John Lester
Economist
John Lester is a former Canadian government economist who writes on public policy issues. Mr. Lester’s last public service assignment was as director of Research for the Expert Panel Review of Federal Support to Research and Development. Prior to that, he managed the Tax Evaluations and Research Group at Finance Canada. Since leaving the public service, Mr. Lester has published papers with The School of Public Policy, the Canadian Tax Journal, Canadian Public Policy, and the C.D. Howe Institute. His research and current interests include the federal government’s expenditure management system (including evaluation policy), cost-benefit analysis of government programs, particularly those related to R&D and innovation, as well as market failures in the financing of innovative projects and entrepreneurship policy.
Recent Publications
Enhanced Tax Incentives for R&D Would Make Americans Richer
The United States continues to fall far behind comparable countries in the level of tax support it provides to spur research and development. Increasing the R&D credit would boost American’s real incomes through innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
