National Post Canada Adrift -what to do

Common sense - strategic or tactical government? PR
National Post: "THE BIG SIX
The six elements the Canadian Council of Chief Executives believe are needed to improve Canada's standing in the world are:
GOOD GOVERNANCE Implement public-sector reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability. Public officials should be required to do what is required of corporate officers -- sign off on financial statements to verify that everything contained in the document is true. Moreover, there is a need to end the so-called one-off financial deals with provinces, which have boosted public spending while, at the same time, reduced taxpayer accountability. There also needs to be a review of which level of government is best suited to deliver certain services.
PUBLIC SERVICE & INFRASTRUCTURE Governments should ensure their activities contribute to future economic growth, rather than redistributing wealth for current consumption. Also, they should explore partnerships with the private sector in terms of delivering services -- if the joint venture makes economic sense.
TAXATION & REGULATION There is a need to review the tax regime, given that Canada is among the highest in terms of taxes on business investments. Other countries that compete with Canada are moving to higher consumption taxes (like the GST) and lower corporate and personal tax rates.
PRODUCTIVITY Need to review the country's restrictions on foreign investment, among the most stringent of the industrialized world. Such restrictions reduce competition and the need for domestic companies to innovate. Also, need to eliminate regulatory overlap, such as the need for 13 securities regulators as opposed to one national watchdog.
EXPERTISE Canada needs to increase the pace of commercialization, or the ability to bring technology developed as the result of research to the commercial market. Th"