ECONOMICS 324

Economics 324
Labour Economics
Second Paper Assignment
Due Date: End of November
Length: 7 to 8 pages of text, plus relevant charts, tables, diagrams
Topic: For this assignment I want you to research the policy side of a labour economics problem or phenomenon of your choice.
Examples:
Minimum Wage
Pay Equity
Employment Equity
Employment Insurance
Student Loans
Welfare
You will want to explain of course the nature of the problem or phenomenon the policy relates to, including some explanation of why it is a policy issue, and how the policy is supposed to help (or why economists think it wont). This may include referencing empirical work, as for example the estimates of job losses due to the minimum wage.
You may also want to look at what policy or policies have been tried in the past, and what changes have been made or proposed or alternatives argued for (the mix will vary depending upon what topic you choose). Depending upon how much there is to it, you might want to economize on space here by concentrating on current debates.
Your text is again a good place to go for guidance on the issues and other sources. Things like Canadian Public Policy may be useful, and several government websites Stats Can and Industry Canada are two examples also carry a good bit of material that might be useful.