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Merrett looks at the mechanisms of change which mean that Free Trade equals a decreased Nation-State, and increasing regional and social disparities in Canada. He looks at changes in the real GDP, in manufacturing production, trade actions taken by the United States against Canada since the FTA was implemented, and changes in the Canadian current account balance with the US. Unemployment, job relocation and loss due to labour market restructuring, social spending cuts and a gradual harmonizing of Canadian wages and labour practices with those of the United States, are all examined for what they reveal together about the sweeping impact of Free Trade.
Many commentators believe that the Canada-U.S. FTA, has had its greatest impact not on trade, but on the sweeping social and political changes that were initiated or accelerated within Canadian society.
Merrett forces the rhetoric surrounding free trade
into a confrontation with the facts: rising unemployment,
falling wages, and the dismantling of Canada's social
programs.
Barney Warf
A classic piece of political economy, richly
documented, that provides us with a convincing account of
the relationship between Canada and the U.S.
Edward J. Malecki
A well-documented, convincingly argued warning to
Canadians about the supposed benefits of free trade.
Richard Peet
At a period of history when free trade issues are
front-page news, Merrett raises questions of great
importance.
Fred M. Shelley
Table of Contents
1. Free Trade and Social Change
2. Continentalism versus Nationalism: Geographic
Discourse in the Debate over Free Trade
3. The Canadian Economy and Free Trade
4. Canadian Labour and Free Trade
5. The Canadian Welfare State and Free Trade
6. Conclusion
About the Author
Christopher D. Merrett was born in Canada, holds a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He has tought at the University of Iowa and is currently assistant professor of geography at Western Illinois University. His specialties are Regional Development, Canadian-American Relations, and the local consequences of national and global transformations.