and per capita spending have been declining since 2010. While by no means “defunding the police,” Toronto has had moderate success in controlling police budgets in recent years. Despite budget reductions, criminality and crime clearance rates continue to evolve similarly in Toronto and other big cities. Read this articleDefund This