FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE: EQUALIZATION IN CANADA
Presented by:
- Loleen Berdahl, Executive Director, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (moderator)
- Mary Janigan, Toronto-based Journalist & historian, author of The Art of Sharing: The Richer versus the Poorer Provinces since Confederation
- Haizhen Mou, Professor, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
- Trevor Tombe, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Calgary, and Research Fellow at The School of Public Policy
Canada’s equalization program has formally existed since 1957, and the principle of equalization has been constitutionally entrenched since 1982. While the program has undergone several changes over the decades, the intent remains the same: to ensure each provincial government can provide a certain level of public services to its citizens, no matter what economic factors may be affecting that region. Equalization can be very politically charged, as is seen with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s plans to hold a provincial referendum on the program in fall 2021. What is the history of Equalization? To what extent does it foster or fragment national unity? What are the challenges for finding the “right” formula? Join us as our panelists tackle the history, formula and policy around Canada’s equalization plan.
Those who attend this lecture will be able to enter into a draw to win a copy of Mary Janigan’s recent book, The Art of Sharing: The Richer versus the Poorer Provinces since Confederation, which explores the untold history of how Ottawa tackled fiscal inequalities among the provinces. Click here to purchase your copy today!
Event details:
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 pm CST
This lecture will be available via Zoom. Please register online and the connection details will be emailed to you.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT JSGS AT JSGS.EVENTS@UREGINA.CA. TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SCHOOLOFPUBLICPOLICY.SK.CA