Reducing the Potential for Future Financial Crises: A Framework for Macro-Prudential Policy in Canada

Canada needs a policy framework and new governance structure beyond what is in place to reduce the potential for future financial crises. The authors make the case for establishing a formal committee with a mandate to identify potential systemic risks and to act promptly before they materialize. While Canada's system of regulating and supervising financial institutions might hold up as a model of good performance, changes can and should be made, say Jenkins and Thiessen. Future crises undoubtedly will have different antecedents than the last one, and we need to be sure that Canada's financial system will be equal to the task of dealing with them as they arise. The authors examine potential arrangements for macro-prudential policy in Canada and conclude that a formal committee is the preferred governance arrangement.