Futureproofing Canada

This week’s episode is a recording of a panel Jennifer moderated at the IRPP’s recent conference on industrial policy. The panel featured Patricia Goff, professor in the Department of Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and at the Balsillie School of International Affairs; Matthew Holmes, executive vice-president (international) and chief of public policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and Steve Verheul, a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. relations and Canada’s former chief trade negotiator. Their conversation touched on topics including the state of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, opportunities for enhancing trade in Europe, Latin America and other regions, and how to help Canadian businesses expand their horizons outside the hemisphere. Tune in to hear how strategic industrial policy can help Canada diversify both its trading partners and its exports.

In this episode, RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, joins us for a conversation about how the North can help shape Canada’s economic and security future. Simpson highlights the region’s wealth of critical minerals and the importance of projects like the proposed Arctic Security Corridor to unlock new opportunities. He underscores the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, local workforce training, and strong partnerships with Indigenous governments to ensure development is both sustainable and inclusive. Tune in to hear his vision for the North and what it means for the future of the country.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by David Chaundy, President and CEO of the Atlantic Economic Council, for a conversation about the economic transformation of Atlantic Canada and what lies ahead for the region. Chaundy reflects on more than two decades of industrial change, from the decline of traditional sectors to the rise of bioscience, aerospace, and offshore energy. He highlights the challenges posed by tariffs and labour shortages, as well as the opportunities presented by immigration, interprovincial trade, and strategic investments in energy, transportation, and defence. Chaundy outlines a vision for Atlantic Canada that links economic resilience to national priorities, showing how the region can play a critical role in Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Why Canada Needs a Rural Lens in Decision-Making by IRPP

What is “mission-driven” government, and can it work in Canada by IRPP

In this engaging discussion, Zita Cobb, CEO of Shorefast and revitalizer of Fogo Island, shares her vision for community-led economic growth in Canada. She emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and sustainable development in shaping resilient economies. Cobb highlights the challenges faced by rural communities, advocating for a national strategy that prioritizes place-based solutions. The conversation also explores the value of partnerships in workforce development and how economic benefits should stay within local areas to foster a thriving future.

Indigenous businesses are now being launched at up to nine times the rate of non-Indigenous businesses. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer is joined by Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, for a conversation about the growing momentum of Indigenous-led businesses in Canada. Together they talk about the unique challenges these businesses face, including barriers to capital, the impact of federal policies like the Indian Act, and the disproportionate effects of tariffs. Bull outlines how Canada can better support Indigenous business growth and economic reconciliation by removing systemic obstacles and making space for Indigenous leadership at every level of decision-making.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, for a wide-ranging conversation on Inuit self-determination, infrastructure, and Canada’s future in the Arctic. Originally from Nunatsiavut, Obed has become one of the leading voices advocating for Inuit rights and equity within Canadian society. He shares his journey from studying at Tufts University to leading national efforts for policy change, and highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investments, from deep-water ports to clean energy projects. With a focus on practical solutions and long-term collaboration, he calls for Canada to move beyond symbolic gestures and into an era of respectful, results-driven partnership with Inuit communities.

Canada’s Cities Are Doing Too Much With Too Little — Here’s Why That Matters by IRPP

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is an important industrial centre best known for its steel industry. But that industry is currently being threatened by the tariffs on steel and aluminium announced by the Trump administration. Our guest today is Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. Mayor Shoemaker is lobbying hard across the border to change a situation he can't make any sense of, but he also has ideas for what Canadian governments can do to help the city weather the storm and come out even stronger. Together we discuss the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and global trade tensions. He outlines a vision for the city’s future that includes transitioning to greener steel production, expanding immigration to address labour needs, investing in infrastructure and greater support from federal and provincial partners.