A Conversation with Stephen Poloz on Canada's Economy, Inflation, Interest Rates and Productivity
Jun 25, 2024
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Former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, discusses increasing domestic investment by Canadian pension funds, inflation, interest rates, productivity, free trade with the US, EV sector support, deficit budgets, and growing debt levels in Canada.
Increasing domestic investments by Canada's pension funds in energy and infrastructure projects is crucial for economic growth.
Addressing Canada's productivity 'emergency' requires strategic economic policies and investments in clean energy technologies.
Deep dives
Water Conservation Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry
Discussions around water conservation efforts within the oil and gas industry have escalated, emphasizing the significance of addressing the water scarcity issue. City authorities reaching out to oil and gas companies for solutions due to their expertise in fluid movement engineering. Collaboration between industries and leveraging expertise can pave the way for quick resolutions.
Encouraging Greater Domestic Investments by Canada's Pension Funds
The call for increased investments by Canada's pension funds in domestic projects, especially in energy and infrastructure sectors, has gained momentum. Efforts led by a working group to explore catalysts for boosting domestic investments are underway. Striking a balance between diversification and domestic investment mandates remains a focal point for pension fund strategies.
Navigating Inflation and Interest Rate Policies
Insights into inflation trends and interest rate adjustments shed light on the complexities of economic stability. Understanding the prolonged nature of inflation and its underlying factors like transitory price changes is crucial. Interest rate policies aim to manage core inflation levels and stabilize economic conditions amidst global uncertainties.
Productivity Challenges and Economic Policy Directions
Productivity challenges in Canada, influenced by factors like investment levels, regulatory processes, and trade dynamics, highlight the need for strategic economic policies. Balancing deficits, investments in clean energy technologies, and addressing fiscal sustainability are critical for enhancing productivity growth and economic resilience. Engaging in public discourse on long-term economic priorities is essential to navigate productivity concerns.
This week on the podcast, our guest is Stephen Poloz, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Author, Special Advisor at Osler, and recently appointed by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to lead a working group to explore how to catalyze greater domestic investments by Canada’s pension funds.
This is Stephen's second appearance on the podcast. The first was in 2022 after he released his book The Next Age of Uncertainty.
Here are some of the questions Jackie and Peter asked Stephen: What precipitated the thesis that Canadian pensioners are better off with more investment in Canada? What can you say about the pension investment working group, the deliverable you are working towards, and the potential timing? Why has inflation been so persistent in Canada and globally? What are your expectations for Canadian interest rate announcements in the future? Carolyn Rogers, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, recently said in a speech, it's time to “break the glass” and respond to Canada's productivity “emergency” – do you agree that productivity is an emergency? How important is free trade with the United States for Canada’s economy? What are your thoughts on the Canadian government committing tens of billions of dollars to support the EV sector in Canada? Are you concerned about Canada’s ongoing deficit budgets and growing debt levels?