#59 Tim Sargent: Can Economics Save Canada? Does Economics Serve Politics or Should Economics Rule?

What guides politics? What matters most in political decision making?

Since the 1980s, conservatives have looked to economics for guidance: economic growth, tax cuts, and decreased government spending capture the heart of political thought in North American Conservative political parties.

This sparks two questions. 1) How well did this approach perform? and 2) Will this approach address current social concerns, such as infertility, mass immigration, ethnic unrest, drug supply, public safety, or 'medical assistance in dying'/euthanasia?

Economics is a powerful tool. But it remains silent on the most salient issues today. Dr. Tim Sargent PhD economics explains why.

AI Summary:

Join Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Tim Sargent, a PhD economist with 28 years of experience in the Canadian federal public service. Together, they explore what it means to be a Canadian and discuss whether economics alone can address today's pressing issues such as fertility rates, immigration, defense, security, and more. Tim shares his unique insights on the interplay between classical liberalism and conservatism and underscores the importance of loyalty, duty, and communal values. Don't miss this deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Canada today.

00:00 Introduction: Can Economics Save Canada?

01:12 Guest Introduction: Meet Tim Sargent

03:57 Defining Canadian Identity

05:43 The Role of Geography and History

10:11 Regional Differences in Canada

17:46 Economics as a Servant, Not a Master

21:38 The Limits of Economics

27:55 The Need for Broader Solutions

31:26 Shifting Immigration Debates in Canada

32:19 Economic and Social Strains of Immigration

32:39 Conservative and Left-Wing Perspectives on Immigration

34:29 Reevaluating Feminism and Women's Happiness

35:36 The Role of Economics in Policy Making

36:48 Conservatism vs. Classical Liberalism

37:24 The Appeal of Classical Liberalism

39:29 Conservatism's Empirical Approach

41:07 Challenges for Modern Conservatism

50:37 Economic Policies and Conservatism

01:01:47 The Fertility Crisis and Cultural Issues