Speaking out

Article Abstract:

Prairie agriculture is a key aspect in the economy of the Canadian west. The Economic Council of Canada is undertaking studies to examine influences on prairie agriculture and to plan future policies. Agricultural economist Andy Schmitz says that policy choices to be examined include: whether to continue specialization in low-yield, high-protein wheat; the Canadian role in promoting international exports; and the integration of livestock and grain policies. The economics of prairie agriculture in western Canadian has implications for related industries, such as farm machinery, fertilizer production, and the service sector. Recent problems in prairie agriculture have included drought, grasshopper infestations, declining grain prices, and bad weather conditions. Signs of related social stress are just starting to hit rural Canadian communities.

Agriculture, International competition (Commerce), International competition (Economics), Prairies, Western Canada, Canada, Western Provinces, Schmitz, Andy

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Speaking out

Article Abstract:

An Economic Council of Canada study on social policy is due for release in early 1989. Project director Sylvester Damus reports that the government expects social policy to be high on its agenda in the next several years, and that the project addresses three key issues in that regard: measurement of poverty, benefits and costs of tax and transfer programs, and the dynamics of poverty. Preliminary findings suggest that poverty trends depend not only on economic growth, but also on the distribution of rising wealth, and on increases in transfer payments. Damus adds that it is difficult to measure poverty because poverty figures fail to reveal movement in and out of poverty by various kinds of households, and because these same indicators do not show how far below the poverty line personal income falls.

Social policy, Poverty, Damus, Sylvester

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Problems in the resource sector

Article Abstract:

Problems within the resource sector have drawn the concern of the Economic Council of Canada, resulting in an investigation of the plight of the energy and agricultural sectors, and of environmental issues that have an impact on the overall resource sector. The current oil prices will most adversely affect Alberta. The agricultural sector in Canada is declining, with net farm income dropping to $3.7 billion in 1985 from 1984's figure of $4.3 billion. Positive trends exist in addressing environmental concerns, but acid rain demands immediate government attention.

Economic aspects, Petroleum industry, Environmental policy, Alberta

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