Problems of Staple Production in Canada

Harold Adams Innis

Aug 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In "Problems of Staple Production in Canada," Harold Adams Innis presents a thorough analysis of the economic and social ramifications of Canada's staple-based economy. Through a critical examination of resource extraction and its geographical implications, Innis employs a unique blend of empirical data and theoretical insights, revealing how staple production shapes societal structures and national policies. His writing is characterized by meticulous research and a profound understanding of the interplay between economy and culture, situating the work within the broader context of economic historiography and Canadian studies. Harold Adams Innis, a prominent Canadian economist and communication theorist, was deeply influenced by his experiences in the Canadian agricultural landscape and his education at the University of Toronto. His scholarship reflects a commitment to understanding how communication mediums, combined with economic practices, forge cultural identities. Innis's interdisciplinary approach draws from history, economics, and sociology, allowing for a nuanced perspective on staple production, which remains a foundational aspect of Canadian industry. "Problems of Staple Production in Canada" is essential reading for scholars and students delving into the intersections of economics, geography, and history. Innis's insights into the complexities of commodity based economies provide an invaluable lens through which to assess modern economic challenges, making this text a critical resource for both academic inquiry and practical application.

About the author

Harold Adams Innis was a Canadian professor of political economy at the University of Toronto and the author of seminal works on media, communication theory and Canadian economic history. Innis was born on November 5, 1894, in Otterville, Ontario, and died on November 8, 1952. He was one of the most influential figures in Canadian intellectual history and laid the groundwork for economic history analyses concerning Canada's development as a nation. Innis's insightful observations on the social and economic impacts of the production and distribution of commodities, particularly staples, marked a pioneering contribution to the field. Among his distinguished works, 'Problems of Staple Production in Canada' delves into the intricacies of Canada's resource-based economy, offering a comprehensive outline of how the exploitation and export of natural resources shaped Canadian society and its institutions. His research transcended simple economic study, with his ideas coalescing into the now-famous 'staple thesis,' which positions the production and export of staple commodities as a fundamental determinant of a nation's political and social framework. Innis's contributions extend beyond pure economics into the realms of media theory and communication, influencing subsequent scholars such as Marshall McLuhan. A respected academic, Innis served as the president of the Royal Society of Canada and was instrumental in shaping Canadian national policies through his analytical approach to economic and cultural studies.