1-minute read
The Underground Economy: Causes, Extent, Approaches
The underground economy (or illegal economy) covers market production of goods and services, legal and illegal, which are sold or purchased illegally. It is composed of both the irregular economy, where legal goods and services are produced and exchanged under illegal conditions, and (productive) black markets, the preserve of goods and services that are illegal but satisfy all the parties involved. History presents us with a large number of prohibition and taxation events that gave rise to contraband. However, smuggling and other forms of underground markets are not only a historical phenomenon, but an everyday fixture of contemporary economies: drugs, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, etc. One should not think of the underground economy as only black markets or smuggling on irregular markets. The irregular economy mainly includes otherwise legal services sold “under the table” like labour services sold to businesses or individuals (in residential construction and renovation, for example). […] To deal with the underground economy, four public policy approaches are possible.
4-minute read
L’industrie musicale doit changer de refrain
The record industry and the Internet.
4-minute read
Mystery solved: Why the car companies are gouging us
The rise of the Canadian dollar.
5-minute read
Le prix des autos et le Bureau de la concurrence
The rise of the Canadian dollar.
5-minute read
Prix des voitures: un dossier pour le Bureau de la concurrence
The rise of the Canadian dollar.
4-minute read
Le culte de la victime
Obesity: Who is responsible?
5-minute read
En finir avec la margarine colorée!
The debate over coloured margarine.
4-minute read
Margarine wars could escalate with Western embargo – Our refusal to allow coloured spread is a violation of trade obligations
The debate over coloured margarine.
4-minute read
Une explication dont personne ne parle
The price of gas at the pump.
3-minute read
Leur traître, mon héros
The debate over retail opening hours.