Jack Mintz: State-protected monopolies need competition, too

State protected monopolies – think utilities, railways and legacy telecoms – may enjoy legal shields, but they’re not immune to the benefits of competition. Fresh rivals drive down prices, spark innovation, and keep public service providers accountable to the citizens they serve.

Jack Mintz: Carney’s new fiscal definitions pave the way for even more borrowing

Carney’s groundbreaking fiscal redefinition reshapes public finance, unlocking fresh avenues for government borrowing. By redefining “deficit” and “debt sustainability,” the new framework promises greater fiscal flexibility. Stakeholders can now navigate a clearer path to financing large‑scale projects while maintaining transparency and confidence in sovereign creditworthiness.

Jack Mintz: On trade and growth, Carney can learn from Canute

Just as Canute’s legendary humility taught a kingdom that power must be tempered by pragmatism, Canada’s trade strategy under Stephen Carney needs a similar balance – leveraging global markets while safeguarding domestic resilience.

Jack Mintz: Put simpler taxes on the budget front burner

Jack Mintz argues that Ottawa should put tax simplification at the forefront of the budget, slashing compliance costs for small businesses and taxpayers while preserving services – a win win for growth and fairness.

Jack Mintz: Britain is still a land of hope and glory but it needs an uplift

Britain remains a nation of hope and glory, but its collective spirit today needs a fresh lift. In his latest column, Jack Mintz reflects on the enduring optimism captured in Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory – a melody that still resonates even as the country moves beyond its imperial past. He argues that while the UK’s historic confidence endures, a new wave of cultural and economic revitalization is essential to keep that hope alive.

Jack Mintz: Is the welfare state still affordable? It never was.

Governments across Europe and North America are facing a stark choice: maintain expansive welfare states or meet rising NATO defence commitments. With aging populations, mounting debt, and sluggish growth, leaders in Germany, Spain, Canada, and France are beginning to admit the welfare state may no longer be affordable. The question is whether voters will agree.

Jack Mintz: Government and business make bad corporate bedfellows

When governments take ownership stakes in private companies, business decisions can become politicized, efficiency may decline, and taxpayer support often increases. Global experience – from the U.S. to Europe and Canada – show that mixed enterprises rarely outperform the private sector. The challenge ahead is ensuring policies encourage innovation and investment without blurring the lines between government and business.

Jack Mintz: Mamdani’s socialist agenda will take a bite out of the Big Apple

New York mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani is making headlines with his affordability agenda, promising expanded free public services, social housing, and public transit subsidies funded by higher taxes. While the proposals aim to ease the cost of living for New Yorkers, economists and critics question their long-term effects on the city’s economy and housing market.

Jack Mintz: Is Canada the most European non-EU country? Let’s hope not!

Europe’s economy is high-taxed, over-regulated, and underperforming – not a model Canada should copy. While trade and cooperation with the EU bring benefits, adopting Europe’s economic policies could hurt Canada’s competitiveness and strain relations with the U.S. Instead of imitating Europe, Canada should focus on building a uniquely competitive economy that thrives globally.