BIV 2010 FORTY UNDER 40
Business in Vancouver December 28, 2010–January 3, 2011
27
Niels Veldhuis Vice-president, research, the Fraser Institute Age: 34
N
iels Veldhuis has quickly built a reputation as one of Canada’s top economists. He dared to be one of the only economists in Canada who came out against the federal government’s stimulus package in early 2009. “We did a detailed analysis of how that stimulus package worked and whether it improved the economy. Our publication received responses from the prime minister and the finance minister. So, it immediately got responses from, arguably, two of the most powerful people in Canada,” Veldhuis said. “That’s one example of how the research that my team does, and that I’ve been involved in, has a significant impact on how our politicians and the public think.” Veldhuis’ team garners about 3,500 media mentions each year. His own involvement with media comes from writing more than 150 columns annually for papers such as the Na-
tional Post and Business in Vancouver. He is the author or co-author of five books and 55 major research studies. Veldhuis moved to Edmonton, Alberta, when he was six years old. He completed high school in south Delta before moving to Simon Fraser University for a BA in business administration and then a master’s degree in economics. The Fraser Institute is his main job, but he also teaches four courses each year at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and writes books that have nothing to do with his day job. His latest book, The Canadian Century: Moving Out of America’s Shadow, was published by Key Porter Books and has received rave reviews in papers such Ottawa’s Hill Times. Outside of these involvements, Veldhuis is
a member of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts’ advisory committee on investment and job creation. He oversees the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for non-profit excellence, which provides the tools for, and facilitates a movement toward, improved performance in the non-profit sector. He also regularly gives presentations on economics to Rotary Clubs, high school and university students and community organizations.
Congratulations
“Professors often end up talking to a very small group of people. I much more want to be engaged with the general public than sitting in an ivory tower,” he said. “That’s what gravitated me toward the Fraser Institute.” Ą
Birthplace: Enschede, the Netherlands Where do you live now: Tsawwassen Highest level of education: Master’s in economics, SFU Car or chosen mode of transport: Jeep Liberty Currently reading: I juggle several books at a time but my current favourite is The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley Last CD bought or music downloaded: The Weary Kind by Ryan Bingham Favourite local restaurant: Illuminate Restorante in Tsawwassen Profession you would most like to try: Heli-skiing guide Mentor: My dad, Henk Veldhuis and Jason Clemens Toughest business or professional decision: Taking unpopular positions on critical issues. The latest tough decision was whether or not to wade into the census debate this summer. We went against the country’s political and academic elites by suggesting that the long-form census be scrapped because it is rife with intrusive questions (PS: I find this question intrusive) Advice you would give the younger you: Working hard is important but being fit and healthy is equally, if not more, important. It will ultimately increase your productivity and chance at success. It took me years to figure this. But, after dropping 80 pounds in 2005, I haven’t looked back What’s left to do: I’ve got a five-year plan, both personal and business related. First up: start a family
“I much more want to be engaged with the general public than sitting in an ivory tower”
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