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Jim Stanford

@jimbostanford.bsky.social
6.2K followers 493 following 586 posts

Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work in Vancouver, Canada (centreforfuturework.ca). He/him. Harold Innis Industry Professor, Economics Dept., McMaster University, and Honorary Prof. of Political-Economy, University of Sydney

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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 20h
This contagious claim that under the NDP BC has become 'the highest taxed province' is nonsense. Provincial own-source revenue as share of GDP is 4th lowest among the provinces, and below the Canadian weighted average. #bcpoli /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
@bspiesbutcher.bsky.social from @futurework.bsky.social hits the nail on the head re monetary policy failures: “Supply shocks are our primary challenge. But [RBA] still treats them like an aberration, not the main game. It’s looking in the wrong direction” www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/economy...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Could a German economist fix the RBA’s inflation problem?
As the RBA admits interest rates are its only tool for managing inflation, alternative models propose dealing with supply shocks through price caps and strategic reserves.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This is an outstanding refutation of PM Carney's double-speak on proposed Canada Labour Code amendments, from Colleen Bauman and Mark Rowlinson: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont.... Previous misuse of Section 107 would be codified & routinized, even though it's still facing court challenges. #canlab
thestar.com
Mark Carney says he’s protecting Canadian workers. It’s Orwellian doublespeak
Subject to ministerial review, the right to strike is likely to be much weakened by Bill C-39.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Looking forward to this webinar with the Canadian Health Coalition Oct 20. Too often we view health care solely as a cost. In reality it’s an *industry*, and one of Canada’s most important. Webinar: The economic benefits of public health care in Canada #canlab www.healthcoalition.ca/webinar-the-...
healthcoalition.ca
Webinar: The economic benefits of public health care in Canada with Jim Stanford
What if we thought of public health care as an investment?
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Listening to the brilliant Maxwell Cameron of UBC speaking at the Vancouver Institute tonite on his timely new book, ‘Divided We Fall’ (Lorimer). Pragmatic advice on how to nurture civility, citizenship, and democracy in the face of the authoritarianism of Trump & others. #cdnpoli
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Thx @thewalrus.ca for a great article exposing the ‘big lie’ of Alberta victimisation weaponised by Smith’s opportunism. Our report with @ABFedLabour documents how it’s not Ottawa, but the greed of business & its UCP backers, that explains Albertans hardship: centreforfuturework.ca/2026/09/18/wor…
centreforfuturework.ca
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Thanks to @vassb.bsky.social & team at @canadianshieldinstitute.ca for this thoughtful and evidence-based look at Canadian pension funds, and how they need to be part of real building in Canada (rather than buying out stuff we already have, like airports): canadianshieldinstitute.ca/reports/wort...
canadianshieldinstitute.ca
Worth It: How Canada’s Pensions Can Invest in Real Canadian Growth | Canadian Shield Institute
The Canadian Shield Institute is an independent policy institute advancing Canada's economic resilience, sovereignty, innovation, and global competitiveness....
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is a great, balanced overview of the so-called 'mega' depreciation deduction announced by Ottawa, from @marclee.bsky.social at @policyalternatives.ca: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc.... Including long-lived petroleum assets (pipelines & LNG plants) is dubious & harmful to the climate.
policyalternatives.ca
The Canadian government's new “mega” corporate tax cut  | CCPA
What you need to know about the Productivity Mega Deduction, the latest measure purportedly designed to induce an investment boom.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Think your phone is listening to you? You might be right! Vancouver MP @jennykwan.bsky.social hosts a town hall meeting on surveillance pricing, Oct 5 630 pm at Heritage Hall. I will join others to discuss what it means and how to stop it. More info here: www.jennykwanndp.ca/town_hall_me.... #canlab
jennykwanndp.ca
TOWN HALL MEETING: Surveillance Pricing
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This is a clarion call to MAGA North to step up their misinformation and destruction, coordinated with the Alberta referendum. All based on obvious lies. A clear incident of foreign interference. Feds should call in Hoekstra for a dressing down. #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Trump says Canada is 'destroying itself' with immigration. Ministers say that's bogus | CBC News
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Canadian immigration policies on Wednesday, saying the country is "destroying itself" by allowing "millions" of people into the country without proper securit...
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
With a possible election in BC, now is a good time to remind the govt of its promise to expand public long-term care. The need is more urgent than ever, but govt deferred construction on 7 new facilities. Our new report explains why this won't save $$: centreforfuturework.ca/2026/09/20/t... /2
centreforfuturework.ca
The Build-Big Agenda in B.C. Should Include Long-Term Care Homes - Centre for Future Work
British Columbia should make long-term care part of its big-project building agenda and commit to a construction timetable for seven deferred public care projects, says a new report from the Centre fo...
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Most labour market analysis of AI focuses on the fear (justified in some, but not most, cases) of mass employment displacement. The bigger, more immediate threat is how it changes the *quality* of work--including through employer misuse of new management & surveillance tools. /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I agree with @althiaraj.bsky.social that throwing the airport privatization announcement into Carney's investment summit was an "own goal". youtube.com/watch?v=pmBP.... It badly muddled his "build Canada" message, because this has nothing to do with "building." #cdnpoli #canlab /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Huge turnout in Vancouver tonite for the 2026 Rosenbluth Lecture, hosted by policyalternatives.ca. Speakers are Linda McQuaig and Neil Brooks speaking from their blockbuster new book, ‘Cancelling Billionaires.’ Inspiring and pragmatic. #cdnpoli #canlab
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Through the 'Game Changers' project based at UMass Amherst, I joined progressive economists from the US and Mexico to debunk Trump's trade war, and map out a genuine alternative vision for North American trade. We'll have a webinar Thur Sept 17 4pmET to describe our findings. /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The myth Alberta 'subsidizes' the rest of Canada is the most powerful meme in the separatist armoury. But it's utterly false. I show that most Albertans get more back from federal programs than they personally pay in federal taxes, for @thetyee.ca: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026... #abpoli /2
thetyee.ca
No, Alberta Does Not ‘Subsidize’ the Rest of Canada | The Tyee
The vast majority of workers get more from federal programs than they give.
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clnzjay 🌱 🐶 🇨🇦 @clnz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Trump’s 5 big lies about Canada: 🔺 “$90B deficit” leaves out what U.S. sells us. Count it all, & the U.S. actually has a surplus. 🔺 Canada isn’t being “subsidized.” 🔺Cutting off Canada would hurt 🇺🇸 too. 🔺 Our dollar isn’t “cheating” the U.S. 🔺 Canada CAN survive without the U.S. Facts Matter.
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Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America @gamechangerspolicy.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This week, the Work & International Trade team will discuss Trump's trade war with Canada and how we can build a better trade economy for working people. Speakers: @theameilee.bsky.social @jimbostanford.bsky.social Luis Rangel, Hector de la Cueva, & Will Milberg Register for all webinars here:
bit.ly
Game Changers Webinar Series
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
As gas jumps another ten cents/litre due to craziness on the other side of the planet with zero connection to Canada, this is my regular reminder that the cost of producing that gas hasn’t changed one cent. More on why we pay so much for our own petroleum: centreforfuturework.ca/2026/05/17/a...
centreforfuturework.ca
A Sequel We Don’t Want: What the 2026 Oil Price Shock Will Cost Canadians. - Centre for Future Work
The war in the Persian Gulf has caused the biggest disruption in oil supply in world history, and is driving up costs and inflation around the world – including in Canada. New research from the Centre for Future Work, published through the False Profits project, shows how damaging this latest oil shock will be for affordability and inflation in Canada. It also proposes policies to protect consumers and workers.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Trump wants us to believe Canada can’t stand up to his extortion. He’s wrong. Trump’s five biggest lies about Canada-U.S. trade debunked. My take in today’s Toronto Star. #cdnecon #canlab www.thestar.com/business/opi...
thestar.com
The five big lies Trump is telling about Canada's trade — and the facts that shoot them all down
Trump's numbers keep changing because they were never real, writes Jim Stanford. Here's a point-by-point rebuttal of his wildest arguments
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Thanks & congrats to United Way Centraide Canada for this timely new report on the workforce challenges in Canada's care economy: www.unitedway.ca/wp-content/u.... Confirms what a vital source of value-added & expertise this workforce is, and why we must invest more in skills & job quality. #canlab
unitedway.ca
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
More than 25 countries in the world have a currency called “the dollar”. According to Donald Trump, 24 of them are taking advantage of America because their dollars are different from his. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar /2
en.wikipedia.org
Dollar - Wikipedia
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Superb analysis from Ben Spies-Butcher of @futurework.bsky.social of the contradictions of orthodox monetary austerity, applied in the Australian context: www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/fina.... Monetary transmission is now felt via a tax on workers thru housing. Read it in @thenewdaily.bsky.social.
thenewdaily.com.au
RBA’s economic inflation wisdom doesn't fit the lived experience
The Reserve Bank of Australia sits at the centre of the disconnect between economic theory and cost-of-living reality.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The federal gas tax holiday is a 10-cent band-aid on a much bigger problem: repeat cycles of global oil shocks, inflation, interest hikes, recession. Like any band-aid, it hurts to rip it off: so Ottawa leaves it on for 5 more months. But consumers paid $3b extra in 2Q for gas anyway. /2
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Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Does Alberta Really Subsidize the Rest of Canada? Separatists argue the province sends billions more to Ottawa than it gets back. Economist @jimbostanford.bsky.social says they're wrong. Is this news to you? 👀 FULL: rtrj.info/090126Stanford 🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/090126 #abpoli #cdnpoli #RealTalkRJ
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Glad to be visiting my HOME province today, partnering with @ABFedLabour, to warn how Alberta workers are especially exposed to the economic risks of separatism. See the full report: afl.org/press-releas... #cdnecon #canlab #abpoli
afl.org
PRESS RELEASE: New report shows separation would be disastrous for Alberta workers
CALGARY — A new report released today by the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) warns that separation would impose enormous economic and social costs on Alberta workers — threatening jobs, wages…
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
What an outstanding vote of confidence in Canada’s auto industry, looking thru the haze of Trump’s froth to a more secure long-term future. A thumping strong vote (incl 96% at CAMI!). Congrats and thanks to all the committees & all Unifor members. #canlab www.unifor.org/news/all-new...
unifor.org
Unifor members ratify contracts with GM securing new products, investment
TORONTO—Unifor members at General Motors voted overwhelmingly to ratify contracts that secure new products and investment, while also delivering the wages and benefit improvements in the union’s patte...
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I joined Amy Bell of CBC Vancouver on Friday's edition of BC Today to discuss the strong second-quarter GDP report, and what it means for Canada's future negotiations with Trump. Here's the video: youtube.com/watch?v=iem0.... #cdnecon #canlab
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Very ironic that one of the biggest contributors to Canada's strong 2Q GDP report was a 27% increase in vehicle exports to the US. That reaffirms my point in this @thestar.com commentary: Trump's Jan. 1 doomsday threat to our auto sector is pure theatre thestar.com/business/opi... /2
thestar.com
The auto trade war Trump started is slowly destroying the industry he promised to save
Since Trump's 2024 election, the U.S. has shed nearly 40,000 auto sector jobs — six times more than Canada lost, writes Jim Stanford. A tariff war is not winning, it's self-sabotage.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
As I predicted 3 months ago, Canada's so-called 'technical recession' has been revised out of existence. The initial reported decline in 1Q26 GDP was so tiny, just a small revision in the #s (as occurs regularly) turned it positive. thestar.com/opinion/cont... #cdnecon #canlab /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Our Centre for Future Work has partnered with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on a new report reviewing the 6 new ‘Workforce Alliances’ being established by the federal government as part of its Canada Strong economic strategy. #cdnecon #canlab www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
A hinge moment for unions in Canada’s new industrial era | CCPA
Canadian unions must help shape a new era of industrial policy in favour of workers as we face an unprecedented threat in Donald Trump
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
More evidence that BC is ready to give away too much to the (already-super-profitable) petroleum industry with its new royalty framework. Govt's budget numbers vastly overestimate how much the people of BC will get for their own gas: biv.com/news/economy.... /2
biv.com
Budget error could cost B.C. billions in gas royalties
B.C. hinges its economic future on a massive natural gas boom, but experts warn a critical budget oversight and concessions to industry risk wiping out billions in expected public revenues
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
We will put our heads together 12noon ET tomorrow to make sense of the new eruption in Trump’s trade war, and brainstorm progressive ways forward 👇. Thanks @policyalternatives.ca for hosting.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Trump’s new threats are all about performing dominance. Major US corporations would be the biggest victims of his actions. Which is one reason, among many, why they will never happen. He’s trying to scare & divide Canadians, and claim a victory, any victory, before the mid-terms.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Turns out the ‘deal’ with Canada that Trump (not Carney) announced the other night was no more real than the 14 ‘deals’ he’s announced with Iran, or the dozens of others he trumpets with no underpinnings. He’s shown he’s desperate to proclaim a victory with someone, anyone. /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
It’s crunch time in BC’s tortuous path to reforming its lax system of natural gas royalties. The govt is being pressed hard by petroleum giants making more money than ever before, but still demanding handouts. They should be rebuffed. My take for The Tyee: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
thetyee.ca
Hang Tough, Premier Eby, on Gas Royalties | The Tyee
BC holds a strong hand. More concessions will harm reconciliation and revenues.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Here's the latest rundown on recent research & commentary from our Centre for Future Work in Canada: mailchi.mp/a1d8eed95015.... You can also sign up to get these updates directly via centreforfuturework.ca/contact/ #cdnecon #canlab
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Monday Morning Update: No ships passed Strait of Hormuz yesterday, Trump threatens to bomb Oman, oil prices climb again--and Canada's inflation up to 3% for July due to sky-high gasoline. The global oil roller coaster is hurting Canadian workers and consumers once again. 🧵1/9
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
This week the 4 biggest publicly-traded Canadian oil companies posted $13.3b after-tax profit in the 2nd quarter ($146m per DAY). Like other global oil giants, they are getting rich from the misery caused by Trump's war. My take in today's @thestar.com: thestar.com/business/opi... /2
thestar.com
Are Canadian oil producers cashing in on war?
With Canadian oil majors posting blockbuster war-fuelled profits, it's time for an excess profits tax, Jim Stanford writes.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The stark contrast in today's labour force data from Canada & the U.S. certainly strengthens Canada's hand in ongoing trade talks with Trump. Canada created 75K jobs in July. The U.S. lost 23K by one measure (payroll survey), 87K by another (household survey). #cdnecon #canlab /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Here's my recent chat with @ianhanomansing.bsky.social on CBC News Network about Trump's latest tariff grenades. Keep calm and carry on, Canada. The U.S. has as much to lose in aggregate from a bigger trade breakdown as we do: youtube.com/watch?v=20Mb.... #cdnecon #canlab
youtube.com
Jim Stanford on CBC: Trump's Latest Tariffs
YouTube video by Centre For Future Work
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
I partnered with the Ont Coalition for Better Child Care and the Assoc of Early Childhood Educators on a new study on the economic benefits being harvested by Ont from the new $10-a-day national child care program: childcareontario.org/stanford-rep.... More jobs, more GDP, more govt rev. /2
childcareontario.org
New Report: $10aDay Child Care Plan Boosts Ontario GDP by $13.6 Billion, Generating Over $2 Billion in Provincial Revenue for the Ford Government - OCBCC
TORONTO (July 27, 2026) — A new report released today reveals that the expansion of affordable child care services in Ontario has delivered a substantial
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The U.S. uses prison labour (incl. for private firms) more than any other country, hasn't raised its min. wage ($7.25/hr) since 2009, and violates dozens of international labour standards every day. So Trump's new Section 301 tariffs have nothing to do with concern for labour. /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Very exciting to meet with Canada's Premiers today to discuss the 'other side of the coin' of public health care: Yes it's a big cost, but it's a huge economic driver, too. Jobs, growth, innovation--and a big flowback to govt revenues. Thanks to @cfnu.bsky.social for hosting. #cdnecon #canlab /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Section 338 in US trade law is obscure & has never been used to impose tariffs in its 96 yrs of existence. Trump's use of it to threaten Canada is hollow & would be defeated in US courts. He is thrashing around trying to look strong despite a growing list of failures. Ignore him.
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
74% endorsement of a new pattern agreement for @unifor.org members at Ford, making robust gains amidst Trump’s tariff chaos. What an outstanding demonstration of solidarity and resilience. GM and Stellantis next. They’d be foolhardy to challenge this pattern. #canlab #cdnecon
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Congratulations to the bargaining committees and all @Unifor.org members at Ford for this new deal. Amazing to see such solid wage & benefit gains, at the same time nailing down future jobs and investments at a time of Trump-induced chaos for the industry. 👍✊🏼🙏🏼 #canlab
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
UBS 2026 Global Wealth Report confirms the typical (ie. median) Canadian is 2x wealthier than the median American. Cda ranks 7th on median wealth, US 28th. Galactic hoards of Musk, Bezos, et al inflate the US average but virtually none flows to most Americans. #canlab #cdnecon /2
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Jim Stanford @jimbostanford.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
These lovely rules should apply everywhere in life, not just at the rec centre. Respect, cooperation, participation. But far too woke for those nostalgic for “warrior culture.”
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Deb Jeffrey @debjeffrey.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Policy Releases starting JULY 6: Game Changers Launch: “The Economy We Deserve” U.S. focus but some Canadian content @jimbostanford.bsky.social Many topics covered - including UBI e.g. @scottsantens.com JULY 13 A Universal Basic Income for Children Nancy Folbre peri.umass.edu/gamechangers/
peri.umass.edu
Game Changers: Economic Policies for a Working America
Game Changers presents policymakers with bold, new ideas to build a stronger, fairer, greener, and more inclusive economy for all Americans.
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