The need for income security among middle-class Canadians is accelerating as the labour market changes
In Canadian policy circles, basic income has come to mean a stipend paid to families or individuals without the many conditions and rules that govern existing income assistance programs. The amount received is gradually reduced as income from other sources increases. However, basic income is not just about welfare reform. A basic income is most…
A CFIB report recommends that high schools and post-secondary institutions collaborate with the business community
A new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says high schools don’t adequately prepare students for the jobs of today and that’s hurting small businesses in Canada, which are facing record-high job vacancy rates and ongoing labour shortages in certain sectors. At the same time, youth unemployment rates in Canada are much higher…
Men and women were nearly even in being identified as the culprit of cutting down others
A new survey indicates that 87 per cent of women feel they are being undermined within the workplace. The Tallest Poppy, a report supported by Women of Influence, Thomson Reuters, Canadian HR Reporter and Viewpoint Leadership, surveyed 1,500 respondents. The organizations said Tall Poppy Syndrome refers to a person (the poppy) who is cut down…
Every Canadian province significantly underperformed relative to U.S. states – they all rank in the bottom half
By Charles Lammam and Brennan Sorge The Fraser Institute Touting Canada’s relatively low unemployment rate is a common refrain from the current federal government. For instance, Finance Minister Bill Morneau repeatedly states that “Canada’s unemployment rate is now the lowest it's been in over 40 years” and “these are the real results of a plan…
My advice for Western Economic Diversification Canada as it builds a 10-year strategy for growth
Western Economic Diversification Canada is working on a 10-year strategy to make the four western provinces competitive, innovative and inclusive, attracting business and investment and generating good jobs. To build the strategy, they’re seeking answers to the five questions below. Here are my thoughts on those questions: What does a stronger western Canadian economy look…
Full-time students had notable employment declines that they still haven't recovered from: StatsCan
The participation and employment rates of full-time students aged 15 to 24 registered notable declines following the 2008-2009 recession, says a report released on Friday by Statistics Canada. “In fact, this group experienced the largest decrease in the participation and employment rates among youth, which wasn't completely offset some nine years later,” said the report…
Mark Scholz of the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors says the organization’s members remain committed to the oil and gas industry
Mark Scholz is president of the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC). Calgary’s Business: What’s the vision and mission of the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors? Scholz: Our vision is to be the most influential trade association in Canada because we want to help create the best possible environment for our members to operate…
Six in 10 entrepreneurs said labour shortages mean existing staff must work more, while 47% said they have had to raise wages
Worker scarcity will remain a problem for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses for at least a decade, says a new report by the Business Development Bank of Canada. The report, released on Wednesday, said 39 per cent of SMEs are struggling to find new employees. “Labour shortages are affecting growth for many Canadian businesses, and…
It’s time to focus on assessing skills in workforce development as we prepare for the inevitable job shift
When the federal Liberals took power in 2015, they made evidence a key priority in policy-making. Michael Barber, known for his groundbreaking work in “Deliverology,” the science of getting results, was brought in to advise key government decision-makers, and results and delivery units were created within federal departments. Across almost every ministry, there was a…
The problems are widespread: a low private-sector employment rate, too many part-time jobs, below average productivity
By Charles Lammam and Brennan Sorge The Fraser Institute Labour Day is a time to celebrate workers. Unfortunately, when you compare Ontario’s labour market to other North American jurisdictions over the past three years, Ontarians have little to cheer about. Premier Doug Ford’s government has an opportunity to help turn things around. But it will…
Canada has been late to fully capitalize on the potential, based on high export prices and the desperate demand for clean fuel
Canada’s planned liquefied natural gas export project is a huge boost for the economy and the environment. The consortium of large multinational firms (Shell, PetroChina, Petronas of Malaysia, Korea Gas, Mitsubishi) that owns part of the LNG Canada project to be built on the northwest coast of British Columbia recently announced that contracts have been…
Instead of a recovering private sector economy, Alberta has simply expanded its government sector
By Charles Lammam and Brennan Sorge The Fraser Institute Premier Rachel Notley’s government has repeatedly pointed to total employment figures as a sign that Alberta has recovered from the recent recession. For instance, the premier recently said “our economy is recovering … and created 90,000 new jobs last year.” But to better understand the state…
The higher self-employment rate among immigrants is due in part to their inability to find a good job: StatsCan
A report by Statistics Canada says recent research suggests that during new immigrants’ first few years of adjustment in Canada, their business ownership rates are below those of Canadian-born entrepreneurs, but after four to 10 years in Canada, the situation has reversed. The report, released on Thursday, said that in 2010, about 5.8 per cent…
Health tax will reduce wages and job opportunities, and further erode the province’s investment climate
By Charles Lammam and Taylor Jackson The Fraser Institute B.C. Finance Minister Carole James called Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums “unfair” and argued in a news release that her government’s replacement Employer Health Tax (EHT) is a “much fairer and progressive approach.” More broadly, Premier John Horgan government’s rhetoric about the new tax suggests it…
Katie Smith of Young Women in Energy aims to increase and provide female voice, presence, development and leadership in the industry
Katie Smith is executive director at Young Women in Energy. Calgary’s Business: What is Young Women in Energy and can you give us some background on why and when it was formed? Smith: Young Women in Energy (YWE) is a non-profit organization established in 2013 with the vision of changing the face of energy. Now…