Victoria LVT Meetup with Dr. Francis Peddle
Common Wealth Canada held its first Victoria, BC meetup on Feb 23, 2024 with special guest Dr. Francis K. Peddle.
Dr. Peddle is Professor of Philosophy at the Dominican University College; Secretary-Treasurer of the Henry George Foundation of Canada; Past-President of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation; Co-editor and contributor of The Annotated Works of Henry George, six volumes; Advisor to Common Wealth Canada.
Below are photos, a video of Frank’s talk, and a summary of the discussions by ChatGPT.
We’ve also put together highlights in this thread on X for you to share to your networks.
Summaries by GPT-4
Dr. Frank Peddle’s Talk
Francis K. Peddle begins his talk by highlighting the multifaceted nature of Georgism, which addresses issues ranging from housing crises to intergenerational inequality and ecological concerns. He emphasizes the challenge of maintaining focus within the diffuse Georgist movement while adapting to changing trends.
Peddle discusses the historical context of Georgism in British Columbia (BC), noting early support from influential figures like L. D. Taylor. He praises BC's Assessment Authority for its comprehensive approach to assessing land values, which provides valuable data for policy analysis.
Georgism faces jurisdictional challenges in Canada due to federal limitations on property and civil rights. Peddle mentions Chrystia Freeland's familial ties to Georgism but acknowledges the political hurdles in advocating for Georgist principles at the federal level.
Peddle highlights the philosophical underpinnings of Georgism, particularly its emphasis on reconciliation rather than trade-offs between economic factors. He critiques the neoclassical economic paradigm for neglecting land as a distinct factor of production, leading to conceptual and linguistic confusion in real estate discourse.
Regarding advocacy, Peddle suggests establishing a BC Fair Tax Commission to address systemic issues. He argues that the timing is ripe for such initiatives, especially in light of upcoming elections and discussions surrounding indigenous land rights. Creating constituencies for Georgism involves analyzing historical tax data to demonstrate the impact of land values on housing affordability.
In conclusion, Peddle urges audience engagement and emphasizes the need for collective action to promote Georgist principles in Canada.
Lean Coffee Discussion
Philosophical and Moral Foundations of Economic Theories:
The session began with reflections on the moral underpinnings of economic and political theories related to land rights, highlighting the historical integration of economics with moral philosophy. Esteemed economists like Adam Smith were noted for considering land a moral issue, emphasizing that land, as a natural resource, should be accessible to all since it wasn't produced by human effort.
The Concept of Land as a Common Good:
Participants discussed the idea of land and other natural resources (e.g., the electromagnetic spectrum, orbital slots) as common goods that should not be privatized but managed in a way that benefits society at large. This led to suggestions for auctioning rights to these resources as a fair means of allocation.
Compatibility of LVT with Indigenous Perspectives:
The conversation explored how LVT aligns with Indigenous views on land stewardship and communal ownership, underscoring similarities in the recognition that land cannot be owned in the conventional sense. The dialogue touched on historical and potential engagements with Indigenous communities regarding LVT principles.
Exploring Practical Applications of LVT:
The group delved into practical applications of LVT, considering its potential to address monopolization in sectors like airport landing slots. The discussion extended to LVT's role in contemporary challenges, such as housing affordability and economic inequality.
Historical Implementation and Decline of LVT:
Reflecting on the history of LVT, participants discussed its implementation in various jurisdictions and the factors contributing to its decline. The conversation highlighted political and economic shifts and the introduction of alternative taxation methods that led to LVT's reduced prominence.
Upzoning and Its Interactions with LVT:
The topic of upzoning brought forth debates on its potential effects when combined with LVT, particularly regarding land use, development patterns, and housing affordability. Perspectives varied on whether upzoning, alongside LVT, could help mitigate or exacerbate gentrification.
The Federal Government's Role in LVT Support:
Participants debated the federal government's potential role in facilitating LVT, discussing jurisdictional challenges and how federal management of natural resources could align with LVT principles to support equitable land use.
Strategies for Advocating a BC Fair Tax Commission:
Strategies to build political will for a Fair Tax Commission in BC were discussed, focusing on political engagement, public education, and leveraging social media to garner support for LVT as a fair and efficient taxation system.
Economic and Social Implications of LVT:
Broader discussions on the economic and social implications of LVT considered its potential to address inequalities, promote efficient land use, and contribute to a more equitable economic system through the redistribution of land value gains.
Addressing Practical Challenges:
Acknowledging the challenges in implementing LVT, such as accurate land value assessments and managing transitional impacts, the conversation covered potential policies to mitigate adverse effects on groups like farmers and seniors.
The meetup concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the need for ongoing advocacy, research, and interdisciplinary approaches to further explore and promote LVT as a transformative economic policy. The detailed conversation reflected participants' deep engagement with LVT's complexities and their commitment to exploring its potential for societal benefit.
