Janus-Faced Austerity: Strengthening the

Authors

  • Carlo Fanelli
  • Chris Hurl

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The global economic crisis has triggered a wave of stimulus spending throughout the world, with particular concentrations in North America, the Eurozone and China. This paper examines its Canadian context. Focusing broadly on the deepening integration of neoliberalism since the election of Stephan Harper in 2006 as well as federal Conservative fiscal and monetary policy, this paper delves into the Janus-Faced character of Canadian austerity measures. It is argued that while social services and spending are restricted for certain segments of the Canadian working class, new arrangements and spending initiatives are rolled out by the federal government in order to fuel enhanced capital accumulation. This paper concludes with some propositions for resisting austerity and strengthening the resolve of the Canadian working class.

KEYWORDS: Canada; Austerity; Fiscal & Monetary Policy; Capital-Preserving Federalism; Neoliberalism. 

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How to Cite

Fanelli, C., & Hurl, C. (2010). Janus-Faced Austerity: Strengthening the . Alternate Routes: A Journal of Critical Social Research, 22. Retrieved from https://alternateroutes.ca/index.php/ar/article/view/14416

Issue

Vol. 22 (2011): Saving Global Capitalism: Interrogating Austerity & Working Class Responses to Crises

Section

Articles

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Articles are published in Alternate Routes: A Journal of Critical Social Research under the Creative Commons "Attribution/Non-Commercial/No Derivative Works" Canada licence.

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