Jack Mintz: The GST credit becomes another Liberal social program

The GST credit, renamed the Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit, receives a 50% boost in its first year and a 25% lift for the following four. While framed as a relief for low income Canadians facing soaring food costs, opponents argue the program merely repackages an existing rebate – groceries are already tax free – into a new liberal leaning social handout.

Jack Mintz: Neither Trump’s nor Carney’s new world order will last

A shifting global landscape is being reshaped by rising great‑power competition, economic weaponisation, and waning faith in traditional multilateral institutions. Middle‑power nations are urged to form flexible coalitions and pursue pragmatic, value‑based realism to safeguard stability, trade, and security amid an emerging “world of fortresses.”

Jack Mintz: An oil pipeline won’t end Alberta’s alienation

Ottawa’s recent memorandum of understanding promises a new oil‑pipeline to the West Coast, but the measure is framed as insufficient to heal Alberta’s long‑standing sense of alienation. Critics argue that the pipeline will merely shift the fiscal burden, leave the province with a “pipe dream,” and fail to address deeper grievances over equalization payments, high taxes, and perceived central‑Canada dominance.

Jack Mintz: Ottawa’s tariffs protect Ontario and slam Western Canada. Again

Ottawa’s latest tariff regime is portrayed as protecting Ontario’s steel sector, yet the policy is being felt most acutely in Western Canada. Higher rail costs, subsidies that fall short, and delayed infrastructure projects are cited as consequences, while regional tensions rise as provinces outside Ontario shoulder the financial burden.

Jack Mintz: No need to panic yet. Alberta will sell its oil for now

Alberta’s heavy oil sector stays resilient despite higher carbon taxes and tighter decarbonisation rules. With Venezuelan oilsand output falling, Alberta’s in situ extraction remains a strong substitute for U.S. Gulf Coast demand, keeping sales steady – for now. The article argues there’s no immediate cause for panic, but warns against pipeline delays and policy lag.

Jack Mintz: Economic progress won’t be easy in 2026

The 2026 economic forecast for Canada is marked by significant headwinds. While a proposed $80 billion deficit program is intended to spark short‑term growth, enduring trade and regulatory challenges must be resolved. Success will depend on swift, coordinated policy action that stabilizes rules, accelerates project timelines and convinces investors to keep capital in Canada.

Jack Mintz: This year saw the rise of state capitalism in North America. It won’t work

This year marked a notable surge in state‑driven capitalism across North America, reshaping markets and policy alike. While governments aim to boost growth and stability, the model’s inherent inefficiencies and market distortions raise serious doubts about its long‑term viability. Explore why this experiment is unlikely to succeed and what it means for businesses and consumers.

Jack Mintz: Shorting Israel has not been a good market bet

Israel’s market bounce defies short seller bets. Resilient economic growth, robust tech exports, and strong foreign investment have driven a rapid rebound. Israel’s tech heavy Nasdaq presence, immigration driven talent pool, and smart economic policies amplify this upside, leaving short sellers with mounting losses and making a market decline wager far riskier than ever.

Jack Mintz: Grand bargains like the MOU often disappoint

High profile deals such as the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) often fall short of expectations, leaving investors skeptical. These “grand bargains” frequently fail to deliver promised value – over-estimated synergies, regulatory hurdles, and rushed integrations routinely undermine outcomes, resulting in stakeholder disappointment.

Jack Mintz: Is Alberta really getting a pipeline or just being sold a pipe dream?

The promised West‑Coast oil pipeline could become a “pipe dream” if Ottawa’s regulatory hurdles and carbon‑tax conditions stall progress. While Alberta’s premier celebrates a new federal memorandum of understanding that would allow a million‑barrel‑per‑day line and TMX expansion, lingering policy demands risk turning the project into a costly political symbol rather than a revenue engine.