This week on WONK, Canada's former top public servant discusses what he believes is driving so many of today's crises — an economic and political order that goes by the name of neoliberalism

Alex Himelfarb served as Canada’s top public servant, Clerk of the Privy Council, under three Prime Ministers: Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and, briefly, Stephen Harper. He knows a thing or two about the immense challenges of governing at the highest levels. He has also been fascinated throughout his career by the big trends that policymakers must come to terms with, such as inequality and climate change. Alex believes we are in what he describes as ‘The Age of Crisis’. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the economic and political forces behind it, and what needs to happen to save democracy.

Listen now anywhere you get your podcasts.

Listen to more episodes from Season 2 of WONK:

Janice Stein on what’s wrong with the world — and what Canada can do

Sean Speer on how governments can get stuff done

Raven Lacerte on a movement to end violence against women and children

Dr. Jane Philpott on getting every Canadian a family doctor

R.J. Simpson on why the North is hot right now 

David Campbell on what’s driving Atlantic Canada’s big boom

Steve Verheul on what a Trump victory could mean for Canada

And see what you might have missed in Season 1 of WONK.