The problem with GDP per capita | West of Centre on CBC

Podcast host Rob Brown asks University of Calgary economist and SCP Fellow Dr. Gillian Petit to dissect the metric politicians love to wield. GDP measures total output, while GDP per capita divides that sum by the population. Petit says the simple math offers an easy snapshot but can mislead when used alone. For a true read on prosperity, Petit argues Canada needs a broader economic dashboard that weighs productivity, fairness and long‑term well‑being.

The podcast discusses new research from economist and SCP Fellow Gillian Petit, PhD, that explains why GDP per capita is a poor measure of economic performance and economic well-being. Using changes in GDP per capita as evidence of either improving or deteriorating economic well-being is poor economics, poor public policy and poor reasoning. Click here to read the full report.