Ernie Lightman
Principal Investigator
Professor of Social Policy
B.A. (Hons), Economics and Political Science, University of Toronto
M.A., Economics, University of California at Berkeley
PhD, Economics, University of California at Berkeley
Phone: (416) 978-5570
Fax: (416) 978-7072
Email
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Ernie Lightman brings his graduate training in economics to grapple with a wide array of issues affecting social policy, both within Canada and internationally. His particular focus is on the interplay of economic policy and social policy within a market context. Past research includes social policy theory; housing for vulnerable adults; social assistance; workfare; deinstitutionalization; long-term care; tax policy; privatization; mental health policy; unionization in the social services; child care and, long ago , prison labour, voluntary blood donation, and legal aid.
A former faculty member at the London School of Economics, Professor Lightman was appointed sole commissioner under the Public Inquiries Act in 1991-92 to examine unregulated housing (care homes) for vulnerable adults in Ontario. His central recommendation, concerning security of housing tenure, was enacted into law but was severely modified, along with much other important legislation, following the provincial election of 1995.