Professor Stanley Winer (centre) shares a laugh with Professor Nick Rowe and FPA Associate Dean Karen Schwartz
Carleton Economics Professor Stanley Winer’s argument for small government was challenged by his three co-panelists last night as part of Author Meets Readers, FPA’s monthly series at Irene’s Pub.
Winer was joined on stage by Carleton economics colleague Nick Rowe, University of Ottawa Professor Leslie Shiell, former national economics advisor C. Scott Walker, and host FPA Associate Dean Karen Schwarz.
The three discussed the arguments put forth in Coercion and Social Welfare in Public Finance, a book Winer co-edited with Jorge Martinez-Vasquez.
The book revives the theories of Swedish economist Knut Wicksell, who wrote at the turn of the 20th century. Winer says Wicksell’s concept of coercion is essentially “what you pay in taxes versus what you think you should pay”.
In response, Carleton Professor Nick Rowe pointed out that the fact that we have children in our society means coercion is necessary: “If there weren’t any kids, this problem would be much easier to solve.”
University of Ottawa Professor Leslie Sheill added, “A good society helps children with disadvantaged backgrounds. Everyone should have an equal shot at a good life.”
The next Author Meets Readers is March 19th at 5:30 at Irene’s Pub featuring Reconcilable Differences: A History of Canada-US Relations, by Stephen Azzi.
Friday, February 27, 2015 in FPA Research Series, News
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