Podcast: Competition policy and inclusive growth

Why should we care about competition law and policy? Is it because it supposedly allocates resources and capital efficiently and improves productivity? Is it because we stand by the belief that competition among businesses leads to lower prices, better goods and services, and more innovation – all for the benefit of the consumer? Or should it be connected somehow to our broader societal needs and objectives – to improving our living standards, for example?

That’s the topic of my conversation with economist Robin Shaban, founder of Vivic Research, on the latest episode of Modern Law, who offers up some fresh perspective on a really important issue for Canadians.

Vivic Research is an economic consultancy for organizations working towards positive social change. Shaban is also the co-founder of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, a think tank dedicated to addressing issues of monopoly in Canada. They are also the co-author, with Colleen Kaiser, of an upcoming report on Leveraging Competition Law and Policy to Promote Inclusive Growth in Canada.

I first met Robin at the CBA Competition Law Fall Conference in October and was struck by their refreshing presence in the debate surrounding the future of competition law in this country at a time when it is very much top of mind for policymakers.

You can listen to our whole conversation in the embedded link below, or by subscribing to "Modern Law" on  Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, and Stitcher.