Commentary on cutting a free trade deal with Japan, Project Syndicate’s inequality posts, Europe’s failed austerity plan, trouble in China, American energy independence, and Alberta surprises itself.

Fuji Arts -- The Moon's Inner Vision by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Brian Mulroney’s free trade guru Professor Charley McMillan argues the time has come for a deal with Japan.

Financial Post -- The right time to do a deal with Japan
Canada’s recent announcement of bilateral free trade talks with Japan will be welcomed by those who recognize the global shift towards Asia.

Leading edge site Project Syndicate’s April newsletter puts the focus on the inequality debate.

Project Inequality – The Age of Inequality
Inequality has become a crucial topic for everyone from economists, central bankers, and bond traders to the Occupy movement and the political leaders who must respond to it. Project Syndicate contributors, including the world’s pre-eminent economic practitioners and academics, examine the causes and consequences of growing disparities in income and wealth.

More evidence that the austerity plan isn’t working.

Econompicdata – How’s That Austerity Working?
The debt of the euro region rose last year to the highest since the start of the single currency as governments increased borrowing to plug budget deficits and fund bailouts of fellow nations crippled by the fiscal crisis.

 

China’s political troubles, where there is smoke there is fire.

Financial Times -- Real meaning of the rot at the top of China
The Communist party of China faces a colossal legitimacy crisis.

Will shale gas change the global energy balance?

Financial Times -- Shale gas: Terminal decline no longer
A trade long dominated by a few producing nations faces disruption.

News that the Tea Party-like Wildrose Party of Alberta did not sweep away the Progressive Conservative dynasty in last night’s election is a reminder of how sophisticated the province has become over the past 30 years. The ‘lake of fire, hell, a place of eternal suffering’ will have to wait.

Globe and Mail -- Smith blames controversial remarks, strategic voting for Alberta loss
Danielle Smith, Alberta’s new Opposition Leader, believes two factors kept her upstart Wildrose Party from forming Alberta’s next government -- controversial comments by two of her candidates and strategic voting.