Problem:
The privileging of national champions has been an important part of recent Canadian industrial policy. For this essay question, please consider the discussion of national champions in Ross (2010). What are national champions? What justifies this state subsidy of private enterprise? What are the forms that the subsidization of national champions might take? Do you think that the pressures of global competition render a nationalist or protectionist understanding of an economy outmoded? Should Canada continue to adapt to the pressures of a globalized foreign investment regime and the increasing concentration of big tech monopolies, or should we reinstate some of the protectionist measures that date back to early industrial policy like The National Policy? Be sure to explain your reasoning in your response.