Forty economists, including many Progressive Economics Forum members, have signed the following statement (PDF version):
We write to endorse Linda McQuaig’s candidacy for the upcoming federal by-election in Toronto Centre.
Linda has deep roots in Toronto Centre, having been born in the riding and lived in it for many years. She is also well-known across Canada.
We know her through her extensive research, writing and advocacy on inequality, tax fairness, fiscal policy, globalization, energy and the environment. Her national bestsellers on these issues not only diagnose social problems, but also prescribe policy solutions.
Too often, right-wing politicians win by presenting themselves as good economic managers. British Columbia’s provincial election was the latest example of how the right’s rhetorical focus on the economy can prevail.
That election also illustrated how simply being cautious and saying little about economic issues is an ineffective defence for the political left. New Democrats must challenge the economic record of conservative governments and articulate alternatives to austerity.
Canada needs elected officials who will credibly and confidently speak up for progressive economic policies.
We need Linda McQuaig in Parliament.
Signatories:
• Abdella Abdou, Economics Professor, Brandon University
• Fletcher Baragar, Economics Professor, University of Manitoba
• Hassan Bougrine, Economics Professor, Laurentian University
• Paul Bowles, Economics Professor, University of Northern British Columbia
• Robert Chernomas, Economics Professor, University of Manitoba
• Michel Chossudovsky, Economics Professor Emeritus, University of Ottawa
• Marjorie Griffin Cohen, Political Economist, Simon Fraser University
• Daniel Drache, Political Economist, York University
• Bryan Evans, Public Administration Professor, Ryerson University and Toronto Centre Resident
• Sam Gindin, Former Chief Economist, Canadian Auto Workers and Former Packer Visiting Professor, York University
• Larry Haiven, Management Professor, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University
• Andrew Harvey, Economics Professor Emeritus, Saint Mary’s University
• Roderick Hill, Economics Professor, University of New Brunswick
• Ian Hudson, Economics Professor, University of Manitoba
• Andrew Jackson, Former Chief Economist, Canadian Labour Congress and Packer Visiting Professor, York University
• Marc Lavoie, Economics Professor, University of Ottawa and IMK Research Fellow at the Hans Böckler Foundation
• Gordon Laxer, Founding Director of the Parkland Institute, University of Alberta
• James Laxer, Political Economist, York University and Former Candidate for Federal NDP Leader
• Kari Polanyi Levitt, Economics Professor Emeritus, McGill University and Honorary President of the Karl Polanyi Institute of Political Economy, Concordia University
• John Loxley, Economics Professor, University of Manitoba and Royal Society of Canada Fellow
• Hugh Mackenzie, Former Chief Economist, United Steelworkers and Director, Ontario Fair Tax Commission
• Brian MacLean, Economics Department Head, Laurentian University
• Fiona MacPhail, Economics Professor, University of Northern British Columbia
• Mike McCracken, Founder and CEO, Informetrica Ltd.
• Marguerite Mendell, Economics Professor and Vice-Principal of the School of Community and Public Affairs, Concordia University
• Rob Moir, Economics Professor and Chair of Social Sciences, University of New Brunswick and Former Federal NDP Candidate in Fundy Royal
• Tony Myatt, Economics Professor, University of New Brunswick
• Keith Newman, Former Research Director, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
• Lars Osberg, McCulloch Professor of Economics, Dalhousie University and Former President of the Canadian Economics Association
• Shannon Phillips, Policy Analyst, Alberta Federation of Labour and Former Provincial NDP Candidate in Lethbridge – West
• Louis-Philippe Rochon, Economics Professor, Laurentian University, Founding Co- Editor, Review of Keynesian Economics and Toronto Centre Resident
• Toby Sanger, Economist, Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Mario Seccareccia, Economics Professor, University of Ottawa and Editor of the International Journal of Political Economy
• John Shields, Public Administration Professor, Ryerson University
• John Smithin, Economics Professor, York University
• Jim Stanford, Economist, Unifor and Globe & Mail Columnist
• Brenda Spotton Visano, Economics and Public Policy Professor, York University
• Peter Warrian, Senior Research Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Former Chief Economist of the Province of Ontario, and Toronto Centre Resident
• Mel Watkins, Economics Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto and Former Federal NDP Candidate in Beaches – East York
• Erin Weir, Economist, United Steelworkers and Former Candidate for Saskatchewan NDP Leader