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David Macdonald
David Macdonald (he/him) is a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Follow him on X at @DavidMacCdn.
Canada needs a raise, not a higher interest rate
The Bank of Canada will publish the results of its recent review of interest rates on Wednesday, and there is plenty of speculation Governor Stephen…
Addicted to Debt
Tracking Canada’s rapid accumulation of private sector debt Download 453.75 KB22 pages This report finds that for the first time ever, Canada’s private sector is…
Time to tackle the big fish in an ocean of tax exemptions
When federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled his 2017 federal budget in March, he pledged to make Canada’s tax system fairer. To his credit, he…
Preferential Treatment
The History and Cost of Tax Exemptions, Credits, and Loopholes in Canada Download 813.13 KB 42 pages Preferential tax treatments such as tax exemptions, credits,…
Investors or cities? Who benefits from a Canada Infrastructure Bank
CCPA’s David Macdonald, Senior Economist, appeared as a witness on budget implementation Bill C-44 May 16, before the House Standing Committee on Finance. Image via ParlVu.
The budget that could have been
Even in the worst of times, budgets are rarely hemmed in by “economic necessity.” They are reflections of the values of the party in power.…
Three loopholes the feds should close (and one they might)
There has been plenty of discussion from the federal government, especially in the lead-up to this week’s budget, about closing tax loopholes (expenditures/breaks/preferences). The 2015…
Selling off Canada’s airports could result in sky-high prices
If the leaks are true, the upcoming federal budget will include an ill-advised move to sell off Canada’s airports, which would result in both travellers…
A Cure for Hydro Bill Headaches
A Fairer Way to Lower Ontario Electricity Bills Download 414.78 KB14 pages As it is currently configured, Ontario’s HST rebate on hydro bills is a…
Une préoccupation croissante
Les frais de garde d’enfants dans les grandes villes canadiennes Download 901.51 KB34 pages Cette étude, la troisième d’une série commençant en 2014, révèle les…
A Growing Concern
2016 child care fees in Canada’s big cities Download 828.12 KB 31 pages This study, the third in a series beginning in 2014, reveals the…
Out of the Shadows
Shining a light on Canada’s unequal distribution of federal tax expenditures Download 1.75 MB58 pages This study finds that Canada’s personal income tax expenditures disproportionately…
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