We are economists who study Canada's tax-and-transfer system as what it actually is — two sides of one coin. Our research is designed from the start to be used: by governments, by civil society, and by the people policies affect.
Canada's tax policies and its transfer programs are designed and studied as though they exist in separate worlds. They don't. Our work brings them together — examining the full system that shapes who has resources, who doesn't, and why.
How governments raise resources — and whether they do so fairly, efficiently, and transparently. From federal income tax to municipal property levies, we examine the full tax mix and what it means for Canadians.
How governments redistribute resources — and whether the programs they design actually reach people with adequate, accessible support. We examine income and social programs from design through delivery.
Traditional economic approaches treat policy as a design problem: build the right model, produce the right recommendations, hand them over. We've seen what happens next — implementation fails, communities are left behind, and the next reform starts from scratch.
Our research is built differently. We work across disciplinary boundaries because tax and transfer policy involves law, administration, political science, and the lived realities of people that economics alone can't capture. We co-design with government and civil society partners so findings are usable from day one. And we stay involved through implementation, because that's where policy either works or doesn't.
"Good tax policy planning involves economists, lawyers, administrators, and — importantly — adequate discussion with taxpayers."— Richard M. Bird
Since 2019, we have built a record of joint work on tax reform and income security that combines rigorous analysis with direct policy impact — advising governments, shaping legislation, and training the next generation of policy researchers.
One of Canada's leading experts on tax policy design, implementation, and administration — with deep experience advising federal, provincial, and municipal governments on income taxation, municipal finance, and fiscal federalism.
An applied microeconomist specialising in the design and delivery of income support programs, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and administrative effectiveness. A central contributor to the BC Basic Income Expert Panel and ongoing disability benefit reform.
We work with governments, civil society organisations, and research partners across Canada. Whether you need policy analysis, program evaluation, co-designed research, or expert advice — our work is built to be used.