Build Back Better: Designing a Canadian economic system that grows well-being and quality of life

Published by: David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by: Yannick Beaudoin

Climate solutions, Cities Ontario, community and culture, economics, human health and well-being, Indigenous Peoples, policy and regulation, commercial products, renewable energy

This is a copy of the economic reform recommendations the David Suzuki Foundation sent the Government of Canada in June 2020.

The David Suzuki Foundation recommends that Canada aim to “build back better” by pursuing an economic system that prioritizes well-being for all. This includes addressing ongoing environmental crises such as climate change and pervasive inequities in prosperity and quality-of-life.

This is an unprecedented moment for the Government of Canada to strengthen its commitments to global environmental objectives, social equity and justice. The most transformative potential for lasting change will come from our country’s capacity to innovate and align its economic systems with issues the pandemic has surfaced as our top priorities: putting our collective well-being first.

The recommendations include to:

• Adopt a guaranteed universal basic well-being support framework
• Localize and circularize the economy to a zero-waste model
• Formalize a system of national well-being accounts
• Establish a well-being-focused budgeting and governance framework
• Accelerate meaningful nation-to-nation reconciliation
• Reduce inequality and enhance long-term well-being by ensuring equitable flows of asset and financial wealth