In A History of Canadian Economic Thought, Robin Neill relates the evolution of economic theory in Canada to the particular geographical and political features of the country. Whilst there were distinctively Canadian economic discourses in nineteenth-century Ontario and early twentieth-century Quebec, Neill argues that these have now been absorbed into the broader North American mainstream. He also examines the nature and importance of the staple theory controversy and its appositeness for the Canadian case. With full accounts of the work of major Canadian economists including John Rae, H.A. Innis and Harry Johnson, A History of Canadian Economic Thought is the first definitive treatment of the subject for 30 years.

"A History of Canadian Economic Thought" investigates the relationship between the evolution of economic theory in Canada and the particular geographical and political context of that theory. Theories and policies are analyzed by testing them against both the conditions to which they were applied and against competing theories. Canadian economics reflects a number of significant issues in Canadian history. Neill argues that there were distinctive economic movements in 19th-century Ontario and in early 20th-century Quebec, but that these have been displaced by an emerging North American discourse. The book includes accounts of the work of major figures in Canadian economics, including John Rae, H.A.Innis and Harry Johnson. This book should be of interest to lecturers and students of economics.