David E. W. Laidler
Published: 1998
Total Pages: 36
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The introduction of a single European currency, the euro, will have major consequences for the international monetary system and hence for the economic environment in which Canada must function. This commentary explores some of the issues involved. It discusses the economics and politics of the euro, the features of the Maastricht Treaty and criteria for European Monetary Union membership, constraints on fiscal policy after monetary union, the need for fiscal controls, the independence of the central bank under the Treaty, political considerations and the exchange rate, the labour market and macroeconomic policy, post-monetary-union problems, fiscal expansion, post-union scenarios where the euro ranges from weak to strong, and international monetary arrangements. Finally, the implications of European monetary union for Canada are discussed.