Todd Hirsch, with ATB Financial, Leann Hackman-Carty, with Economic Developers Alberta and Jim Ewing

Looking back on 2012, it was great to have been able to attend the Annual Conference for Economic Developers Alberta in April of 2012. Following his delivery of the closing presentation, I was able to snap a quick photo of Todd Hirsch, Economist with ATB Financial, together with Leann Hackman-Carty, Executive Director with Economic Developers Alberta.

Todd had just provided the audience with a great overview on the state of the Canadian Economy and prospects within the Province of Alberta. I find that Todd brings an interesting perspective to the discussion, and provides some great insights in the recently published book - “The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada from Economic Decline”.

Co-authored with Robert Roach, one of the core ideas that mentioned is that of, "Rubbing Ideas Together".

Economic activity is an extension of social activity, they say. Referencing the work of Francis Fukuyama, the authors say that the more people interact with each other, understand each other and trust each other, the more likely they are to successfully work together on economic projects. It means that not only do you have to trust your neighbour, but you also need to be able to trust the people running your government as well. Collaboration is critical, according to Hirsch.

Overall, Canadians are encouraged to take steps that lead to cultivating the interaction, familiarity, trust, collaboration and effective government needed to take more risks, translate creativity into commercial ventures and be a leading player on the world stage.

Thank you Todd for the insights that you and Robert have provided. I enjoyed meeting you as well as reading the book.

What are your thoughts on the balance between Economic Activity versus Social Activity?

Please leave your comments for others to see and discuss.