The Pros and Cons of North American Monetary Integration

This study examines the major arguments for and against enhanced monetary integration in North America, with particular emphasis on the Canadian perspective. In this context, the question is whether the current floating rate regime should be replaced by greater fixity of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. While the choice among fixed rate systems is wide in priciple, for practical purposes the Canadian debate centres on the pros and cons of monetary union. Although much of the debate focuses on traditional concerns of macroeconomic stability and policy management, some observers suspect that the floating rate system has retarded the development of high tech manufacturing. The study reviews the core arguments for and against fixed rates and currency union; examines problems associated with nominal rigidities; and assesses the role of exchange rate regimes in the evolution of economic structure. It considers trade-offs among alternative exchange rate regimes, and takes up the political dimension of closer monetary cooperation.