Alex Himelfarb

About the Author

Alex Himelfarb is a distinguished Canadian public policy expert with over three decades of experience shaping the nation's social and economic landscape. As a former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet under Prime Minister Paul Martin, he played a pivotal role in advancing progressive policies on taxation, healthcare, and social equity. Now a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Himelfarb brings his insider perspective to public discourse, advocating for fairer systems that prioritize the common good. In his acclaimed book, Tax Is Not a Four-Letter Word: A Different Take on Taxes in Canada (Canadian Commentaries), he demystifies the role of taxes in building a just society, challenging misconceptions and offering a compelling case for progressive reform. Through his writing and teaching, Himelfarb continues to inspire thoughtful debate on the intersections of policy, ethics, and democracy.