Public-Private Mixed Enterprises: The Canadian Example

Canadian public-private mixed enterprises are examined in relation to two objectives the government may pursue: the provision of risk capital and the coordination of the technological development of an industry. There may be a role for a government in co-ordinating plans of an industry by participating in the decisions of mixed enterprises although problems could arise regarding the unanimity of public and private interests. Canadian mixed enterprises have earned a rate of return to shareholders' equity that may not be sufficient to satisfy private interests.