Labour productivity has been a troubling issue for Canadian economists and policymakers for decades. Many argue that the relative underinvestment in ICT machinery and equipment by Canadian firms is in part responsible for lower productivity levels.The innovation coming from the ICT industry is phenomenal, and has incredible potential to revolutionize the way Canadian firms supervise and manage their employees and operations. 

A great example of the benefits of ICT investment is teleworking.  WORKshift, a teleworking initiative by Calgary Economic Development, the strategy is already working for many firms in the Calgary region.

[Read more →]

The key word in the provincial government’s delivery of the budget cuts is to allow economic development decisions to be made “locally.” My next question would then be; where do the funds come from? Local municipal governments would be my assumption, but can communities and municipal governments carry the cost of infrastructure, job creation and economic development? More importantly will they? Where do their priorities lie? Who is responsible for their development policies when it comes to housing issues, municipal infrastructure, and economic development?

[Read more →]

Why is business succession important in the economic development world? Simple demographics and economic climate dictate action. There are so many companies, especially outside of urban areas, that should be ready for sale. Their owners should be retiring. With a strong economy, many of the businesses are making the most money in their history. Why aren’t they selling? They don’t know how. They don’t have experience with the process or know anybody else that does.

[Read more →]