This conference was designed to stimulate critical debate about the future of Public Banks in Canada, beginning with a discussion of “What is a Public Bank”. We then reviewed the long history of public banks in Canada as well as the most recent public bank initiative, the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The conversation then shifted to an exploration of progressive public banks elsewhere in the world, with a focus on how public banks in Canada would be more democratic, inclusive and ‘public’ in their orientation.
Topics of discussion included decarbonization, gender equity, reconciliation, diversity, and how to build a public banking movement. Academics, policy makers, practitioners, NGOs, unions and activists from around the world were in attendance.
Short presentations by experts and practitioners were followed by facilitator-led discussions amongst participants, with attendees being asked to address the following three questions: What are the best ways to develop a broader discussion about public banks in Canada? What should be the primary goals of public banks in Canada? How and by whom should public banks in Canada be governed? A summary of these discussions captures key inputs from the audience.
The event was organized by the Municipal Services Project, with support from the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the International Political Economy Network. Financial support was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.