Mel Watkins: Celebrating his life and legacy

Mel Watkins (May 15, 1932 - April 2, 2020) was a professor of political economy, a member of the Order of Canada, and a towering intellect of the Canadian left. Throughout his many years in policy and politics he mentored scores of progressives, and continued this leadership role as a longtime CCPA research associate and author. We remain indebted to Mel for his years of support, collaboration, and his indefatigable commitment to the labour movement, environmental and social justice, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In consultation with his family, the CCPA has created a fund for people who wish to make a donation in his memory. We are deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to help ensure the continuation of his legacy.

In recognition of the continuedand growingrelevance of Mel’s prescient political analysis, the CCPA recently re-released The Staple Theory @50: Reflections on the Lasting Significance of Mel Watkins’ “A Staple Theory of Economic Growth” with a new introduction by Jim Stanford, editor of this important collection. 

Click here to read a tribute to Mel by Bruce Campbell, friend and former Executive Director of the CCPA .

You can find Hugh Grant and David Wolfe's reflections on Mel's legacy in the latest issue of the Monitor.

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