On Reforming Capitalism
These are the conventional definitions of capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and their use for the purpose of obtaining…
taxation
Am I optimistic and, if so, how is that even possible (Part 2)
Part 2: The decline of the collective Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman argued that across the global west we’ve organized ourselves such that our collective action problems — what we can only…
The Liberal Housing Plan
Canadians will vote in a general election on April 28. Here’s my ‘top 7’ overview of the Liberal Housing Plan: https://nickfalvo.ca/the-liberal-housing-plan/.
Norway’s oil and gas fund
Our governments believe that resources belong to those who exploit them today and that future generations have no right to a share of the province's asset values.
The Tyranny of Growth – How Raising Our Standard of Living Destroys Our Quality of Life
In 1972 the world respected Club of Rome issued it’s report, Limits to Growth which concluded: Conclusions After reviewing their computer simulations, the research team came to the following conclusions:: 23–24 …
The Tyranny of Growth – How Raising Our Standard of Living Destroys Our Quality of Life
In 1972 the world respected Club of Rome issued it’s report, Limits to Growth which concluded: Conclusions After reviewing their computer simulations, the research team came to the following conclusions:: 23–24 …
Income tax and rising inequality
In the 1960's, tax expert Kenneth Carter headed a Royal Commission that examined Canada's income tax system. Among many other things, Carter's group was asked to report on "changes that…
Watch what the BC NDP does, not what they say
So BC taxpayers currently paying close to $3 billion a year in carbon tax must result in lower production of natural gas, right? Maybe not.
On the Bay’s Libertarian Piffle
Less (sic) taxes is, for On the Bay‘s publisher David Loopstra, a “solution” for the problems of inflation. It’s certainly not the solution for correct grammar, where he should have…
Housing As A Right
Should housing be a right. That is the question. But the real question is what would that mean and how do we make it more than a token right but…
Housing As A Right
Should housing be a right. That is the question. But the real question is what would that mean and how do we make it more than a token right but…
The premier’s speech: A spectre still isn’t haunting Alberta, the spectre of fair taxes
I’ve never actually heard that there’s a ghost in the Premier’s Office at the Alberta Legislative Building, but apparently there’s a dusty old speech that was left in a drawer…
Local governments sitting on piles of cash
In theory, local governments assess property taxes at levels that allow accumulations of surpluses sufficient to fund replacements and major repairs of public infrastructure. My survey of local governments, representing…
More Oppressive Budget Bullshit
Council is still eyeing a massive hike to Collingwood property taxes, proving they lack any concern about the problems facing seniors and others on fixed incomes, low-income earners, and the…
Carbon tax justification for fools
According to a study published by Nature Climate Change, governments of 51 countries spent C$940 billion subsidizing fossil fuels in 2021. The number is likely higher since there are many indirect…
Overtaxed or underserved?
Metro Vancouver and 21 lower mainland municipalities reported total accumulated surpluses of $42 billion in 2021. That was seven times the annual expenses reported in 2021 by the same local…
COVID-19 Pandemic Reflections and The Next Pandemic
Well the pandemic is over, at least according to most governments, science and medicine not so much. So now it is time to look back, and to look forward. Perhaps…
Left, Right or Centre – Explainer
In today’s age of populism, with ideology apparently dead, how do you now if you are on the left or right or in the centre. There are indeed some basic…