Canada's Economic Situation and Policy Analysis in the Current Inflation

Abstract

Since 2022, the global energy prices have been increasing, leading to a rise in the price index. This has resulted in inflationary pressures in major economies such as Canada, leading national governments to implement interest rate hikes as a coping strategy. This paper focuses on the Canadian economy and analyzes its inflation performance, strategies for raising interest rates, the price level, and the labor market. Using economic data from Canada, the Commonwealth of Nations, and past literature, the study finds that Canada's inflation performance is not satisfactory. The paper argues that inflation cannot be fundamentally curbed by using a single monetary policy instrument, such as interest rate hikes, and that an effective economic response requires a combination of monetary and fiscal policies. Additionally, the paper suggests that Canada should develop and improve industrial policies consistent with its national endowments, labor and immigration policies that match industrial policies, and trade policies that are effective in fighting inflation.