By James Yeretsian Edited by Tashyana Davidson and Ifrah Ikram In the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Liberal government announced a 2% tax on stock buybacks (or share repurchases) over $1 million conducted by publicly traded Canadian-resident corporations. The tax came into effect on January 1st, 2024, and follows the U.S. tax of 1% on…

By Andre Fajardo Edited by Sydney Grad and Ifrah Ikram An earlier article I wrote for the Public Policy and Governance Review focused on ‘zero-emission vehicles’ (ZEVs) – more generally known as electric vehicles or EVs – and their role in meeting Canada’s emissions reduction goals. In brief, it urged great caution regarding how Canada…

By Sydney Grad Edited by Anuva Sharma & Madeleine Whitestone The UN High Seas Treaty marks a critical juncture in global ocean conservation. Oceans, encompassing nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, play a vital role in sustaining and regulating life on our planet. Annually, oceans produce around half the oxygen we need, absorb approximately a…

By Nicole Chung Edited by Cassidy MacNeil and James Yeretsian In a recent press conference, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith touted the possibility of establishing an Alberta-only pension plan upon the withdrawal from the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP). She spearheaded the proposed Alberta Pension Program (APP), which aims to reduce premiums that cut contributions from workers…

By Napas Thein Edited by Savannah Harlan and Alexi Guindon-Riopel Decision-making that impacts our city goes through a rigorous process that involves multiple players, including the public service, stakeholders, and elected officials. Many important agenda items in the municipal jurisdiction ranging from alcohol in parks to new taxes to declaring homelessness an emergency are voted…

By Jeff Liu Edited by Claire Posno and Andre Fajardo Are the governments of Canada doing enough to make housing affordable? In 2019, the Canadian Government passed the National Housing Strategy Act, which recognizes adequate housing as a fundamental human right and aims to improve housing outcomes for Canadians. Despite the Canadian government recognizing housing…