Cross Elasticity Of Supply: As Big A Secret In Canada As It Is In The U. S.

Abstract

In a prior study, the author determined that cross elasticity of supply is rarely discussed in intermediate microeconomics, and industrial organization textbooks used in U. S. universities.  He did, however, find that the American judicial system has increasingly relied upon the concept in defining product markets.  In the present paper, the author examines cross elasticity of supply in economics textbooks in Canadian universities.  Similar to his prior study, the author found virtually no mention of the concept in the Canadian textbooks.  However, unlike the prior study, he found no appreciable reliance upon cross elasticity of supply in defining product markets by Canadian courts.  Though perplexed over its lack of academic discussion, the author is encouraged by the deference paid to cross elasticity of supply by American courts.