Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: A conversation with Alex Himelfarb

Join us for a vital discussion with Alex Himelfarb about his book Breaking Free of Neoliberalism: Canada’s Challenge. Alex will be joined in conversation by Kevin Skerrett from the Institute of Political Economy at Carleton University.

For forty years, neoliberalism has dominated political thinking in Canada. But as inequality grows, the climate emergency worsens, and global power shifts, it’s clear that neoliberalism’s basic tenets – privatization, public service cuts, tax breaks for big business, and corporate deregulation – have failed to meet today’s challenges.

In Breaking Free of Neoliberalism, Alex Himelfarb traces how these ideas became entrenched in Canadian governance and explores how we can chart a new course. Drawing on his experience as a public servant and policy thinker, Himelfarb calls for a renewed understanding of the public good and the crucial role government must play in shaping a just and sustainable future.

Co-sponsored by the Institute of Political Economy at Carleton University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Alex Himelfarb joined the federal public service in 1981 after a decade teaching at the University of New Brunswick. He was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council in 2002 and served three Canadian Prime Ministers until his appointment as Ambassador to Italy. After his retirement from public service in 2009, he led the School of Public and International Affairs at York University’s Glendon College until 2014. Alex has served on and chaired numerous NGO boards and advisory committees, including the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Coalition to End Homelessness, the Atkinson Foundation, and WWF Canada.

This event is free and open to all. Please RSVP to help us know how many guests to expect. Doors open at 6:30pm.