5 - The Response of the Principal Sectors of Canadian Society to the NIEO

Abstract

This chapter discusses the response of the principal sectors of Canadian society to the New International Economic Order (NIEO). Canada has some of the characteristics of developing countries. The view from inside is of a troubled economy—high unemployment, high rates of inflation, no long-range industrial program, too much interference, and spending by an overly large government bureaucracy. These are the problems that Canadians want solved. The prime minister has argued that these are largely symptoms of global problems, and that, by comparison to other countries, Canada is doing very well indeed. Canadians, however, prefer to compare their existing situation with that of the 1960s, and demand the standard First World solution, that is, greater economic growth. Canada will continue to support multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, and the International Development Association, will participate actively in the formulation of their policies and programs, and will make increasing use of their research and services.