But will the federal government step up to the plate?
The sweeping structural unemployment across Canada requires our collective attention. It’s time to take a deep dive into the changes happening in the workplace and ensure our young people are empowered for success in the new global economy. Canada’s economy isn’t immune to structural change. The advent of industrialization, manufacturing and, more recently, the information…
Internetization is revolutionizing our lives. But too many parts of Canada lack the electronic capacity needed to take advantage of it
Earlier this year, I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the 36th annual international conference of the Business & Economics Society International in Italy in July. But COVID-19 intervened and the conference was transformed to a virtual platform. I delivered my keynote address from my living room in Fredericton, N.B. The title of…
A recent discovery links ancient Greece with the contemporary computer, the IT revolution and our digital lifestyle
Ancient Greece has endowed us with many significant accomplishments of human endeavour. It has created a monumental footprint and an inspiring legacy in a diverse range of human accomplishments. The ancient Greeks are widely acclaimed for their path-breaking contributions to science, mathematics, democracy, architecture and literature. What’s especially remarkable about these contributions is their lasting…
In order to promote respect for others, and to encourage reflection and dialogue, the museum needs to clean up its own house
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has made news around the world for all the wrong reasons. It has been derelict in its mission and mandate. The museum has been accused of maintaining a poisoned work environment that practices racism, discrimination, a lack of gender equity and inclusion. In November 2007, I was selected by…
We can’t simply watch global events unfold. We have a valuable contribution to make and we’re up to the challenge
Canada’s foreign policy has strayed from its traditional path, losing the traction it once had on the world stage. Canada’s last two attempts to secure a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council failed. Our international standing as a neutral middle power and an honest broker has lost its shine. Our…
Helping developing countries as they navigate post-lockdown choices would be an astute global business recovery plan
By Constantine Passaris and Murshed Chowdhury University of New Brunswick The COVID-19 global pandemic has widened the economic disparity between developed and developing countries. The economic consequences have been uneven. Canadians have good reason to be concerned about their economic future and livelihoods in the post-pandemic period. However, a global comparative assessment reveals that we’re…
Science makes evidence-based decisions, while businesses are prepared to underwrite a portion of loss based on risk taking
The COVID-19 global pandemic has set science and the economy on a collision course. Governments around the world face a debilitating dilemma: to select appropriate public policy in response to science or the needs of the economy. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments aren’t immune to this dilemma. Should public policy be grounded on scientific…
Some vital economic sectors require government support and protection in order to grow and mature and not be held hostage to foreign influence
An old and obscure economic theory should have shaped the Canadian response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sometimes we need to go back to find the right path forward. The infant industry argument was first proposed by Alexander Hamilton in 1791. He made a case for the United States government to protect fledgling industries against…
The modern border is porous, malleable and surmountable. It’s not an effective deterrent for undesirable political, social, medical or economic consequences
What do the global financial crisis of 2008, climate change and the COVID-19 global pandemic have in common? All three catastrophic events have confirmed that they don’t build borders the way they used to. Today, national borders are no match for globalization. In effect, borders have been overpowered and outsmarted by globalization. There’s no denying…
The shambles of the Iowa caucuses reconfirms that electronic voting is still a long way off
The recent Iowa caucuses debacle reminded me of two things. First, my about-face as a member of the New Brunswick Commission on Electoral Reform with respect to electronic voting. Second, further confirmation that the electronic infrastructure continues to be an impediment in advancing digital democracy. The 21st century has empowered humanity with electronic connectivity and…