With tentative agreements between the CAW, Ford, and GM in place we give credit where credit is due. Congratulations to the CAW for bending but not braking and, certainly at this point in time, not shooting themselves in the foot. Of course the devil is in the details but it certainly appears that the companies can live with the agreements without the demands they originally placed to have the Canadian operations at cost par with those in the U.S. But, there are always the conspiracy theorists as to what is the real motive and objective behind these agreements. [Read more...]
by on September 22, 2012
A Showdown at the Automotive Corral: Part 2
by on September 13, 2012
Jobs, get your jobs here……unless you’re in Ontario
August just saw an increase in Canadian jobs of 34,000 positions. Economists predicted an increase of 10,000 so this is great news, right? Depends on where you live. Employment rose in Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba but declined in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. There was little change in the other provinces. Once again our have-not province takes a low blow. [Read more...]
by on September 9, 2012
Ontario business friendly?
Ontario’s Liberal government has dedicated a great deal of our financial resources to the expansion of our education sector with the much discussed and highly controversial ”all day kindergarten” program. We strongly support the continued development of our education system but, unlike the Liberals, we understand that such development must be financed, somehow. It is not at all clear how the current government intends to finance the estimated $1.5 billion additional annual cost of this program so, by default, we conclude that it will come directly out of our wallets. If not our wallets then the only other major source of additional revenue is the business sector, through increased operating and income taxes. So, how is the business community reacting to the Liberal’s view of Ontario’s economic future? [Read more...]
by on July 21, 2012
Tax Money Blowing in the Wind
Without question each one of us wants to have clean air, clean water, and the adequate supply of electricity to enjoy our lives now and in the future. Researchers all over the world are working on a wide range of solutions to this challenge and many jurisdictions, like Ontario, have implemented green energy initiatives to help us move in that direction. But, does wind energy really have a place in the future of our energy supply mix? [Read more...]
by on July 21, 2012
Ontario’s Power Play – Power at Any Price
The recent admission by Ontario’s Liberals that the Mississauga South power plant was cancelled for purely political reasons is, at best, sickening. This information confirms what many of us believed from the outset, and what was categorically denied by McGuinty until now. This Liberal government truly believes that they can do whatever they want and are not accountable to anyone. [Read more...]
by on June 21, 2012
Affordable Electricity: Ontario has it, just not for you.
In a bold new attempt to stem the tide of job losses in Ontario our government is offering a discount of about 27% to large new and existing companies. It seems that even this government has realized that their plan to increase electricity rates by 50% over 5 years may not be such a great idea. But, is this new Industrial Electricity Incentive Program as good as it sounds? [Read more...]
by on May 5, 2012
Take Back Manufacturing Jobs in Ontario!
The Toronto chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) must be congratulated for their efforts to stop the bleeding of manufacturing jobs and, in fact, bring back many of those jobs that were moved off-shore to places like China. Their Take Back Manufacturing (TBM) initiative is long overdue, and hopefully not too late to save what is left of Ontario’s manufacturing sector. The SME must also be congratulated for having the courage to step forward and shine a light on a difficult subject that is highly politicised. But, having said that, can they really accomplish this extremely challenging objective? Yes they can, but what are the difficulties that must be overcome? [Read more...]
by on May 1, 2012
May Day! Mayday! Another Shocker!
May 1st is celebrated over a large part of the the world as the northern hemisphere enters the Summer season. A joyous celebration for many but here in Ontario it is the day we get our next kick in the pocketbook as today our electricity rates go up, again. [Read more...]
by on March 25, 2012
Ontarians pay among the highest price hikes.
February’s inflation numbers are not good for us poor suckers in Ontario. Across the country the prices of food and gasoline were the major drivers of inflation, except here in Ontario. [Read more...]
by on March 6, 2012
Ontario, dear Ontario, where are we heading? (The End)
Canada in general is still very respected as a high quality and ethical supplier of goods and services to world markets. We here in Ontario must capitalize on this situation, and quickly.
So, in summary, what would The Parkdale Party do to fire up our economy? Our solution in 8 easy steps:
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