Canada. Industry Canada

Richard G. Harris

Industry Canada Research Publications Program

This paper presents a survey of the evidence and debate on the social determinants of productivity in the context of the Canadian productivity debate. The purpose of the paper is to try to make sense of the seemingly contradictory pieces of theory and evidence linking social policy to economic growth. Essentially the paper looks at 4 areas of research: the growth and inequality debate; the small but growing literature on the policy determinants of economic growth; an examination of 2 specific social policies (education and health); the literature on major technological change, wage inequality and the new economy. To provide the context for this discussion, the paper also includes some background material on economic growth, productivity, and social policy in OECD countries.

Industry Canada Research Publications Program

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