With its profound health and economic effects this pandemic will transform society in ways we do not yet fully understand. Support for government spending eventually weakened, however, as public debt mounted to 40 per cent of GDP in 1937 (we should be so lucky!). People will want to be sure governments can handle future emergencies, including by stockpiling medical equipment or supporting domestic supply. These are just some of the changes that may occur as space, safety and security preoccupy the broad public. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.

Source: National Post May 07, 2020 15:22 UTC