Shakedown: How the New Economy is Changing Our Lives

"Anyone whose world still seems relatively stable--and who thinks life is business as usual--isn't paying attention." Shakedown is an urgent wake-up call to all Canadians.  For close to 20 years Angus Reid has conducted hundreds of surveys on issues ranging from brand preferences to voting patterns.  Now this passionate observer of the Canadian scene draws upon years of polling data and research to paint a provocative picture of where Canada has been, and where it is going.    First, Reid charts the demise of the "Spend-and-Share Era"--The term he uses to describe the period of national prosperity and optimism that characterized Canada from the '60s to the '80s--and shows that we have entered a scary new era defined by shrinking incomes, corporate downsizings, and declining government services.  He calls the '90s the "Sink-or-Swim Era,"  Today, the economy booms, but jobless rates remain high.  The top 20% are getting richer; the bottom 80% are getting poorer.  Technology and globalization seem to be killing more jobs than they are creating.    Is there a way out?  Yes, says Reid, but only if we're creative.  He also offers valuable insights into what Canadians must do to survive and thrive in the 21st century.  Ultimately, Reid's message of hope is based on entrepreneurship and, in surprising measure, small business working from home.  He argues for better government, not necessarily smaller government; for the trust in the adaptability of Canadians; for a healthy appraisal of what he calls Canada's social capital--our human resources and our common values of fairness, civility, and compassion; and for a rejection of many of the new-conservative maxims currently ruling public debate.    Sure to be controversial, Shakedown is a must for all professional trend-watchers, and for anyone interested in our future.  It's a book for our times.  It's a book for everybody.