Canadians in Brazil : Brascan and Brazilian development

Abstract

This thesis looks at the role played by the Brazilian Traction, Light and Power Company Limited (Brascan) in the development process in Brazil since 1899. Brascan, as one of Canada's largest multinationals had its start in Brazil and continues to be one of the more concrete links that tie the two countries together. The contextual frameworks are considered through a discussion of the literature on multinational corporations in the developing world as well as an account of Canadian relations with Brazil. The case study follows Brazilian Traction, Light and Power's growth in Brazil and the important role that this company played in establishing the infrastructure framework that assisted the economic growth of Brazil. It is argued that the company played an integral role in Brazilian development through the expansion of its operations in the utility sector. It is asserted that Brascan's operations in Brazil were also benefited by some special characteristics of both the sector and the specific qualities of the company and that these factors allowed the company to remain in that country for close to a century.