Western Canada in the International Economy

Pradip Sarbadhikari is a political science professor at Lakehead
University in Thunder Bay.

This monograph, published under the auspices of the Western Centre for
Economic Research at the University of Alberta and the C.D. Howe
Institute, “examines the place of Western Canada and each of the four
provinces in the global market place instrumental in developing a region
and in generating high levels of per capita income for its residents.”
The study assumes special significance in the context of prospective
changes in the Canadian Constitution, emerging international trading
blocs, the private sector in resource-based industries and agricultural
sectors, and the competitiveness of the Western economy. The book’s
corporate support (Imperial Oil, Husky Oil, Nova Corporation, and so
forth) reflects the perspective of its authors.

The study examines such topics as the employment structure and
international trade links; commodity price volatility and exchange
rates; buffers and strategic options for the private sector; trade
liberalization; and the status of Western Canada. The authors warn, in
conclusion, that “under FTA there is, in the absence of changes in
business attitudes, the very strong possibility of even greater
specialization in unprocessed and natural resource exports and
concentration in traditional export markets.” This is a lucidly
written specialized study with a great deal of technical information
that could be valuable for those in government, industry, and academia
who are concerned about Western Canada’s economy in the new age of
globalization.