Ben Le Fort

Economist | Data Scientist | Policy Analyst

I specialize in converting complex agricultural data into clear, actionable policy insights. With over 12 years of experience, I combine rigorous econometric modeling with modern data engineering to answer critical questions about the rural economy.

Technical Expertise

Selected Projects

Economic Impact Simulator

Designed a custom Input-Output multiplier model tailored for the Canadian agricultural sector. This engine serves as a specialized alternative to IMPLAN, enabling precise impact assessments of government infrastructure investments and output shocks.

Python Input-Output Modeling Statistics Canada Data

Municipal Policy Tracker

Built an automated pipeline to scrape and index bylaws and council minutes from 444 Ontario municipalities. The resulting database tracks regulatory changes affecting agriculture, from stormwater fees to development charges, in near real-time.

Web Scraping NLP Streamlit Maps

Farm Finance Dashboard

Developed a production-grade visual analytics tool to track farm income, debt trends, and capital investment. Utilizes fixed-effects panel data models to forecast the financial health of the sector under various policy scenarios.

Time-Series Forecasting Data Viz Financial Modeling

Causal Policy Evaluation

Led difference-in-differences analyses on major tax policies, including the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance and Restricted Farm Loss deductions. Research findings directly informed lobbying efforts and federal tax policy adjustments.

R (Fixest) Panel Data Public Policy

Get In Touch

Always open to discussing data strategy, economic modeling, and agricultural policy.

Business & Inquiries:

info@benlefort.com

BLeFort2025