Canada's free trade relationship with the United States dates back more than 30 years. The CUSFTA (the precursor to NAFTA) was signed in 1987, reflecting a commitment by both countries to “promote productivity, full employment, and a steady improvement of living standards”. While not perfect, the benefits of this relationship are well documented, and for... Continue Reading →
Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Second Cup, Timothy’s World of Coffee, Bridgehead, McCafe. Canada’s coffee scene is dominated by half a dozen chains. Some are imported from the US, others are homegrown success stories. They each have a loyal customer base who dutifully line up for their preferred cup of mass-brewed medium, dark or coconut roast. Each... Continue Reading →
Labour productivity grew rapidly in many OECD economies during the second half of the 20th Century. This was mostly the result of catching-up as nations adopted existing, but as-yet unexploited technologies. Once these catch-up wins were realised, productivity growth would revert. The rapid dispersion of information and communication technologies in the mid-1990s spawned a new... Continue Reading →
TALES FROM THE LONG TAIL 