Ontario: Discrediting Social Democracy

Abstract

In his classic Canadian Labour in Politics, Gad Horowitz cryptically asserts: "In North America, Canada is unique." Notably, Canada has, in stark contrast with the United States, a viable social democratic party. But it is, of course, the United States - the politically most backward of the economically developed countries - that is "unique" in a global context where social democratic parties are the norm. So it is that Canadian social democracy looks impressive only within that North American context; compared to Europe or Australia, the Canadian variant appears frail and tenuous, in need of nurturing. This commentary looks at social democracy in Ontario and specifically at the economic failings of the Rae government - at what might have been done, and at the damage that has been done.