Canadian governments exceeded their budget promises by $65 billion in spending over the past decade, worsening the budgetary impacts of the financial crisis, according to a C.D. Howe Institute study.

ABSTRACT

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is a major partner in the online resource, Global Trade Alert (GTA). This project is an independent initiative also supported by the Centre for Economic Policy Research, the International Development Research Centre and the World Bank. It provides real-time information on state measures taken during the current global downturn that are likely to affect foreign commerce.

The Canadian government's CDN $47.2 billion Economic Action Plan, a responsive measure to the economic turmoil which began in 2008, has come under fire in a recent report released by the Fraser Institute. The report, entitled "Did Government Stimulus Fuel Economic Growth in Canada?

One of the most fundamental questions for federal budget planning is "How much will the economy grow in future years?

At one time deemed too dangerous, the utilization of nuclear energy is a prospect increasingly discussed by North American and world leaders. In recognition of global warming and the need to replace coal and oil-based energy sources, the Canadian and American governments have recently breathed new life into their clean energy agendas with spending commitments that will see the continuation and increase of nuclear energy projects on both sides of the border.

In response to the Speech from the Throne and the recent federal budget which were announced in the House of Commons on March 3 and 4, 2010 respectively, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be answering questions submitted by Canadians in a live YouTube interview on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at 7 pm EST. Questions will be selected from the top-voted submissions from across the country. Submissions can be made and votes can be cast until Sunday March 14, 2010 at 1 pm EST. This interview will be the second live-streamed YouTube event featuring the Prime Minister.

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, the Governor-General of Canada will open the Third Session of the 40th Parliament with a Speech from the Throne. In doing so, Michaelle Jean will bring to an end just over two months of prorogation initiated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on December 30, 2009. This is the second time in a year that the Harper government has requested the prorogation of parliament, with the last suspension taking place in 2008 when the Conservative government was faced with a non-confidence vote.

A new C.D. Howe Institute study calls for reform in Canada's pension system. In order to benefit from this reform, William B.P. Robson highlights two primary obstacles and offers suggestions to improve the system. Read