- Our federal government has to excel. The Liberals are in power, and their role is to lead. On the other hand, the Conservatives are in opposition, and they too have an extremely important role to play in our country, such as offering counter-suggestions in a constructive manner. Rather than focusing on how the prime minister is failing, the opposition should begin to offer a positive voice and ideas on how things can improve. Ultimately, we work better together than we do apart.
- Fix what needs fixing. Establish free trade within our country now. Months ago, calls for this were clear, but provinces have not acted decisively to eliminate interprovincial commerce barriers. The International Monetary Fund makes it plain: removing these barriers will drive an additional $210 billion in annual economic activity. That will add nearly seven per cent to our current numbers.
- Building on the previous discussion, Bank of Canada researchers acknowledge that almost half of Canadians in the top one per cent of earners live outside the country. That seems unbelievable and raises the question of why that talent pool does not stay at home.
- We consistently hear that excessive bureaucracy exists at all three levels of government. To move forward, we need to eliminate barriers that prevent progress. It is time for us all to be more efficient.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has elevated Canada’s influence in the world and identified areas of future commerce. While that is a plus, now is the time to focus on improving everything within our control to make Canada a better country for us all.
Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM®, FCSI offers a weekly financial planning column, Dollars & Sense. He can be contacted through www.watsoninvestments.com.
