Inequality erodes opportunity, and limited opportunity exacerbates inequality. This vicious inter-generational cycle has brought inclusive growth into question, contributed to the rise of populist …| Economics for public policy
Inequality erodes opportunity, and limited opportunity exacerbates inequality. This vicious intergenerational cycle has brought inclusive growth into question, contributed to the rise of populist sentiment, and strained the social contract in many rich countries. The way forward for researchers and policy makers requires not only a clear understanding of the facts about what kind of … Continue reading Public Policy for Equality and Opportunity: Evidence-based and Ethically Grounded| Economics for public policy
The Canadian federal government has promised to modernize Employment Insurance for the 21st century and has been holding consultations to engage stakeholders and others. These have been full of suggestions for the expansion of coverage and benefits. But when it comes to financing the program the debate has been framed in terms of how to … Continue reading Insurance principles offer three practical reforms for financing Employment Insurance| Economics for public policy
Watch this interview produced by the Institute for New Economic Thinking , who gave me the opportunity to explain what the Great Gatsby is, and highlight how it offers a constructive framework for research and public policy.| Economics for public policy
It is the stated goal of the Canadian federal government to foster “a strong and inclusive labour market that provides every Canadian with opportunities for a good quality of life.” The legacy of COVID has, however, led to policy incoherence, with some significant reforms directly putting this goal into question. The federal government has repeatedly … Continue reading What will COVID Mean for the Future of Fiscal and Social Policy?| Economics for public policy
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy can reasonably thought of as an experiment not to be repeated. This post is an excerpt from the conclusion to my forthcoming paper called “The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: First steps, missteps, and next steps.” Download a copy and read the full paper. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy as an … Continue reading The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: First steps, missteps, and next steps| Economics for public policy
This post is excerpted and adapted from my introduction to The Century Press edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I’m grateful to the Press for the opportunity to introduce this great novel from an economist’s perspective, and to be part of its handsome leather bound and letterpress first edition. Go to https://www.centurypress.ca/products/the-great-gatsby-pre-order to … Continue reading The Great Gatsby, then and now| Economics for public policy
The Minister of Employment and Social Development in the Canadian federal government, Ahmed Hussen, recently tabled an annual report taking stock of the country’s poverty reduction strategy. The advisory council responsible for the reported dedicated it “to all those courageous people who shared their stories, successes and struggles with the Council in the hope that … Continue reading “We don’t have a chance in hell …”, Canada’s poverty reduction strategy needs real voice| Economics for public policy
Interpreting job market statistics demands a lot of care right now. The pandemic has muddied the statistical waters and created the illusion that unemployment rates are significantly higher in Canada than in other countries. Erin O’Toole, with a sense of indignation and urgency, has boldly proclaimed that “We lead the G7 in unemployment.” Statistics in … Continue reading In pandemic times, the unemployment rate is not what it seems| Economics for public policy
This posts offers my written statement for a presentation made on February 23rd to the Canadian House of Commons, Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities as a part of its Review of the Employment Insurance Program. Employment Insurance has been found wanting. It has … Continue reading Employment Insurance for the future of work, right now| Economics for public policy
