How Jacques Dube Really Feels About Your Tax Bill

Last year, every urban centre in the Maritimes witnessed population growth. Moncton and Halifax, in particular, had the fastest-growing populations among Canada's 35 largest urban centres.

The big challenge facing cities now properly managing growth as they see a rapid increase in house prices, homelessness, and increased wait times for just about every public service.

Halifax's recently retired CAO, Jacques Dube, joins the Insights Podcast to talk about how municipalities can foster sustainable growth. He weighs in on it all: long-term vision, strategy, public engagement, downtown development, affordable housing, and public safety.

He also serves up a few spicy takes he never could have got away with in his old role. Did our leaders make a mistake with amalgamation? Are rural residents paying their fair share of taxes?

You'll have to listen to find out.

The Insights podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.