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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, former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet

What's New

C.D. Howe Institute and Washinghton-based Peterson Institute host conference on US-Canadian environmental policy

The C.D. Howe Institute and the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC, held a half-day conference in Washington on February 3, 2010, to examine US and Canadian climate change policies and prospects going forward in light of the outcome of the Copenhagen summit in December 2009. The conference had two objectives: to examine each country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to assess the potential costs and benefits of coordinating those efforts more closely, including through an integrated North American carbon trading regime. Canadian Ambassador to the United States Gary Doer delivered the keynote address on current climate change efforts in Canada and provided a Canadian perspective on evolving US policies.

For a Canadian Press article on Ambassador Doer’s speech click here.

For a recording of Ambassador Doer’s speech click here.

Competition to Benefit Debit Card Market; Level Playing Field Needed: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, Feb 4 – As new entrants arrive in Canada’s debit card market, rule changes are needed to ensure a level playing field, and to enhance the potential benefits of competition for consumers and merchants. In “Change is in the Cards: Competition in the Canadian Debit Card Market,” a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute, policy analyst Philippe Bergevin assesses the implications of the rapidly changing debit payment landscape. Bergevin makes recommendations for action to ensure that consumers and merchants are protected and that the system can evolve to serve them even better.

For the study click here.

Toronto Star: Tax-free account savings could top RRSP refund

Toronto, January 30 – James Daw, columnist with the Toronto Star, discusses the findings of a recent C.D. Howe Institute study “Saver’s Choice: comparing the Marginal Effective Tax Burdens on RRSPs and TFSAs.

For the article click here.

Digital Revolution Rendering Canadian Content Rules Obsolete, New Approach Needed: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, January 28 – In the unfolding digital world, the regulations traditionally used to foster Canadian content in the broadcasting and telecommunications sector will not be viable, according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In Scrambled Signals: Canadian Content Policies in a World of Technological Abundance, authors Lawson A.W. Hunter, Edward Iacobucci and Michael J. Trebilcock assess the implications of the rapid digital revolution underway for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's regulatory tools, and point to the need for new approaches to promote and fund Canadian content. The authors conclude that a review is urgently needed by an independent expert panel charged with proposing a transition roadmap.

For the study click here.

For the communiqué click here.

TFSAs Beat RRSPs as Best Retirement Saving Option for Many Canadians: C.D. Howe Institute

Toronto, January 27 – Despite the widespread assumption that saving for retirement in a tax-deferred plan such as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is the right way to go, many – perhaps most – Canadians would do better adding to tax prepaid plans such as Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), according to a study released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Saver’s Choice: Comparing the Marginal Effective Tax Burdens on RRSPs and TFSAs,” authors Alexandre Laurin and Finn Poschmann estimate the impact of various tax provisions on incomes during work and retirement to see which type of plan offers the better bang for the incremental saving buck. Comparing marginal effective tax rates (METRs) across income levels, they conclude that many Canadians with savings in pension plans and RRSPs should focus future saving on TFSAs.

For the e-brief click here.

C.D. Howe Institute Hosts Prime Minister Harper for Economic Discussion

Toronto, Jan. 20 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today held consultations at the C.D. Howe Institute on major economic issues facing Canada. Chaired by Institute President and CEO William Robson, the session allowed for an exchange of policy ideas on such topics as the Government’s Economic Action Plan, getting Canada on the path to balanced budgets, and ensuring the country’s future prosperity. Prime Minister Harper praised the Institute’s work in his remarks and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to canvass the participants’ policy ideas. “We were delighted to host the Prime Minister for such a full and stimulating discussion of the country’s fiscal and economic challenges,” noted William Robson.

Jan. 19 – Federal PS unions gird for battle over pensions, according to the Ottawa Citizen, which cites a C.D. Institute study as focusing attention on the startling fair-value cost of federal government pensions. For the Ottawa Citizen article.

For the article click here.

C.D. Howe Institute’s Monetary Policy Council Calls for Bank of Canada to 
Maintain Overnight Rate at 0.25 Percent, With Increase to 2.00 Percent in January 2011

Jan. 17 – Kathryn May reports for Canwest News Service on the findings of William B.P. Robson and...[MORE]

Jan. 18 – In a Globe and Mail OpEd, C.D. Howe Institute author Don Dewees argues that consumers i...[MORE]