Divided Province: Ontario Politics in the Age of Neoliberalism

Ontario has undergone a significant shift in public policies due to neoliberalism since the 1990s, dividing the province between workers, employers, north and south, rural and urban, and racialized minorities and the majority population. Divided Province, the first book to offer a comprehensive critical account of neoliberalism in Ontario, suggests that building a more democratic and egalitarian alternative to the current orthodoxy requires a radical rupture from existing policies and political alliances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 584 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Over the past few decades, Ontario has undergone a significant transformation in its public policies, adopting a neoliberal approach that has significantly impacted various aspects of society. Despite this radical shift, the province has maintained a remarkable degree of political stability in its party system. Since the 1990s, neoliberalism has served as the guiding framework for policy agendas across all political parties in Ontario. This ideology has shaped the governance strategy of the dominant Liberal Party since 2003, dividing the province along various lines such as workers and employers, north and south, rural and urban, and racialized minorities and the majority population.

In order to understand the consequences of this ideological turn, Divided Province brings together a team of leading researchers who examine the public policies of Ontario since the 1990s. The book offers original and state-of-the-art research that demonstrates that while the Conservative government of Mike Harris implemented the sharpest and most profound shift towards a neoliberal regime, the subsequent Liberal governments consolidated this neoliberal turn. The essays in this volume explore the far-reaching effects of this ideological shift on a wide range of policies, including health, education, poverty, energy, employment, manufacturing, and the impact on workers, women, First Nations, and other distinct communities.

One of the key findings of the book is that neoliberalism has had a profound impact on workers in Ontario. The shift towards market-driven policies has led to job insecurity, wage stagnation, and reduced benefits. Many workers have been forced to accept lower-paying jobs or work multiple jobs to make ends meet, while others have been laid off or have had their benefits reduced. Women, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by neoliberal policies, as they are often concentrated in low-paying sectors and are more likely to be single parents or caretakers.

Furthermore, neoliberalism has had a detrimental effect on education in Ontario. The province has seen a significant reduction in public funding for education, leading to overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools, and limited access to educational opportunities. This has resulted in a decline in academic performance and a widening gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Poverty has also been exacerbated by neoliberal policies in Ontario. The province has seen a rise in poverty rates, particularly among marginalized communities such as First Nations, immigrants, and low-income families. The lack of access to affordable housing, healthcare, and social services has made it difficult for these communities to escape the cycle of poverty and achieve economic stability.

Energy policy has also been a significant area of focus in Ontario's neoliberal agenda. The province has shifted towards a market-based approach to energy production and distribution, which has led to increased privatization and deregulation. This has resulted in higher energy prices for consumers and increased profits for energy companies. However, this has also had environmental consequences, as the province has become more dependent on fossil fuels and has failed to invest in renewable energy sources.

Employment policy has also been shaped by neoliberalism in Ontario. The province has seen a decline in unionization and a shift towards precarious employment, with many workers being employed on contract or part-time basis. This has led to reduced job security and benefits, as well as increased income inequality.

Manufacturing policy has also been impacted by neoliberalism in Ontario. The province has seen a decline in manufacturing jobs and a shift towards service-based industries. This has resulted in job losses and a loss of economic prosperity in many communities.

In conclusion, Divided Province provides a comprehensive critical account of neoliberalism in Ontario. The book demonstrates that while the Conservative government of Mike Harris implemented the sharpest and most profound shift towards a neoliberal regime, the subsequent Liberal governments consolidated this neoliberal turn. The essays in this volume explore the far-reaching consequences of this ideological shift on a wide range of policies, including health, education, poverty, energy, employment, manufacturing, and the impact on workers, women, First Nations, and other distinct communities. The book suggests that building a more democratic and egalitarian alternative to the current orthodoxy requires nothing less than a radical rupture from existing policies and political alliances. Without such a decisive break, political space may well open up again for the populist.

Weight: 952g
Dimension: 238 x 167 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780773554733