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The C.D. Howe Institute, Canada's leading nonpartisan public policy think tank, is proud to have celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2008. During the past half-century, the Institute has made a lasting and vital contribution toward improving Canadians' standard of living by fostering sound economic and social policy. Since its inception in 1958, the Institute has stayed on the forefront of public policy debates in Canada, providing clear, innovative thinking about the nation's challenges. Its life-span has been marked by strong public policy leadership, timely research initiatives, and a reputation for producing independent, reasoned and relevant research. "Independent research is critical to debate, and the C.D. Howe Institute is a true Canadian jewel." Kevin G. Lynch, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet

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The C.D. Howe Institute Seeks a Policy Analyst

For details click here.

Faster, Younger, Richer? The Fond Hope and Sobering Reality of Immigration's Impact on Canada's Demographic and Economic Future: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, July 2 – While immigration has been a key driver of Canadian population and workforce growth, it cannot, on its own, offset demographic trends that threaten our future living standards, according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Faster, Younger, Richer? The Fond Hope and Sobering Reality of Immigration’s Impact on Canada’s Demographic and Economic Future,” authors William B.P. Robson and Robin Banerjee say current fertility and immigration rates, moderately rising life expectancy, and historical productivity increases can be expected to depress workforce growth, boost the ratio of Canadians 65 and over to those of working age (the old-age dependency ratio) and depress growth in incomes per person. Despite some popular commentary, offsetting or even noticeably mitigating these trends through increased immigration alone would require unrealistic increases in total immigration levels. The authors show that several other measures to mitigate the impact of a slower-growing and aging population on Canada’s workforce and incomes hold at least as much promise as changes to immigration.

For the study click here. For the communiqué click here.

Better, Stronger Role for Bank of Canada in the Financial System Urged by Former Governor: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, June 22 – The Bank of Canada must come to play a recognized, central leadership role in shaping policy if Canada is to better manage risks to financial sector stability, argues John Crow, former Governor of the Bank, in a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “A Bank for All Seasons: The Bank of Canada and the Regulatory Challenge,” John Crow outlines a better role for the Bank of Canada in managing risks in our financial system – in the interests of improving the system’s risk management generally.

For the e-brief click here.

Stop EI “Rollercoaster” with New Stable Funding Method, Keep Government Hands off Surpluses: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, June 16 – While the public debate over reforms to Employment Insurance centres on regional fairness in eligibility requirements, it is critical that the EI program remain affordable in good times and bad through creation of a stable rate-setting mechanism, according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Getting Off the Rollercoaster: A Stable Funding Framework for the EI Program,” authors Colin Busby and Alexandre Laurin call for creation of a new rate-setting mechanism that would avoid pro-cyclical EI premium decreases during booms and harmful premium increases during downturns. Ottawa also needs to introduce reforms that insulate the EI fund’s management from political interference – and protect that fund from governments that would dip into EI surpluses for general spending.

For the e-brief click here.

Nuclear Renaissance Possible in Canada; Hurdles Remain: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, June 9 – Nuclear energy has an important role to play in Canada’s electricity generation mix, based on cost and environmental grounds. Several hurdles remain to be cleared, however, according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In Canada’s Nuclear Crossroads: Steps to a Viable Nuclear Energy Industry, authors Bruce Doern and Robert Morrison examine three key policy questions facing the nuclear industry – cost, privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), and regulation. They recommend steps to building a viable nuclear industry in Canada.

For the study click here. For the communiqué click here.

C.D. Howe Institute’s Monetary Policy Council Calls for Bank of Canada to Maintain its Benchmark Interest Rate