ABSTRACT
The economics of western Canada turns on primary product exports. It is no surprise that major contributions to resource economics and to fisheries economics have been associated with the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University (see chapter 10). It is a little surprising, however, that major contributions to the staple theory are associated with the Prairie Provinces, because the pivotal role of Innis in the development of the staple thesis, and the important role of M.H.Watkins in the development of the staple theory, are undeniable, and both belong to southern Ontario. Still, others associated with the theory, particularly with positivist analysis of the theory, are westerners: Vernon Fowke, Ken Buckely, Ted Chambers, Mac Urquhart, Ken Norrie and Marvin Mclnnis.
