ECON 241 – Introduction to Public Economics
Introduction to Public Economics
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ECON 241 – Introduction to Public Economics
TERM PAPER
Guidelines for your term paper:
Your paper should consider the benefits and costs (or, if you prefer, the pros and cons) of a public
initiative in Canada. You may choose a topic that is under the jurisdiction of any of the three levels of
government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
When choosing a topic, you should consider a policy, grant, program, or initiative that is interesting to
you as an individual. You will be investigating the topic quite thoroughly so it needs to be something
you will be deeply interested in.
Each students’ paper should begin with sufficient background information on the policy, grant, program,
or initiative chosen so that it can be understood by an uninformed reader. The challenge and focus of
your paper will be in terms of a qualitative assessment (quantitative, if you wish to find data – although,
not necessary) of the social benefits (pros) and social costs (cons) of the topic.
When grading your paper, I will focus on:
• relevance of the topic,
• presentation of your research idea,
• clarity of exposition,
• sophistication of your economic arguments,
• your ability to use the analysis skills taught in class,
• extent of background research, and
• grammar, spelling, and literary style.
The paper should be ten (10) to twelve (12) pages, double spaced with 12pt. font and standard margins.
Please use Chicago style (with endnotes) for references.
Your paper should consist of at least the following six (6) sections:
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Policy, grant, program, or initiative Background
• Your analysis,
• Conclusions and Recommendations, and
• References.
Make sure that all of your sources are properly documented in the References section (Chicago style,
please).
Since our time together is limited, I have a pre-approved list of potential topics listed below. If you wish
to write on a topic that is not on the list below then you MUST contact me via e-mail for approval before
February 1st.
Pre-approved Potential Topics
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Minimum Wage / Living Wage
• Nutrition North Subsidy Program
• Canada Child Benefit
• FedNor Youth Internship Program
• Ontario Child Care Subsidy
• Ontario Electric Vehicle Incentive Program
• Community Homeless Prevention Initiative
• Canada Summer Jobs
• Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund
• Employment Ontario Second Career Program
• Sustainable Development Technology Fund
• Canada-Ontario Job Grant
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
• Canada Small Business Financing Program
• Ontario Basic Income Pilot or, more generally, a Guaranteed Basic Income.