Ontario in the 1990s: Promoting Equitable Structural Change

An abridged version of the 1990 Ontario Budget Paper E (1991, April 29)

Abstract

The Ontario economy experienced one of the worst recessions since World War II in the early 1990’s. A massive shift from high-demand jobs in the manufacturing sector to the service industry, combined with a wave of technological advancements and enhanced emphasis on globalization, paved the way for a comprehensive structural change. This article argues that equity and social cooperation are pivotal components of achieving sustainable prosperity which was one of the primary goals of the Ontario government in the early 1990’s. Sustainable Prosperity is a combination of long term economical, social, environmental and political balance which is attained through careful planning and equitable structural change. Author Laughren argues that sustainable prosperity can only be achieved by recognizing the growing interdependence of technological, social, and economical change and creating broad social partnerships to cater to the rising trends and challenges. By enacting legislations and strategies aimed at incorporating the new changes, Ontario was able to position itself as a vehicle for future development and growth. This article focuses on some of the steps taken by the Ontario government to promote growth and prosperity such as major advancements in political /social infrastructure, increased emphasis on productivity/wages/benefits, technological changes, etc.