Observing the economy is akin to studying any other body of science. The ocean tides, the human body, the plumbing in your home, electrical systems; all are circulatory in nature. There is a fluid motion, which can be accelerated, obstructed or disabled. All of these systems must be monitored and sometimes intervention is required to … Continued
Earlier this week, I noticed an article from the Economist journal that stated Canadian homes were 35% over valued. Ironically, I also attended a local presentation this week where Scott McEwan of Altus Group was discussing the possibility we may be approaching a bubble in commercial and residential real estate markets. What is a bubble? … Continued
If you consider the most successful people you know, are they solely responsible for their achievements or is there a well-orchestrated team supporting the accomplished success? Team building is a critical element of success, but one infrequently discussed or acknowledged. Sports teams like the Islanders or Storm; local businesses, like BioVectra or Vector Aerospace; … Continued
With seventeen (17’) feet of snow reported thus far, winter 2015 is already record-breaking and unforgettable. Winter 2015 has witnessed some dramatic economic conditions. This time last year oil prices were approximately $1.09 per litre, while this year they are $0.85/ liter, a 23 per cent decrease in energy input costs. This is, perhaps, … Continued
Islanders are resilient. Forced to adapt and seek advantage where our resources are often limited, and there are many current success stories of Islanders who are adapting to markets outside the Island. The coming years will be ones of austerity and self-reliance for Island businesses. Finally freed from the shackles of government intervention, which … Continued
What interesting times. Oil at an unexpected low price, our dollar depreciating in value and interest rates being slashed to unprecedented levels. A provincial government rushing to election in avoidance of presenting finances, and a Federal government delaying financials release because they are too far from an election date. Are things really this bad? … Continued
A new year ushers in new opportunities and perhaps new challenges. As one year draws to a close, a new beginning opens new possibilities. Personally, I feel 2015 has potential to be a great year. For many this will be a difficult year of transition as the economy will be in a period of adaptation. … Continued
Anyone following the dynamic immigration policies of the last few years will appreciate both the program complexity and frequency of change to the Temporary Work Permit process. The Federal government is committed to ensuring Canadian workers have the first opportunity to fill all available jobs. While well intentioned there remain some employers who, despite high-localized … Continued
Charlottetown, PE, November 1, 2014 – Island Recruiting/EmployPEI along with four other island companies were awarded funding from the Provincial government’s Pilot and Discovery Fund. The Pilot and Discovery Fund is a competition to find and support projects that are early stage and have a strong potential for success. Research and development requires up-front costs … Continued
The balance has shifted and labour is empowered. Working in a HR firm, which specializes in recruitment, I have witnessed the anticipated shift in power balance from management to labour. If you consider our provincial demographics we know there was a large swell of births post-war(s) that created economic prosperity, investment and innovation. That bulge … Continued