Industrial Policy after Neoliberalism with D.T. Cochrane

Perspectives: A Canadian Journal of Political Economy and Social Democracy

For decades, social democrats have championed industrial policy, prioritizing the governance of the economy and market regulation as a way to build a more just and democratic society. But as a new era of neoliberalism — or post-neoliberalism — dawns, economist D.T. Cochrane sees Canada at a crossroads, in urgent need of a renewed vision of industrial policy.

The Canadian Labour Congress’s senior economist points to the shortcomings of Canada’s carbon tax and tells us what the future of the Canadian economy could look like as Donald Trump takes office in the US, answering the ultimate question: how can we ensure our markets are healthy and benefit all Canadians?

Notes:

• The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time, by Karl Polanyi, 1944.
• Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism, by Mariana Mazzucato, 2021.
• The Fur Trade in Canada by Harold Innis, 1927.
• Setting the record straight on Canada’s ‘productivity crisis' by DT Crochane, Canadian Dimension, Dec. 19, 2024
• Neoliberalism’s Undead with Alex Himelfarb, Perspectives Journal, Nov. 29, 2024
• Is Market-based Climate Action Working for Canadians? with Brendan Haley Perspectives Journal podcast, September 17, 2024.
• Is Canada Falling Behind on Green Industrial Policy? with Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood Perspectives Journal Podcast, May 13, 2024.