LNG: BC’s Quest for a New Staple Industry

I have a post as part of a new series from the Progressive Economics Forum celebrating 50 years of Mel Watkins’ publication of “A Staple Theory of Economic Growth.” Watkins’ piece follows the insight of Harold Innis to develop an understanding of economic growth uniquely rooted in the Canadian experience. The series begins with an intro by Jim Stanford here. The CCPA will be publishing a volume with all of the commentaries at some point.

My piece is about eighth in the series, and the previous posts go into greater detail about the nature of staples theory and its relevance to understanding Canada’s economy historically and today. I focus on BC as a case study of a government pursuing the vision of riches from exploitation of new shale gas reserves, and some of the challenges and contradictions along the way. You can read it here.

Topics: Climate change & energy policy, Economy, Environment, resources & sustainability, Fracking & LNG