ABSTRACT
A new factor in Canadian economic development after 1848 was the existence of a Canadian government capable of pursuing an independent economic policy. This presents a sharp contrast to earlier years when policy decisions were taken in Paris or London with little understanding or regard for Canadian problems. The three main elements of Canadian government policy affecting economic development have been commercial policy (i.e., the foreign trade regime), policy towards social overhead capital formation and land policy. The shape of the first two policies was already determined in the 1850s and remained consistent until after World War II, while land policy assumed greatest importance after Confederation and its significance diminished when the Dominion lands were ceded to the Prairie provinces in 1930.
