Infrastructure programs rarely stimulate growth

The experience of other nations confirms that just spending more on infrastructure without the over-riding goal of boosting productivity does not help the economy.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau speaks to reporters in the West Block on April 11. Before another spending binge, governments should carefully evaluate whether past infrastructure stimulus programs succeeded in boosting the economy in either the short-term or the long-term, writes Philip Cross.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY PHILIP CROSS

April 22, 2020

As the true scale of the economic disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown becomes apparent, there are renewed calls for increased government spending on infrastructure. This has been the reflexive response to every economic slump dating back to the Keynesian proposal to fight the Great De...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Innovation & Industry Newsletter

From investment to regulation, the policies, decisions and people working on industry and innovation. Tuesday.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: