I had a meeting with a government official recently. For the purposes of this column, it doesn’t really matter who, or what department, or even the issue. My inspiration for today’s spleen-venting comes from comments that very well might have been uttered by hundreds of government officials at any given moment: “We have informal service …
Fall Back Up with Jonathan Torrens
Jonathan Torrens is probably best known currently for his roles of J-Roc in the popular television series Trailer Park Boys and CBC's current comedy Mr. D. His career, however, extends back to his high school years when he hosted the teen-oriented consumer affairs series Street Cents from 1989 until 1996. He then went on to host, co-produce and write for …
Fall Back Up with Jim Spatz
Jim Spatz is the Chairman and CEO of Southwest Properties Limited, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading real estate developers. Southwest owns, operates and develops residential and commercial real estate in Atlantic Canada, extended stay accommodations across Canada, as well as multi-unit residential portfolios in four Florida cities. Recently, Southwest completed The Maple, a residential hi-rise …
Cannabis Consultations: Answering questions with more questions
When it comes to cannabis sales, there are arguments for a public sector monopoly, except none of them are particularly compelling and not surprisingly, all center on command and control. A public sector monopoly, such as the model in Ontario and the recently announced direction in New Brunswick, seems simply to be the path of least resistance for politicians and bureaucrats. Why they believe the public sector delivery model of anything is the gold standard remains perplexing.
This is the 15 Dollar Minimum Wage Argument?
Here is the latest argument being made to promote the 15 dollar minimum wage. Employers should simply pay their employees more. This will help solve our economic problems. With a 15 dollar minimum wage there will more money being spent. People on lower incomes will be spending all this money because they can’t afford to …
Continue reading "This is the 15 Dollar Minimum Wage Argument?"
Promise Kept. Seriously?
It’s been a big week for small business in Canada. Small Business Week and Small Business Saturday roll around once a year, but it’s rare to have the occasion festooned with quite so much high-level attention. Kicking off the week was some great news for small firms delivered in perhaps one of the most awkward political …
Fall Back Up with Jared Steeves
It’s not often you run into someone who began their career when they were six years old. Born and raised in the tiny community of Berry Mills, New Brunswick, Jared Steeves started his training as an antique auctioneer literally at his father’s knee. Starting his own business, Key Auctions at age 18, Jared has built …
Fall Back Up with Gerry Pond
Gerry Pond is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Mariner Partners Inc. and the Co-Founder of East Valley Ventures. He was CEO of NBTel and president of its successor, Aliant Telecom before he moved into the tech startup field. Gerry is perhaps best known for his successes in the tech world with two New Brunswick startups …
Fall Back Up with Jeremy White
Jeremy White and his wife Melanie were looking for a summer retreat in Cape Breton after honeymooning in 2008. What they found were a new way of life and a successful small business. Big Spruce Brewing sprung from a passion for craft beer and a serendipitous real estate buy in Nyanza. Jeremy's background was in …
Fall Back Up with Denis Ryan
Denis Joseph Patrick Ryan. Irish musician turned successful businessman. He is one of Canada's leading performers, helping establish the modern form of traditional Celtic music throughout North America, England, and Australia. Denis was born in Newport, County Tipperary, Ireland, immigrating to Toronto in 1969. Eventually moving to St. John's, Newfoundland, he founded what became one …
