There have been several corruption scandals in Quebec and in the rest of Canada in recent years. Corruption is a problem that affects all countries and all societies, but it is much more prevalent in certain regions than in others. Economic analysis has several things to teach us about these disparities and about economic principles that can check this scourge.

Reducing the income tax and its effects on the economy.

The consequences of a heavy tax burden on businesses.

The cost of the Olympics.

The cost of a reduction in our oil consumption.

It is difficult for innovative solutions like nurse-led clinics to establish themselves in a bureaucratic health care system.

Our governments have the tendency to imitate others for their public policies.

Businesses are taxed more than before.

In the introduction to its budget plan tabled earlier this week, Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced a deficit of $29.4 billion for the 2016-2017 year, or $1,631 per net taxpayer, and total deficits of $113 billion over the next five years. One of the arguments raised in the document in favour of this substantial new debt is that Canada’s current overall debt is much lower than that of the other G7 countries, which gives the federal government the leeway to take on more debt. However, this comparison is based on the net debt, which distorts the situation.

2016-2017 Federal Budget.