Statement on Passing of Rhys Kesselman
The Broadbent Institute is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Broadbent Institute Policy Fellow, Professor Rhys Kesselman, on Sunday, February 25th, following a short illness. A major Canadian public thinker on taxation policy, Dr. Kesselman used his expertise to demonstrate how public finance can be used for social good. With the Broadbent Institute, he authored reports that examined the shortcomings of Tax-Free Savings Accounts during their implementation by the Stephen Harper government, and most recently spoke to the Institute on why capital gains taxation needed to go further in the 2023 federal budget. His notable work on basic income in Canada has added to the analysis and debate needed to push forward on improving the wellbeing for all. Canada has lost a rare giant in public policy, who advocated for change alongside critical scholarship on how to make a good and more just society.