Credit Rating is Key to Your Ability to Arrange a Loan
The downgrade of the US credit rating should be a lesson to us all, writes Peter Watson. There is a similarity in how both individuals and countries qualify to borrow money. It is based on the risk of the loan. For example, if you are living within your means and your income is sufficient to […]
Trump Tariffs Ignore What is Known About Economics
President Donald Trump ignores economic common sense with his tariff strategy, writes Peter Watson. The US international tariff strategy is in direct contradiction on what is known and accepted about economics. The Father of Economics, Adam Smith, stated that specialization is one of the most important causes of economic growth. That quote came from www.study.com. […]
Why Increased Defence Spending is Good for Canada
Increased defence spending will enhance Canada’s competitiveness, writes Peter Watson. Canada increasing our defence spending will have significant benefits to the Canadian economy and our international competitiveness. There are two aspects to defence spending. The first is to remain strong to protect ourselves against potential enemies. Remaining strong includes living up to our obligation with […]
Canada Needs to be Brave and Bold
Our country needs a brave and bold fiscally responsible future, writes Peter Watson. Canada has a huge opportunity and that comes with challenges. Let’s consider both from a financial perspective. A new world order for trade is evolving. The one thing we do know is that our future will be different. We are a young, […]
Government Spending Needs Better Management
Government spending should constantly evolve to reflect the needs of Canadians, writes Peter Watson. In conversations about government spending, it’s surprising how often I hear the same response. The government spends the way it does because that is the way it always has. You seldom hear that response when you’re talking about a business because […]
Why did President Donald Trump start a trade war with Canada and other countries?
Peter Watson answers the million-dollar question about tariffs. Why has our neighbour started a trade war with Canada? The answer is simple: Money. The U.S. financial position is a mess. In round numbers, the U.S. spends $7 trillion per year, and revenues are only $5 trillion. The challenge for the U.S. is how to reduce […]
Federal Government Should Complete Your Tax Return
Our government should complete your tax return for most Canadians, writes Peter Watson. The annual ritual of completing your personal income tax return and submitting it before the end of April for many is a waste of time and effort and money. I would like our federal government to automate this process for most Canadians […]
Trump’s Trade War Will Hurt Canadians
President Trump’s trade war against Canada could pose as a major financial risk, writes Peter Watson. Our former friendly ally to the south has attacked our financial stability. This is a fast-changing situation, but what is known is Trump wants to exert financial pain on Canadians by changing how trade between us operates. We cannot […]
Bad Financial Management Could be the Reason Canada Joins the United States
Will Canada join the United States? This has been a hot topic in the media because Donald Trump kept referring to Canada as the 51st state, writes Peter Watson. The answer to the question of whether most Canadians would want that to happen is a strong no. A more important question is under what circumstances […]
Bank of Canada Increases Interest Rates Again
Managing personal finances just got more difficult, writes Peter Watson. Another significant interest rate hike was just announced by the Bank of Canada. The most recent rate increase was three quarters of one per cent. The Bank of Canada is determined to reduce the annual inflation rate to the target of two per cent. This […]