Hub Podcasts Michael Atkinson and Haizhen Mou on what Canada Got Right — and Wrong — on COVID Fiscal Policy
May 9, 2025
This discussion features Michael Atkinson, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and co-author of "Fiscal Choices: Canada After the Pandemic," alongside Haizhen Mou. They dive deep into Canada’s fiscal measures during COVID-19, analyzing nearly $300 billion in initiatives and the lessons learned for future crises. The conversation explores the importance of resilient policies in a polycrisis era and emphasizes building public trust through accountability in government spending. The insights paint a vivid picture of Canada’s economic landscape in challenging times.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Effectiveness of Canada's COVID Fiscal Response
- Canada's COVID fiscal response was largely effective but could have been more economical.
- The government moved quickly and delivered support that most found satisfactory amid the crisis.
Prioritize Speed in Crisis Aid
- Immediate and effective government assistance is crucial in early crisis stages.
- Speed in delivering aid trumps perfect program design during emergencies.
Learning From and Improving Crisis Response
- Preparation and learning from past crises are vital for future responses.
- While cautious, Canada's stimulus was arguably oversized and extended too long.