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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.
21:51
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Quick takeaways
- The Canadian government’s rapid and extensive fiscal measures during COVID-19 bolstered public confidence, despite critiques on their economic sustainability.
- Experts emphasized the need for adaptable government strategies and better coordination between federal and provincial responses for future crises.
Deep dives
Assessment of Canada's Fiscal Response to COVID-19
The Canadian government's fiscal response to the COVID-19 pandemic consisted of over 70 measures costing approximately $300 billion, prompting discussions about its efficiency. Many experts noted that while the immediate response was effective and well-coordinated, certain aspects could have been more economical, suggesting room for improvement in design and delivery. The expediency of the measures was crucial as citizens and businesses required immediate support, and the government had to act swiftly to reassure the market. Despite some critiques of the overly broad and prolonged nature of the programs, the overall consensus was that the government's quick action positively impacted public confidence during a time of uncertainty.
