1-minute read
Comparison and competition to improve municipal services
Last June, the Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs submitted Bill 22 giving the City of Montreal greater taxation powers. If the bill is adopted, Quebec’s biggest city will be able, for instance, to impose a tax on show tickets and restaurant meals. The minister says these new income sources were given to Montreal because “our metropolis must have the means to deal with the challenges it faces.” Several municipalities, including Montreal, have been demanding broader sources of income to avoid tight budgets or red ink. But other solutions to the problem may be found in better control over spending.
3-minute read
Surfacturation 101
Suppliers of services financed by the state have recourse to a form of overpricing.
1-minute read
Quebec’s disappointing economic performance in the last 25 years
Quebec’s socio-economic problems, in areas such as health care, education, infrastructure, support for cultural industries and sustainable development, are interrelated phenomena that stem largely from Quebec’s relative underperformance in demographic growth, economic development and job creation. This situation goes back 25 years. It is time to put an end to it. A number of voices have already sounded the alarm. This Economic Note, which takes account of the latest available data and presents the main indicators of a society’s economic health, shows that Quebec’s economic situation is not improving and that, despite these appeals, it is actually continuing to deteriorate in relation to its competitors.
5-minute read
De la concurrence S.V.P.! La menace de grève des employés d’entretien de la STM nous rappelle les inconvénients d’un monopole syndical dans un service public
The drawbacks of a union monopoly in a public utility.
4-minute read
Montreal should end the public monopoly on city transit – Private contracting could lower costs and improve services
The drawbacks of a union monopoly in a public utility.
5-minute read
Effets pervers des mesures fiscales en région
Publication of an Economic Note on the effectiveness of regional assistance programs.
4-minute read
Quebec’s failed child-care model
Quebec’s child-care model.
1-minute read
Higher electricity prices can unleash the value of Quebec’s energy potential
The Quebec Energy Board recently authorized an average increase of 1.92% in electricity rates, effective April 1, 2007. Hydro-Québec had sought a 2.8% rise. Various consumer groups, business people and politicians said they were reasonably satisfied with the board’s ruling. But the fact remains that this measure contributes to Quebec’s relative impoverishment. The so-called “social pact” under which Quebec’s electricity demand must be met at the lowest possible price needs to be called into question. For the well-being of all citizens, rates have to be raised to match the true value of electricity.
5-minute read
Cessons le bradage! Le développement énergétique du Québec doit servir à une véritable création de richesse
The energetic development in Quebec must serve for a true creation of wealth.
4-minute read
Une occasion de faire plus
A minority government elected in Quebec.