Well, here we are, cold, sick of the 2008 election, wondering whom to blame for The Steroid Era, a little lighter on the brokerage statement and not knowing how long subprime will rule the mood. But low payout ratios and under-control costs help the best businesses weather storms like the one we’re experiencing. Read More

Mark Carney, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s designee to succeed David Dodge as governor of the Bank of Canada, confirmed a well-circulated rumor last week during an appearance before the House of Commons Finance Committee intended to establish his qualifications to head the country’s central bank. Read More

Ten thousand delegates from 190 countries will be in Bali this week to talk about climate change, kicking off negotiations for a new international agreement to follow the Kyoto Accord. The US continues to oppose mandatory emissions cuts by wealthy nations and a target to limit the rise in global temperatures. Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper is trying to bridge a gap between what now amounts to the rest of the industrialized world and the US. Read More

I’m best known for dishing out advice on income stocks like utilities and Canadian trusts. But through my new service with colleague Yiannis Mostrous, I'm also providing insight into vital resources such as base and precious metals, agricultural, water, industrial metals, steel and other raw materials stocks. Also included is a full overview of third quarter results for all CE Portfolio holdings. Read More

One element of the Tax Fairness Plan--the formal name of the scheme to subject income trusts to double taxation--that provides at least some comfort is the three-year window before flow-through entities have to start coughing up more cash to the government. A lot can happen in 36 months. Read More

The Canadian dollar has fallen of late, thanks in part to OPEC news, carry trades and profit-taking. And Alberta isn't alone in its proposal to increase ownership; its rate hike is only one of many moves worldwide to keep resource benefits local. Also, support for the Conservatives has slipped, not risen as intended, because of tax cuts in a mini-budget. Read More

A bolo-tie wearing agronomist, he’s made a national name in the US touting a synthetic fuel process developed in the 1920s by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute. Now Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer has invited Alberta’s energy producers to his state. Read More

Let’s start with the bad news. Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has spoken, and it’s official: Royalty levies are going up for most producers of oil and natural gas in Alberta. Read More

What’s with Canada and the word fair, in all its forms? “Tax Fairness Plan.” “Our Fair Share.” Are we looking at another Halloween ruined? Read More

Prime Minister Stephen Harper intends to announce his presence with authority in his Speech from the Throne, which will outline a renewed parliamentary session. Read More