The papers in this book are written by the speakers, discussion group leaders, and the chairmen of the 9th annual Winter Conference of the Canadian Institute on Public Affairs.

The articles suggested a division into three sections. Thus Part 1 contains the articles which centre on the title or ,the compatibility of economic planning with free enterprise; Part 2 those which centre more on the definition or the nature of economic planning; and Part 3 the articles whose authors apply the general principles primarily to the question of what kind of planning for Canada?

T.E.H Reid is the Executive Secretary of the Canadian Institute of Public Affairs.

Timothy E.H. Reid's profile page

"Economic planning may mean … anything from a vague forecast of business activity to rigid government control of finance, industry and labour. While the idea got a mauling in Toronto last weekend, it also got clarification." Ronald Anderson, The Globe & Mail

"Dr. James Tobin of Yale, a member of President Kennedy's economic advisory council, spoke of a 'Self-fulfilling consensus,' ... He mentioned that the Kennedy administration has officially adopted a 41/2 % figure ... as the proper rate of growth for American GNP. He did not think dragooning industry into line with this objective would comport with the American belief in free enterprise." J.B. McGeachy, The Financial Post

"Economic planning: Does it spell economic desecration of our traditional free enterprise values -- or is it just the adrenalin we need to inject trust into our tripping, creaky economy?" Andrew Webster, Ottawa Citizen

"Economic planning, although it may have different meanings to different people, is unquestionably an issue of great interest particularly in labour and business circles." Russell Bell, Canadian Labour Congress