Wasn't able to copy the link but check real estate in Gravelbourg, SK. Very decent homes for $70,000. Castles for $350,000
CDN-Economy & Related Factors
- Thread starter Ocean Breeze
- Start date
Do you know where SK is? WAAAAYYY the wrong side of Hope.
Might be some cheap lots in Lytton and Lillooett
GOLDSTEIN: Economic freedom in Canada on the decline, report says
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Publishing date:Sep 14, 2021 • 19 hours ago • 3 minute read • 26 Comments
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images PHOTO BY ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES
Article content
Canada has dropped out of the top 10 of the most economically free countries in the world, according to a study by the Fraser Institute released Tuesday.
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Canada now ranks in 14th place out of 165 countries assessed in the annual survey, part of a continuing downward trend since 2016, says the report, Economic Freedom of the World, 2021, by the fiscally conservative think tank.
“Due to higher taxes and increased regulation in Ottawa and the provinces, Canadians are less economically free, which means slower economic growth and less investment in Canada,” said study co-author Fred McMahon.
“Where people are free to pursue their own opportunities and make their own choices, they lead more prosperous, happier and healthier lives.”
The annual report is produced by the Fraser Institute, in co-operation with the Economic Freedom Network, a group of independent research and educational institutes in nearly 100 countries and territories.
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Based on 2019 data — before the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic hit — the study, which assessed government regulation, freedom to trade internationally, size of government, property rights, government spending, and taxation, concluded Hong Kong is the most economically free jurisdiction in the world.
However, it cautions that because of China’s crackdown on democratic and economic freedom in Hong Kong beginning in 2020, it will likely have lower rankings in future years.
In descending order after Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Georgia, the U.S., Ireland, Lithuania, Australia and Denmark round out the top 10 most economically free jurisdictions in the world.
They are followed by Mauritius in 11th place, the U.K. in 12th, Estonia in 13th and Canada in 14th.
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Last year, Canada was initially ranked in 8th place in the survey, although data revisions later lowered it to 13th place, one position higher than its 14th place ranking this year.
Among G7 nations, Canada in 14th place is ranked lower than the U.S. (sixth place) and the U.K. (12th), but higher than Japan (18th), Germany (22nd), Italy (47th) and France (53rd).
Russia is ranked in 100th place, India 108th, Brazil in 109th, and China in 116th.
The 10 least economically free countries, in descending order according to the study, are: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Republic of Congo, Iran, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, and, lastly, Venezuela, judged in 165th place out of 165 countries studied.
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The study says that people living in countries with a high degree of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties, and longer lives.
“Countries in the top quartile of economic freedom had an average per capita Gross Domestic Product of US$50,619 in 2019 compared to US$5,911 for bottom quartile countries,” the study says.
“Poverty rates are also lower. In the top quartile, 0.9% of the population experienced extreme poverty (US$1.90 per day), compared to 34.1% in the lowest quartile.
“The average income of the poorest 10% was US$14,400, in the top quartile, compared to US$1,549 in the bottom quartile … the average income of the poorest 10% in the most economically free nations is more than twice the average per-capita income in the least free nations.”
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
A pile of Canadian $100, $50, and $20 bills.
GOLDSTEIN: Youth will carry future tax burden of pandemic
An empty school classroom.
GOLDSTEIN: Contrary to myth, public education is flush with cash, says report
Elections can be filled with misleading information, with facts twisted to suit a particular political narrative.
VEZINA: Don't get lost in 'averages' when talking about taxation
Finally, the average life expectancy is 81.1 years in the top quartile of countries compared to 65.9 years in the bottom quartile.
While Canada’s ranking on economic freedom has fallen in recent years, the study concludes that globally, economic freedom is gradually increasing.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Publishing date:Sep 14, 2021 • 19 hours ago • 3 minute read • 26 Comments
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images PHOTO BY ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES
Article content
Canada has dropped out of the top 10 of the most economically free countries in the world, according to a study by the Fraser Institute released Tuesday.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Canada now ranks in 14th place out of 165 countries assessed in the annual survey, part of a continuing downward trend since 2016, says the report, Economic Freedom of the World, 2021, by the fiscally conservative think tank.
“Due to higher taxes and increased regulation in Ottawa and the provinces, Canadians are less economically free, which means slower economic growth and less investment in Canada,” said study co-author Fred McMahon.
“Where people are free to pursue their own opportunities and make their own choices, they lead more prosperous, happier and healthier lives.”
The annual report is produced by the Fraser Institute, in co-operation with the Economic Freedom Network, a group of independent research and educational institutes in nearly 100 countries and territories.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Based on 2019 data — before the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic hit — the study, which assessed government regulation, freedom to trade internationally, size of government, property rights, government spending, and taxation, concluded Hong Kong is the most economically free jurisdiction in the world.
However, it cautions that because of China’s crackdown on democratic and economic freedom in Hong Kong beginning in 2020, it will likely have lower rankings in future years.
In descending order after Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Georgia, the U.S., Ireland, Lithuania, Australia and Denmark round out the top 10 most economically free jurisdictions in the world.
They are followed by Mauritius in 11th place, the U.K. in 12th, Estonia in 13th and Canada in 14th.
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STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Last year, Canada was initially ranked in 8th place in the survey, although data revisions later lowered it to 13th place, one position higher than its 14th place ranking this year.
Among G7 nations, Canada in 14th place is ranked lower than the U.S. (sixth place) and the U.K. (12th), but higher than Japan (18th), Germany (22nd), Italy (47th) and France (53rd).
Russia is ranked in 100th place, India 108th, Brazil in 109th, and China in 116th.
The 10 least economically free countries, in descending order according to the study, are: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Republic of Congo, Iran, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, and, lastly, Venezuela, judged in 165th place out of 165 countries studied.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
The study says that people living in countries with a high degree of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties, and longer lives.
“Countries in the top quartile of economic freedom had an average per capita Gross Domestic Product of US$50,619 in 2019 compared to US$5,911 for bottom quartile countries,” the study says.
“Poverty rates are also lower. In the top quartile, 0.9% of the population experienced extreme poverty (US$1.90 per day), compared to 34.1% in the lowest quartile.
“The average income of the poorest 10% was US$14,400, in the top quartile, compared to US$1,549 in the bottom quartile … the average income of the poorest 10% in the most economically free nations is more than twice the average per-capita income in the least free nations.”
A pile of Canadian $100, $50, and $20 bills.
GOLDSTEIN: Youth will carry future tax burden of pandemic
An empty school classroom.
GOLDSTEIN: Contrary to myth, public education is flush with cash, says report
Elections can be filled with misleading information, with facts twisted to suit a particular political narrative.
VEZINA: Don't get lost in 'averages' when talking about taxation
Finally, the average life expectancy is 81.1 years in the top quartile of countries compared to 65.9 years in the bottom quartile.
While Canada’s ranking on economic freedom has fallen in recent years, the study concludes that globally, economic freedom is gradually increasing.
GOLDSTEIN: Economic freedom in Canada on the decline, report says
Canada has dropped out of the top 10 of the most economically free countries in the world, according to a study.
Consumers, shopkeepers feel the pinch as inflation hits 4.1%
Shop-owners and shoppers say the prices are taking a bite out of business and budgets
Author of the article:Scott Laurie
Publishing date:Sep 15, 2021 • 6 hours ago • 2 minute read • 5 Comments
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021.
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021. PHOTO BY ERNEST DOROSZUK /Toronto Sun
Article content
If they’ve noticed two things at St. Lawrence Market over the course of the pandemic, it’s that crowds are thinner and prices are much higher.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“Prices have gone up considerably, but we have no choice but to keep going,” said Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, which specializes in fresh produce.
“We have to swallow your pride. Take less money to keep the business going.”
With inflation surging to 4.1% — an 18-year high in August — Aricci said he cannot remember being so squeezed as a merchant while trying to supply his shop while keeping customers happy.
“We need to kind of suck up the profits. It’s a matter of survival,” said Aricci, who has been operating his shop for 36 years.
Passing along all price hikes, he added, would be damaging to his business.
“That’s easier said than done because the marketplace is so competitive. If you overprice your product, you will lose market share.”
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
George Vasiliades has managed the St. Lawrence Fish Market for 20 years.
“On certain items, prices have just gone through the roof,” he said.
Things have become so bad, he said, some products are no longer worth carrying because he cannot recover the cost of supplying them.
“We used to sell jumbo scallops. Now our costs on most jumbo scallops would be about 25% more than what we were selling it for.”
“I’ve noticed prices are considerably higher,” added Ken Watson, who was out shopping for cheese and potatoes.
“Over the last year, it’s been gradual. But what we have seen over the last year is that prices have not only gone up, but the quantities have gone down.”
In a research note, Canada Needs to Tackle Inflation, Derek Holt, Scotiabank vice president and head of capital markets economics, wrote: “Prime responsibility for managing inflation rests with the Bank of Canada, but that doesn’t mean that the broader public policy mixture doesn’t matter.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“The continued heavy spending that is the basis of every political party’s platform suggests that Canada is not taking inflation risk very seriously,” he added.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at an election campaign stop in Brampton on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
LILLEY: Trudeau doesn't understand increased living costs
EDITORIAL: Cost of living is out of control
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the
Inflation hits 18-year-high with election just days away
Shop owners say seriously tight supplies have forced their hands on prices.
“Some customers understand. Some consumers just assume that we did it,” Vasiliades said.
As for changing shopping behaviour due to the current sticker-shock, Watson said: “We may as well face it, it is not going to change. It is going to get worse. The prices aren’t going to go down.”
torontosun.com
Shop-owners and shoppers say the prices are taking a bite out of business and budgets
Author of the article:Scott Laurie
Publishing date:Sep 15, 2021 • 6 hours ago • 2 minute read • 5 Comments
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021.
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021. PHOTO BY ERNEST DOROSZUK /Toronto Sun
Article content
If they’ve noticed two things at St. Lawrence Market over the course of the pandemic, it’s that crowds are thinner and prices are much higher.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“Prices have gone up considerably, but we have no choice but to keep going,” said Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, which specializes in fresh produce.
“We have to swallow your pride. Take less money to keep the business going.”
With inflation surging to 4.1% — an 18-year high in August — Aricci said he cannot remember being so squeezed as a merchant while trying to supply his shop while keeping customers happy.
“We need to kind of suck up the profits. It’s a matter of survival,” said Aricci, who has been operating his shop for 36 years.
Passing along all price hikes, he added, would be damaging to his business.
“That’s easier said than done because the marketplace is so competitive. If you overprice your product, you will lose market share.”
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
George Vasiliades has managed the St. Lawrence Fish Market for 20 years.
“On certain items, prices have just gone through the roof,” he said.
Things have become so bad, he said, some products are no longer worth carrying because he cannot recover the cost of supplying them.
“We used to sell jumbo scallops. Now our costs on most jumbo scallops would be about 25% more than what we were selling it for.”
“I’ve noticed prices are considerably higher,” added Ken Watson, who was out shopping for cheese and potatoes.
“Over the last year, it’s been gradual. But what we have seen over the last year is that prices have not only gone up, but the quantities have gone down.”
In a research note, Canada Needs to Tackle Inflation, Derek Holt, Scotiabank vice president and head of capital markets economics, wrote: “Prime responsibility for managing inflation rests with the Bank of Canada, but that doesn’t mean that the broader public policy mixture doesn’t matter.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“The continued heavy spending that is the basis of every political party’s platform suggests that Canada is not taking inflation risk very seriously,” he added.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at an election campaign stop in Brampton on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
LILLEY: Trudeau doesn't understand increased living costs
EDITORIAL: Cost of living is out of control
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the
Inflation hits 18-year-high with election just days away
Shop owners say seriously tight supplies have forced their hands on prices.
“Some customers understand. Some consumers just assume that we did it,” Vasiliades said.
As for changing shopping behaviour due to the current sticker-shock, Watson said: “We may as well face it, it is not going to change. It is going to get worse. The prices aren’t going to go down.”
Consumers, shopkeepers feel the pinch as inflation hits 4.1%
Shop-owners and shoppers say the prices are taking a bite out of business and budgets
Inflation hits 18-year-high with election just days away
Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Julie Gordon
Publishing date:Sep 15, 2021 • 16 hours ago • 2 minute read • 89 Comments
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the "Loonie", is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto, January 23, 2015.
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the "Loonie", is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto, January 23, 2015. PHOTO BY MARK BLINCH /REUTERS
Article content
OTTAWA — Canada’s annual inflation rate accelerated to an 18-year-high in August, driven by broad upward price pressures, data showed on Wednesday, just days before a hotly contested federal election that could see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals ousted.
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The rate rose to 4.1% in August, its fastest clip since March 2003, Statistics Canada said, beating analyst estimates and prompting Trudeau’s main rival to pounce over the rising cost of living.
“The numbers released today make it clear that under Justin Trudeau, Canadians are experiencing an affordability crisis,” said Erin O’Toole, leader of the main opposition Conservatives, in a statement.
The Conservatives have a narrow lead over Trudeau’s Liberals at 31.2% to 30.5% just days before the Sept. 20 vote, according to a new Nanos Research poll. The left-leaning New Democrats are in third at 21.4%.
Countries around the world are grappling with hot inflation amid supply chain hurdles and labor shortages as restrictions are eased and tightened with each new wave of the virus, leading to choppy demand and supply bottlenecks.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
The Bank of Canada has said it expects headline inflation to remain above its 1%-3% control range this year, before easing back to the 2% target in 2022.
“This doesn’t mean anything short-term for the Bank of Canada. They’ve been very insistent that the inflation shock is transitory,” said Andrew Kelvin, chief Canada strategist at TD Securities.
In Canada, the hot inflation print was driven by high gasoline prices, rising housing costs and a surge in the prices of goods like furniture, appliances and vehicles, along with high travel-related costs as restrictions eased.
That was the opposite of the United States, where a harsh fourth wave has put a damper on travel.
“It is really the mirror opposite of what we saw in the U.S. yesterday, where we had the travel components showing signs of cooling. Here, they are showing signs of heating up,” said Jimmy Jean, chief economist at Desjardins Group.
“It is still part of the reopening effect. In August we were still getting back to normal,” Jean added.
Analysts polled by Reuters had expected the annual inflation rate to rise to 3.9% in August. At 4.1%, it was the highest since the 4.2% recorded in March 2003.
The three measures of core inflation all posted gains. CPI common, which the Bank of Canada calls the best gauge of the economy’s underperformance, edged up to 1.8% from 1.7% in July.
The Canadian dollar was trading 0.2% higher at 1.2663 to the greenback, or 78.97 U.S. cents.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Reuters
Reuters
Julie Gordon
Publishing date:Sep 15, 2021 • 16 hours ago • 2 minute read • 89 Comments
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the "Loonie", is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto, January 23, 2015.
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the "Loonie", is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto, January 23, 2015. PHOTO BY MARK BLINCH /REUTERS
Article content
OTTAWA — Canada’s annual inflation rate accelerated to an 18-year-high in August, driven by broad upward price pressures, data showed on Wednesday, just days before a hotly contested federal election that could see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals ousted.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
The rate rose to 4.1% in August, its fastest clip since March 2003, Statistics Canada said, beating analyst estimates and prompting Trudeau’s main rival to pounce over the rising cost of living.
“The numbers released today make it clear that under Justin Trudeau, Canadians are experiencing an affordability crisis,” said Erin O’Toole, leader of the main opposition Conservatives, in a statement.
The Conservatives have a narrow lead over Trudeau’s Liberals at 31.2% to 30.5% just days before the Sept. 20 vote, according to a new Nanos Research poll. The left-leaning New Democrats are in third at 21.4%.
Countries around the world are grappling with hot inflation amid supply chain hurdles and labor shortages as restrictions are eased and tightened with each new wave of the virus, leading to choppy demand and supply bottlenecks.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
The Bank of Canada has said it expects headline inflation to remain above its 1%-3% control range this year, before easing back to the 2% target in 2022.
“This doesn’t mean anything short-term for the Bank of Canada. They’ve been very insistent that the inflation shock is transitory,” said Andrew Kelvin, chief Canada strategist at TD Securities.
In Canada, the hot inflation print was driven by high gasoline prices, rising housing costs and a surge in the prices of goods like furniture, appliances and vehicles, along with high travel-related costs as restrictions eased.
That was the opposite of the United States, where a harsh fourth wave has put a damper on travel.
“It is really the mirror opposite of what we saw in the U.S. yesterday, where we had the travel components showing signs of cooling. Here, they are showing signs of heating up,” said Jimmy Jean, chief economist at Desjardins Group.
“It is still part of the reopening effect. In August we were still getting back to normal,” Jean added.
Analysts polled by Reuters had expected the annual inflation rate to rise to 3.9% in August. At 4.1%, it was the highest since the 4.2% recorded in March 2003.
The three measures of core inflation all posted gains. CPI common, which the Bank of Canada calls the best gauge of the economy’s underperformance, edged up to 1.8% from 1.7% in July.
The Canadian dollar was trading 0.2% higher at 1.2663 to the greenback, or 78.97 U.S. cents.
Inflation hits 18-year-high with election just days away
OTTAWA — Canada’s annual inflation rate accelerated to an 18-year-high in August, driven by broad upward price pressures, data showed on Wednesday, just days before…
The joys of a carbon scam tax and out of control government spending.
It goes far far beyond the Provincial and municipal carbon taxes we pay in BC.
John Ivison: How Trudeau wasted a chance to spark Canadian economic growth during the pandemic — National Post
The Liberal government is more focused on redistributing the existing economic pie than generating the wealth needed to ensure future prosperity
In his victory speech, Trudeau said millions of Canadians chose “a progressive plan” that focused on the end of the pandemic, climate action, $10-a-day childcare, affordable housing and reconciliation. He basked in “the warmth of a new dawn.” But he did not touch on how his government plans to ensure the next generation enjoys the kind of standard of living previous generations have taken for granted. The plan seems to be to paper over the cracks by increasing immigration targets to 400,000 new permanent residents a year.
Ottawa positioned its 2021 budget, and its $100 billion in new spending, as “a recovery plan for jobs, growth and resilience.” Yet informed observers like former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge said “being generous, very generous, only 20-25 per cent was for growth, the rest was to boost personal and government consumption.”
The Liberal calculation appears to be that voters don’t care about economic growth.
But what we are really talking about is prosperity – and the prospect that it is imperilled.
400,000 eh? So basically we need to build a new Halifax every year. Can we build another Halifax every year?
But let’s get our carbon footprint down to 1990 levels .
And didn't the Department of Finance state categorically that if spending continues under the current circumstances that Canada had, at most, 1 to 2 years before the economy collapses? That's a government department that stated that. But we all know, of course, that Trudeau isn't too concerned about fiscal issues - he said so!!
John Ivison: How Trudeau wasted a chance to spark Canadian economic growth during the pandemic — National Post
The Liberal government is more focused on redistributing the existing economic pie than generating the wealth needed to ensure future prosperityapple.news
In his victory speech, Trudeau said millions of Canadians chose “a progressive plan” that focused on the end of the pandemic, climate action, $10-a-day childcare, affordable housing and reconciliation. He basked in “the warmth of a new dawn.” But he did not touch on how his government plans to ensure the next generation enjoys the kind of standard of living previous generations have taken for granted. The plan seems to be to paper over the cracks by increasing immigration targets to 400,000 new permanent residents a year.
Ottawa positioned its 2021 budget, and its $100 billion in new spending, as “a recovery plan for jobs, growth and resilience.” Yet informed observers like former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge said “being generous, very generous, only 20-25 per cent was for growth, the rest was to boost personal and government consumption.”
The Liberal calculation appears to be that voters don’t care about economic growth.
But what we are really talking about is prosperity – and the prospect that it is imperilled.
Notice it's all been under Liberal Rule?GOLDSTEIN: Economic freedom in Canada on the decline, report says
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Publishing date:Sep 14, 2021 • 19 hours ago • 3 minute read • 26 Comments
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images
Stacks of Canadian currency. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /Getty Images PHOTO BY ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES
Article content
Canada has dropped out of the top 10 of the most economically free countries in the world, according to a study by the Fraser Institute released Tuesday.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Canada now ranks in 14th place out of 165 countries assessed in the annual survey, part of a continuing downward trend since 2016, says the report, Economic Freedom of the World, 2021, by the fiscally conservative think tank.
“Due to higher taxes and increased regulation in Ottawa and the provinces, Canadians are less economically free, which means slower economic growth and less investment in Canada,” said study co-author Fred McMahon.
“Where people are free to pursue their own opportunities and make their own choices, they lead more prosperous, happier and healthier lives.”
The annual report is produced by the Fraser Institute, in co-operation with the Economic Freedom Network, a group of independent research and educational institutes in nearly 100 countries and territories.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Based on 2019 data — before the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic hit — the study, which assessed government regulation, freedom to trade internationally, size of government, property rights, government spending, and taxation, concluded Hong Kong is the most economically free jurisdiction in the world.
However, it cautions that because of China’s crackdown on democratic and economic freedom in Hong Kong beginning in 2020, it will likely have lower rankings in future years.
In descending order after Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Georgia, the U.S., Ireland, Lithuania, Australia and Denmark round out the top 10 most economically free jurisdictions in the world.
They are followed by Mauritius in 11th place, the U.K. in 12th, Estonia in 13th and Canada in 14th.
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STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
Last year, Canada was initially ranked in 8th place in the survey, although data revisions later lowered it to 13th place, one position higher than its 14th place ranking this year.
Among G7 nations, Canada in 14th place is ranked lower than the U.S. (sixth place) and the U.K. (12th), but higher than Japan (18th), Germany (22nd), Italy (47th) and France (53rd).
Russia is ranked in 100th place, India 108th, Brazil in 109th, and China in 116th.
The 10 least economically free countries, in descending order according to the study, are: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Republic of Congo, Iran, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, and, lastly, Venezuela, judged in 165th place out of 165 countries studied.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
The study says that people living in countries with a high degree of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties, and longer lives.
“Countries in the top quartile of economic freedom had an average per capita Gross Domestic Product of US$50,619 in 2019 compared to US$5,911 for bottom quartile countries,” the study says.
“Poverty rates are also lower. In the top quartile, 0.9% of the population experienced extreme poverty (US$1.90 per day), compared to 34.1% in the lowest quartile.
“The average income of the poorest 10% was US$14,400, in the top quartile, compared to US$1,549 in the bottom quartile … the average income of the poorest 10% in the most economically free nations is more than twice the average per-capita income in the least free nations.”
A pile of Canadian $100, $50, and $20 bills.
GOLDSTEIN: Youth will carry future tax burden of pandemic
An empty school classroom.
GOLDSTEIN: Contrary to myth, public education is flush with cash, says report
Elections can be filled with misleading information, with facts twisted to suit a particular political narrative.
VEZINA: Don't get lost in 'averages' when talking about taxation
Finally, the average life expectancy is 81.1 years in the top quartile of countries compared to 65.9 years in the bottom quartile.
While Canada’s ranking on economic freedom has fallen in recent years, the study concludes that globally, economic freedom is gradually increasing.
GOLDSTEIN: Economic freedom in Canada on the decline, report says
Canada has dropped out of the top 10 of the most economically free countries in the world, according to a study.
Businesses can't continue to absorb the price increases because they'll go out of business.Consumers, shopkeepers feel the pinch as inflation hits 4.1%
Shop-owners and shoppers say the prices are taking a bite out of business and budgets
Author of the article:Scott Laurie
Publishing date:Sep 15, 2021 • 6 hours ago • 2 minute read • 5 Comments
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021.
Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, is pictured at St. Lawrence Market on Sept. 15, 2021. PHOTO BY ERNEST DOROSZUK /Toronto Sun
Article content
If they’ve noticed two things at St. Lawrence Market over the course of the pandemic, it’s that crowds are thinner and prices are much higher.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“Prices have gone up considerably, but we have no choice but to keep going,” said Mario Aricci, owner of Ponesse Foods, which specializes in fresh produce.
“We have to swallow your pride. Take less money to keep the business going.”
With inflation surging to 4.1% — an 18-year high in August — Aricci said he cannot remember being so squeezed as a merchant while trying to supply his shop while keeping customers happy.
“We need to kind of suck up the profits. It’s a matter of survival,” said Aricci, who has been operating his shop for 36 years.
Passing along all price hikes, he added, would be damaging to his business.
“That’s easier said than done because the marketplace is so competitive. If you overprice your product, you will lose market share.”
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
George Vasiliades has managed the St. Lawrence Fish Market for 20 years.
“On certain items, prices have just gone through the roof,” he said.
Things have become so bad, he said, some products are no longer worth carrying because he cannot recover the cost of supplying them.
“We used to sell jumbo scallops. Now our costs on most jumbo scallops would be about 25% more than what we were selling it for.”
“I’ve noticed prices are considerably higher,” added Ken Watson, who was out shopping for cheese and potatoes.
“Over the last year, it’s been gradual. But what we have seen over the last year is that prices have not only gone up, but the quantities have gone down.”
In a research note, Canada Needs to Tackle Inflation, Derek Holt, Scotiabank vice president and head of capital markets economics, wrote: “Prime responsibility for managing inflation rests with the Bank of Canada, but that doesn’t mean that the broader public policy mixture doesn’t matter.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“The continued heavy spending that is the basis of every political party’s platform suggests that Canada is not taking inflation risk very seriously,” he added.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at an election campaign stop in Brampton on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
LILLEY: Trudeau doesn't understand increased living costs
EDITORIAL: Cost of living is out of control
A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the
Inflation hits 18-year-high with election just days away
Shop owners say seriously tight supplies have forced their hands on prices.
“Some customers understand. Some consumers just assume that we did it,” Vasiliades said.
As for changing shopping behaviour due to the current sticker-shock, Watson said: “We may as well face it, it is not going to change. It is going to get worse. The prices aren’t going to go down.”
Consumers, shopkeepers feel the pinch as inflation hits 4.1%
Shop-owners and shoppers say the prices are taking a bite out of business and budgets
Remember when Trudeau promised to balance the budget?
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Just six years ago at the start of the 2015 federal election campaign that brought him to power, Trudeau said he was firmly in favour of balanced budgets.
“Our platform will be fully costed, fiscally responsible and a balanced budget,” he said in April 2015. “I’ve committed to continuing to run balanced budgets … Liberals balance budgets. That’s what history has shown,” he repeated in July 2015.
During the leaders’ debate on Aug. 5, 2015, Trudeau hammered then prime minister Stephen Harper, arguing he turned the Jean Chretien/Paul Martin Liberal budget surpluses into deficits.
(Harper passed on the keys to the PM’s private washroom along with a balanced budget in 2015 after getting Canada through the 2008-2009 global shitstorm)
But just three weeks later, on Aug. 25, Trudeau made an astounding flip flop, saying a Liberal government would run three years of “modest deficits” followed by a balanced budget in 2019.
Trudeau, looking earnestly into the camera during the Sept. 17, 2015 leaders’ debate on the economy said: “I am looking straight at Canadians and being honest the way I always have. We will balance that budget in 2019.”
After the election, in December 2015 Trudeau, now prime minister, again assured Canadians his promise to return the budget to balance in 2019 was “very” cast in stone.
During the 2015 election campaign Trudeau said that under his leadership Canada would have a $9.9 billion deficit in 2016, $9.5 billion in 2017, $5.7 billion in 2018, and a balanced budget with a $1 billion surplus in 2019.
Trudeau’s actual record was a $19 billion deficit in 2016, another $19 billion deficit in 2017, a $14 billion deficit in 2018 and a $26.6 billion deficit in 2019, with no end of deficits in sight.
Then COVID hit….the rest at the above link.
GOLDSTEIN: Remember when Trudeau promised to balance the budget? — Toronto Sun
Today, let’s trace Justin Trudeau’s conversion from advocating balanced budgets when he was Liberal leader, to abandoning that belief as prime minister. To be fair, we’ll look at two distinct periods — before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Just six years ago at the start...
“Our platform will be fully costed, fiscally responsible and a balanced budget,” he said in April 2015. “I’ve committed to continuing to run balanced budgets … Liberals balance budgets. That’s what history has shown,” he repeated in July 2015.
During the leaders’ debate on Aug. 5, 2015, Trudeau hammered then prime minister Stephen Harper, arguing he turned the Jean Chretien/Paul Martin Liberal budget surpluses into deficits.
(Harper passed on the keys to the PM’s private washroom along with a balanced budget in 2015 after getting Canada through the 2008-2009 global shitstorm)
But just three weeks later, on Aug. 25, Trudeau made an astounding flip flop, saying a Liberal government would run three years of “modest deficits” followed by a balanced budget in 2019.
Trudeau, looking earnestly into the camera during the Sept. 17, 2015 leaders’ debate on the economy said: “I am looking straight at Canadians and being honest the way I always have. We will balance that budget in 2019.”
After the election, in December 2015 Trudeau, now prime minister, again assured Canadians his promise to return the budget to balance in 2019 was “very” cast in stone.
During the 2015 election campaign Trudeau said that under his leadership Canada would have a $9.9 billion deficit in 2016, $9.5 billion in 2017, $5.7 billion in 2018, and a balanced budget with a $1 billion surplus in 2019.
Trudeau’s actual record was a $19 billion deficit in 2016, another $19 billion deficit in 2017, a $14 billion deficit in 2018 and a $26.6 billion deficit in 2019, with no end of deficits in sight.
Then COVID hit….the rest at the above link.
Remember when Trudeau promised to balance the budget?
Just six years ago at the start of the 2015 federal election campaign that brought him to power, Trudeau said he was firmly in favour of balanced budgets.GOLDSTEIN: Remember when Trudeau promised to balance the budget? — Toronto Sun
Today, let’s trace Justin Trudeau’s conversion from advocating balanced budgets when he was Liberal leader, to abandoning that belief as prime minister. To be fair, we’ll look at two distinct periods — before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Just six years ago at the start...
“Our platform will be fully costed, fiscally responsible and a balanced budget,” he said in April 2015. “I’ve committed to continuing to run balanced budgets … Liberals balance budgets. That’s what history has shown,” he repeated in July 2015.
During the leaders’ debate on Aug. 5, 2015, Trudeau hammered then prime minister Stephen Harper, arguing he turned the Jean Chretien/Paul Martin Liberal budget surpluses into deficits.
(Harper passed on the keys to the PM’s private washroom along with a balanced budget in 2015 after getting Canada through the 2008-2009 global shitstorm)
But just three weeks later, on Aug. 25, Trudeau made an astounding flip flop, saying a Liberal government would run three years of “modest deficits” followed by a balanced budget in 2019.
Trudeau, looking earnestly into the camera during the Sept. 17, 2015 leaders’ debate on the economy said: “I am looking straight at Canadians and being honest the way I always have. We will balance that budget in 2019.”
After the election, in December 2015 Trudeau, now prime minister, again assured Canadians his promise to return the budget to balance in 2019 was “very” cast in stone.
During the 2015 election campaign Trudeau said that under his leadership Canada would have a $9.9 billion deficit in 2016, $9.5 billion in 2017, $5.7 billion in 2018, and a balanced budget with a $1 billion surplus in 2019.
Trudeau’s actual record was a $19 billion deficit in 2016, another $19 billion deficit in 2017, a $14 billion deficit in 2018 and a $26.6 billion deficit in 2019, with no end of deficits in sight.
Then COVID hit….the rest at the above link.
LILLEY: Justin Trudeau the Nowhere Man of international stage — Toronto Sun
If Canada attends a world summit these days, does anyone notice? Well, in Rome they only noticed that Canada was there for the G20 because Justin Trudeau and his British counterpart Boris Johnson showed up late for the family photo. Trudeau is on a week-long jaunt through Europe with an official...
Trudeau is on a week-long jaunt through Europe with an official visit to the Netherlands, a G20 meeting in Rome, and then off to attend the UN climate conference that starts Monday in Glasgow, Scotland.
For the international media, and for other world leaders attending the G20, it’s as if Canada wasn’t even there. Ahead of this week’s international foray, Trudeau and his cabinet tried to spread the message that as a country, Canada punches above its weight. That’s something that may have been true in the past but isn’t now.
Well, in Rome they only noticed that Canada was there for the G20 because Justin Trudeau and his British counterpart Boris Johnson showed up late for the family photo.
Unlike predecessors such as Jean Chretien, Brian Mulroney, Stephen Harper or even his father Pierre Trudeau, the views of Trudeau the younger are not in high demand.
Trudeau has three former prime ministers with significant international political experience – Mulroney, Chretien and Harper – all of whom, if asked, would do what they could to help their country. But Trudeau doesn’t ask, he doesn’t seek advice, just like other world leaders don’t seek his advice.
Mulroney led on acid rain, free trade and apartheid. Chretien led on UN peacekeeping, on bringing peace to the former Yugoslavia and in expanding Canada’s international trade. Harper led on the 2009 economic recovery when he, alongside Jim Flaherty and Mark Carney, headed up international committees on economic recovery, he led on the pushback after Russia invaded Crimea, and dramatically expanded the number of free trade agreements Canada signed onto.
Trudeau has led on nothing (Selfies? Vacation Days? Stylish Socks? Apologies?Wokeness?) beyond fawning over stories in foreign media outlets, which have now dried up.
LILLEY: Justin Trudeau the Nowhere Man of international stage — Toronto Sun
If Canada attends a world summit these days, does anyone notice? Well, in Rome they only noticed that Canada was there for the G20 because Justin Trudeau and his British counterpart Boris Johnson showed up late for the family photo. Trudeau is on a week-long jaunt through Europe with an official...
Trudeau is on a week-long jaunt through Europe with an official visit to the Netherlands, a G20 meeting in Rome, and then off to attend the UN climate conference that starts Monday in Glasgow, Scotland.
For the international media, and for other world leaders attending the G20, it’s as if Canada wasn’t even there. Ahead of this week’s international foray, Trudeau and his cabinet tried to spread the message that as a country, Canada punches above its weight. That’s something that may have been true in the past but isn’t now.
Well, in Rome they only noticed that Canada was there for the G20 because Justin Trudeau and his British counterpart Boris Johnson showed up late for the family photo.
Unlike predecessors such as Jean Chretien, Brian Mulroney, Stephen Harper or even his father Pierre Trudeau, the views of Trudeau the younger are not in high demand.
Trudeau has three former prime ministers with significant international political experience – Mulroney, Chretien and Harper – all of whom, if asked, would do what they could to help their country. But Trudeau doesn’t ask, he doesn’t seek advice, just like other world leaders don’t seek his advice.
Mulroney led on acid rain, free trade and apartheid. Chretien led on UN peacekeeping, on bringing peace to the former Yugoslavia and in expanding Canada’s international trade. Harper led on the 2009 economic recovery when he, alongside Jim Flaherty and Mark Carney, headed up international committees on economic recovery, he led on the pushback after Russia invaded Crimea, and dramatically expanded the number of free trade agreements Canada signed onto.
Trudeau has led on nothing (Selfies? Vacation Days? Stylish Socks? Apologies?Wokeness?) beyond fawning over stories in foreign media outlets, which have now dried up.
It was Harper who had a golden opportunity to end liberal socialism but he did nothing. Harper also had a chance to privatize the CBC(communist broadcasting corporation)but he did not. Harper was just another conservative liberal light. The conservatives like to kiss ass the lying and fake Canadian media so the lying media will be nice to them and stop picking on the conservative party.
The thing is that the conservative party will never please the liberal socialist Canadian media. They hate any and everything conservative. This present day conservative party lacks the balls to try and appear as though they have an ounce of conservatism in them. Trump gave the leftist liberal American media the finger with much enjoyment and went out of his way to try and piss them off. Trump did not give a shit what they said. about him. Unlike the Canadian conservative party who loves sucking up to those leftist liberals in the Canadian media. The liberals and the conservative party's should just join up together and be done with it. They pretty much both have the same liberal socialist policies. LOL.