Privatization in Canada

Although much has been written about management of Crown corporations in Canada (Berkowitz and Kotowitz 1985; Boothman 1987; Brooks 1983; Hafsi, Kiggundu and Jörgensen 1987; Kirsch 1985; Knubley 1987; Laux and Malot 1988; Sexty 1980), less is known about the privatization process (Doern and Atherton 1987; Hardin 1989; Hart 1985; Schultz 1988; Sexty 1987; Stanbury 1989). In our own research on the privatization process, ¹ we have found it useful to subsume the many forms of privatization under the more general phenomenon of divestment. As Coyne and Wright (1986) observe, public sector restructuring through privatization is analogous to divestment in the private sector (Ellsworth 1979; Gilmour 1973; Hamermesh 1976; Hayes 1972; Nees 1981; Porter 1976). The phenomena covered by private sector divestment are also diverse.