It is quite the blustery day here in Thunder Bay today so what better way to hunker down and enjoy the day than taking a look at the major economic news items over the last little while.
Ontario's GDP boosted billions per year by Lakehead University Thunder Bay, Orillia campuses. CBC Thunder Bay, October 24th, 2017.
Well, it turns out that according to a study authored by faculty at Lakehead's business school that Lakehead University's economic impact on Ontario is 1.4 billion dollars. To my way of thinking, the faculty are the core of the university - indeed all the expenditures a university makes are to allow faculty to generate research, teaching outcomes and human capital value added for graduates so given that there are about 300 full-time faculty at Lakehead, I would estimate my personal economic impact on Ontario's economy at 4.7 million dollars (1.4 billion dollars divided by 300). Based on my current salary, I am obviously grossly undervalued. That is a pretty good return to any investment. Come to think of it, hiring more full time university faculty is obviously a cheap and effective way to boost Ontario GDP. Let the hiring boom begin.
Business ties with India explored. Chronicle Journal, October 24, 2017.
Well, a few weeks ago it was a delegation from China. This week a delegation from India is passing through Thunder Bay. Given the precarious state of our NAFTA negotiations, I would imagine it is a good idea to try and build as many ties as possible with the Asia Pacific region.
Northern business owners in 'defensive mode' about proposed tax changes. CBC Sudbury, October 24th, 2017.
This is the northern Ontario take on the tax changes being shepherded by Bill Morneau. However, as we know there are going to be revisions. Moreover, there may be other goodies coming down the pipeline in the wake of today's fiscal and economic update in Ottawa.
And in other Sudbury economic and business news....
2 former chairs quit Sudbury Chamber of Commerce over casino, arena position. CBC Sudbury, October 19th, 2017.
No comment there. Sounds like a pretty strong difference of opinions.
While Thunder Bay is focusing on India and China for its economic enhancement efforts, it would appear that Timmins Economic Development Corporation has targeted Bolivia.
Exchange will see Bolivian delegates visit Timmins. TimminsPress.com. October 4th, 2017.
If you are interested in the Elliot Lake model of economic development, there is this...
Sault's becoming a popular retirement destination, credit analyst says. SOOTODAY.com, October 6th, 2017.
On the other hand, what if Amazon builds its new headquarters in the Sault? The Sault is sending in a proposal. Check
here. Quite frankly, I have not come across other northern Ontario cities doing the same.
As well, there is television production activity underway in the Sault.
Producer returns with big projects for Northern Ontario. SaultOnline. October 15th, 2017.
And all the way in North Bay, there is this item referring to a recent Fraser Institute Report by
Ross McKitrick and Elmira Aliakbari:
Ontario's green energy policies killed jobs.Nugget.ca, October 19th, 2017.
Even North Bay is apparently getting into the film business...
Film industry applauds local cinematography program. BAYTODAY.com, October 14th,017.
Have a great week!
