An alternative Canada? Mel Watkins’ nationalism, socialism, and contributions to the new Canadian political economy

Abstract Mel Watkins was an exceptional academic who worked so that Canadians could understand the distinct nature of this country and its economy. He was an intellectual who also described himself as a nationalist and a socialist, and, most unusually for an academic, as an activist. He opposed the US domination of the Canadian economy, tried hard to make the New Democratic Party a socialist party, and focused, in later parts of his life, on actions to ensure peace and confront globalization.