Michael Baker

Michael Baker is a Professor in the Department of Economics and Canada Research Chair in Economics, Child Development and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. He serves as Academic Director of the Toronto Region Statistics Canada Research Data and is a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

• B. Commerce, University of Toronto
• M.A., York University
• Ph.D., University of Michigan

His research examines how parents’ economic decisions shape children’s developmental trajectories, with a focus on gender differences. Additional work explores aging economics, immigration, labor standards, and public policy. His publications span journals like the Journal of Population Economics and Canadian Journal of Economics.

Recent publications emphasize child development, parental policy impacts, and gender economics. Key themes include maternal care effects, early childhood interventions, and labor market disparities.

• Canada Research Chair in Economics, Child Development and Public Policy
• Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research

He has contributed to understanding healthcare determinants in childhood, with publications in health economics and socioeconomic influences. His work often bridges empirical econometrics with actionable policy insights.