A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada

Most privatizations in Canada occurred in the 10-year period from the mid-1980s to the mid1990s, and while many of the remaining candidates are both politically and economically problematic, the Harper government has signalled its renewed interest in more privatizations. This paper, written by two o...

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Main Authors: Anthony E. Boardman, Aidan R. Vinning
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Calgary 2012-02-01
Series:The School of Public Policy Publications
Online Access:https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/sppp/article/view/42374
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author Anthony E. Boardman
Aidan R. Vinning
author_facet Anthony E. Boardman
Aidan R. Vinning
author_sort Anthony E. Boardman
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description Most privatizations in Canada occurred in the 10-year period from the mid-1980s to the mid1990s, and while many of the remaining candidates are both politically and economically problematic, the Harper government has signalled its renewed interest in more privatizations. This paper, written by two of Canada’s leading experts on the subject, comprehensively assesses hard data from the earlier privatizations in Canada, including sectors such as energy, transport and telecommunications. They find that the overall impacts have been largely positive, in many cases impressively so. Key economic indicators such as capital expenditures, dividends, tax revenues and sales per employee tended to increase, while others such as employment initially fell, only to rise again over the long term. Ultimately, most of the privatized firms continue to operate efficiently, making them positive contributors to Canadians’ social welfare through the provision of increased economic opportunities, higher profits and taxes. Drawing on lessons learned, the authors propose a common-sense framework to guide future privatizations and ensure all Canadians derive the maximum possible benefits from them. No Canadian government has ever formulated such a plan for a privatization regime, making this paper a must-read for anyone with a stake in the future of Canadian business.
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spelling doaj.art-d7e7295f74b942fbae7a173f6ec97e6d2023-04-20T04:07:16ZengUniversity of CalgaryThe School of Public Policy Publications2560-83122560-83202012-02-015A Review and Assessment of Privatization in CanadaAnthony E. Boardman0Aidan R. Vinning1University of British ColumbiaSimon Fraser UniversityMost privatizations in Canada occurred in the 10-year period from the mid-1980s to the mid1990s, and while many of the remaining candidates are both politically and economically problematic, the Harper government has signalled its renewed interest in more privatizations. This paper, written by two of Canada’s leading experts on the subject, comprehensively assesses hard data from the earlier privatizations in Canada, including sectors such as energy, transport and telecommunications. They find that the overall impacts have been largely positive, in many cases impressively so. Key economic indicators such as capital expenditures, dividends, tax revenues and sales per employee tended to increase, while others such as employment initially fell, only to rise again over the long term. Ultimately, most of the privatized firms continue to operate efficiently, making them positive contributors to Canadians’ social welfare through the provision of increased economic opportunities, higher profits and taxes. Drawing on lessons learned, the authors propose a common-sense framework to guide future privatizations and ensure all Canadians derive the maximum possible benefits from them. No Canadian government has ever formulated such a plan for a privatization regime, making this paper a must-read for anyone with a stake in the future of Canadian business.https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/sppp/article/view/42374
spellingShingle Anthony E. Boardman
Aidan R. Vinning
A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
The School of Public Policy Publications
title A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
title_full A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
title_fullStr A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
title_full_unstemmed A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
title_short A Review and Assessment of Privatization in Canada
title_sort review and assessment of privatization in canada
url https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/sppp/article/view/42374
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