List of Illustrations
List of Tables
Preface
Abbreviations
1. The Pandemic and After
Responding to the Pandemic
The Post-pandemic Search for Stability
What Kind of Change Is Required?
Keep in Mind
2. Making Economic Decisions
An Epistemic Elite
Distinctive Roles and Critical Relationships
The Limitations of Elite Decision-Making
Conclusion
3. Governing after the Pandemic
Can Government Do Good?
Stabilizing the Economy: Program Design and Delivery
Governments’ Role in the Economy: Will Anything Change?
The Growth Imperative
Conclusion
4. Coping with Income and Wealth Inequalities
Why Is Inequality a Problem?
The Complicated Relationship between Inequality and Economic Growth
Traditional Programs That Tackle Inequality
Alternative Proposals on Inequality
Conclusion
5. Dealing with the Debt
Debt Dimensions
The Debt Threat
Guardrails, Anchors, and Rules
Debt Options: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Conclusion
6. Holding the Federation Together
Evaluating Fiscal Federalism Institutions
The Pandemic: Addressing a Fiscal Emergency
Risk Reduction
Risk Sharing
Conclusion
7. Keeping Government Accountable
On Being Accountable
Parliament and the Budget Process
Bureaucrats, Budgets, and Program Reviews
Auditors and Budget Officers
Conclusion
8. Canada’s Fiscal Future
Stubborn Realities
Pandemic Effects
Pressing Needs
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Interview Questions
Appendix 2: A Survey on Canadians’ Opinions on the Post-pandemic Economy and Fiscal Policy
References
Index
