Economics Vs Social Economics

 

The first is Albertans — which is mildly puzzling, given their acute economic need for greater immigration to cover deep labour market shortages and the election of a Muslim mayor in Calgary. It may be a reflection of the same phenomenon that we saw in Toronto earlier in the nineties when rapid immigration produced short-term, very strong opposition — which has largely disappeared since.

 

If the only thing that mattered was profit, this trend wouldn't have happened, would it?

 

People aren't rational - they fear differences.  Stigma is an anxious reaction, the same kind of feeling you'd feel giving your first presentation to a big audience.  Like any perceived phobia, regular, contextualized exposure with positive outcomes reduces the perception of threat and builds resiliency.

After, being tough isn't about building walls or firing people - it's about rolling up your sleeves and tackling challenges head on. 

It's a another thing our Economist PM could stand to learn.  As the Toronto example proves, its one Alberta will learn - and which will change their perspective in interesting ways.