Fiscal Issues

DO YOU THINK “THE ARSE IS OUT OF ‘ER”, TOO?

Last year, the Minister of Finance, Charlene Johnson, released a PR piece entitled: “Five Things to Know About Budget 2014”. It’s very first claim was: “A...

NAPE CAROL FURLONG’S LOSS OF FAITH

 “…if you are looking for some money, why don’t you delay the monies you are paying out to Muskrat Falls…a significant amount of money…” These are words of...

“MINI-BUDGET” NEEDED; TIME TO DISMANTLE NALCOR

The Province needs a “Mini-Budget”.  The Government should commit to dismantling Nalcor, too. Presently, the House of Assembly is engaged in a ridiculous debate over minimal...

OIL REVENUES: DON’T WORRY. BE HAPPY!

Bobby McFerrin’s light-hearted lyric “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” seems perfectly suited to Dr. Wade Locke’s analysis, as he explained it to James McLeod of the Telegram...

BUDGET 2014-15: FISCAL PRUDENCE vs. IRRESPONSIBILITY

Budget 2014 has been handed down. Taxpayers’ money has been liberally sprinkled by a Tory Government determined to avoid a repeat of last year's Budget fiasco.  The...

PUBLIC DEBT: EVADING THE TRIALS OF LEADERSHIP

The new Finance Minister Charlene Johnson recently concluded the annual series of Pre-Budget consultations.  The meetings, held regionally, provide an opportunity for town and community leaders to...

BUDGET UPDATE: LEADING FROM THE REAR

Ask yourself this question: if the investment firm that manages your RRSP placed 33-50% of your money in the volatile commodities market, i.e. oil, would you...

NEW DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE NEEDS TO BE ONE TOUGH COOKIE

This past March I wrote a piece entitled, "HIGH PRIESTS HAVE BOUNDARIES, TOO".  I reluctantly noted that two of the Province’s most senior public servants may...