Keynote Speaker Dr. Paul Krugman

As our country recovers from the global recession and markets begin to rebound, the Canadian Bar Association is featuring Dr. Paul Krugman of Princeton as its keynote speaker for the Opening Plenary of the Canadian Legal Conference and Expo in Niagara, Sunday, August 15, 2010.

Known for his candor and engaging manner, this distinguished economist will share the trends and market forces that Canadians will be facing as the U.S. economy moves into recovery.

Dr. Krugman has impressive credentials. He was the 2008 Nobel Laureate for his analysis of trade patterns and location of economic activity.

He is a best-selling author, described as “unflinchingly outspoken - candid and humorous.” His book, The Great Unraveling: Losing Our Way in the New Century, released in September, 2003, reached the top of The New York Times best-sellers' list in its first month. His most recent best seller is The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.

He is an opinion columnist for The New York Times. It’s an opportunity, he says, to hone his ability to explain complex economic issues in easy to understand terms.

Dr. Krugman has consulted for the IMF, the World Bank, the European Commission, the United Nations, and leading business and industry groups.

A strong supporter of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Dr. Krugman is no stranger to Canada. He has written favorably on our healthcare system, economic policies and the prudent regulation of banks.

A few brief extracts about Canada from Dr. Krugman’s columns:

• “Canada has an ethical, responsible government that protects consumers from the consequences of corporate greed; a functioning economy; an excellent, cheap university system; and universal health care. What's not to like, and how do I move to Toronto?”
•  “Ultimately, it comes to this: Canada is a society. The US is a marketplace.”
• “Compensation of Canadian commercial bankers does not encourage them to take the excessive risks with which one could make a personal killing in the US. They don't run from bank to bank because the banks don't raid each other for people. They climb the corporate ladder and retire with defined benefit pensions, having to live along the way with their past decisions... Oh, and the other factor is they don't make CEOs out of people who never in their lives made a loan. Making loans is what banks do.”

Don’t miss Dr. Krugman at the CBA CLC Opening Plenary in Niagara on Sunday, August 15, at 2 p.m.. Register for the 2010 CLC.