Miles Corak writes on economics that matters
My teaching style varies with student need, trying to meet individuals where they are and appreciating the barriers they may face. Putting it perhaps too coarsely, I will have a rough impression of a student as either “capable” or “not capable”, cautiously using these words as a catch-all for knowledge, skills, and personal engagement with Continue reading The best teaching strategy meets students…
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 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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…