Wonk

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Canada-U.S. relations

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Josh Shapiro is the governor of Pennsylvania. He talks to host Amanda Lang about fixing CUSMA, the importance of the U.S. midterms and the trade instability caused by President Donald Trump. This is the final episode of season 4 of WONK. We’ll be back this fall with a brand new season.

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How to make a nation of supertraders

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The need to pivot away from our dependence on the U.S. as a trading partner has definitely been driven home to Canadian businesses. But actually doing that is a different story. If there's a base camp for that climb, it's Export Development Canada (EDC), the Crown Corporation whose mission is to help Canadians develop new markets. Alison Nankivell, EDC's CEO, joins host Amanda Lang.

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Evan Solomon on the promise and perils of AI

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Few innovations have held the amount of promise and — let's face it — peril as artificial intelligence. Will it be mankind's greatest leap forward or its absolute demise? Into this uncertainty comes Canada's new AI strategy, one which tries to walk the line between promise and peril. Host Amanda Lang talks to Evan Solomon, Canada's first Minister of AI and Digital Innovation.

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Building an economy that helps people flourish

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

More than 25 years ago, management consultant Joseph Pine introduced a revolutionary concept he called the experience economy. It helped shape how companies would reframe their businesses, but also their approaches to customers. Pine described the economy as being divided into progressions of economic value, from the lowest, commodities, to goods or manufacturing, to services, and finally, experiences. Now he's introducing a fifth level of value, which he calls transformation. His new book is called The Transformation Economy. He joins host Amanda Lang.

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The big risks facing Canada and the world

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Anyone who thinks that insurance is dull hasn't thought about it in the right way. The ability to offset risk is the structural foundation of everything in a modern economy, including our own individual ability to avoid personal financial ruin. Charles Brindamour is CEO of Intact Financial, the largest property and casualty insurer in Canada. He talks to host Amanda Lang about climate change, natural disasters and tech vulnerabilities.

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Why the Canadian economy will be okay

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

One of the dangerous things about constantly talking about the challenges that our economy faces is losing the sense of urgency that it needs. With the new fiscal update under our belts, and plenty of uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead, host Amanda Lang checks in with one of Canada’s top economists, Frances Donald, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at RBC.

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Gregor Robertson on the housing dilemma

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

When it comes to affordability, few issues hit more than housing. We need homes of all types without cratering the value of the existing housing stock. That's not an easy task, but it is one the federal government is lending its policy to. Host Amanda Lang talks to Gregor Robertson, the federal minister of housing and infrastructure and former mayor of Vancouver.

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Frank McKenna on Canada’s future and dealing with America

Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The challenges facing Canada are pretty enormous, from our aging population to trade issues changing the fabric of our economy. It's a hard time to be a young person thinking about the future. Canada's universities are at the center of this struggle to equip them with the skills they need. Host Amanada Lang talks to former N.B. premier and former ambassador to the U.S. Frank McKenna about his gift to St.FX University, creating future leaders, and managing Canada-U.S. relations.

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How to get investment flowing back to Canada

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

One of the key goals the federal government has laid out is to attract more investment to Canada after years of outflows. So have we finally turned a corner? Host Amanda Lang talks to TMX Group CEO John McKenzie about building home-grown talent, focusing on long term growth and unlocking Canada’s potential.

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Could Canada be energy independent?

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The conflict with Iran has raised a lot of questions about Canadian oil, gas and energy. If we produce so much of the stuff, why are we at the mercy of bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz? Jay Khosla is executive director of economic and energy policy at the Public Policy Forum. Susannah Pierce is the former CEO of Shell Canada and also led the development of the LNG Canada terminal. They join host Amanda Lang to talk about strategic reserves, east-west pipelines and the missing electricity link.

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Canada’s race to build big talent

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Canada could need up to half a million new workers by 2030 — everything from the trades to high-tech entrepreneurs to knowledge workers. But between the U.S. hoovering up Canadian talent and new policies putting a chill on international students, building the talent we need might take some work. Host Amanda Lang talks to Robert Asselin, the CEO of U15, which represents Canada’s top 15 research universities, about training entrepreneurs, scaling up companies and winning talent.

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Stephen Poloz on dealing with dual economic shocks

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

These past few years, inflation has been a beast. No sooner under control from the last supply chain shocks, the war in Iran has it rearing its head again. Stephen Poloz was Canada's central bank governor from 2013 to the summer of 2020. He’s now a special advisor at the law firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt. He joins host Amanda Lang to talk about inflation risks, dealing with growing uncertainty and the importance of embracing the fourth industrial revolution. This episode — part of a series on economic growth — is sponsored by CPA Ontario.

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Canada’s place in the global energy race

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Global energy supply is suddenly a hot topic — and it puts Canada in a strong position. At a time when we were already looking to increase our exports, the market is more than ready for them. But can we do it fast enough? TC Energy runs natural gas pipelines across North America, including the Coastal GasLink now feeding Canada's first LNG export facility. Host Amanda Lang talks to the company’s CEO Francois Poirier about what’s holding Canada back, keeping up with soaring demand, and the future of electrification.

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The $7-billion bet on ag tech

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

We talk a lot in Canada about the size - and importance - of our agriculture sectors. But the estimates of what we could be doing are staggering. From new markets to new products, updating ag could be a pretty valuable opportunity. Farm Credit Canada is a Crown corporation that's dedicated to that cause, and it's now armed with a $5 billion kitty to do it. FCC’s CEO Justine Hendricks talks to host Amanda Lang about winning talent, capital and making ag a Canadian superpower.

Join us in Toronto on May 7 for Canada’s policy event of the year, Growth Summit 2026. For tickets and info visit https://ppforum.ca/event/canada-growth-summit-2026/

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Premier Susan Holt on Canada’s comeback plan

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Few places in Canada have been as threatened by Trump's tariff war as New Brunswick, with an economy built around forestry, seafood and energy. But there's opportunity arising too. New Brunswick's maritime port is booming with Canadian cargo looking to avoid U.S. tariffs. And the Premier has a strategy to develop new mines in the province. Premier Susan Holt talks to host Amanda Lang about selling Canada to the world, rebooting mining and why 400 km of pipeline could change the country.

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How to deal with oil shocks and inflation

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Most Canadians are still adjusting to the inflation that has settled across our economy from the last big geopolitical disruptions. Now a new one threatens to send prices higher again... all this at a time when Canada is trying to rebuild its own economic engine. Jim Stanford is the director of the Centre for Future Work and one of Canada’s most prominent economists. He speaks with host Amanda Lang about the far-reaching impact of energy prices, social capital and leaning into Canada’s strengths.

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Why housing should be a human right

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It's hardly a secret that Canada has a housing problem. Usually it's described by the affordability issues around owning a home, but there is another and arguably more pernicious problem. Too many Canadians simply don't have one. Treating housing as a human right is one way to start facing that second housing crisis. Host Amanda Lang talks with Pearl Eliades, a Quebec-based lawyer specializing in human rights and a professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, and Dr. Andrew Boozary, founding executive director of the Gattuso Center for Social Medicine at the University Health Network in Toronto.

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Julie Dabrusin on Canada’s new climate plan

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Canada has changed tack on its climate efforts from a price on carbon and a philosophical view that fossil fuels might be phased out to a more pragmatic policy that embraces energy development while still aiming to meet climate targets. It's a tricky line to walk at any time, but especially while the economy faces a generational upheaval. Host Amanda Lang talks to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin about industrial carbon pricing, pushing EVs and building out national urban parks.

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Tom Chi on how to make an economy that works

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some of the thorniest problems of our time won't be solved with the tools and systems that we currently use, but that doesn't make them beyond our capacity to solve. Tom Chi has spent his career at the center of innovation and process design — that includes at Google X, the moonshot factory inside Google. He now has a new book and a message about process and problem solving when it comes to climate. He talks to host Amanda Lang about a new way to think about economics.

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Zita Cobb on economic growth, one town at a time

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Nestled in a tiny fishing outport in Newfoundland, Fogo Island Inn has become a luxury stop for the well-traveled. But it is a lot more than that -- by design. Fogo's part of a social enterprise called Shorefast, and while its success has definitely created wealth for the local economy, its founders believe that the model of community-based entrepreneurship is highly exportable. Host Amanda Lang talks to Zita Cobb about how to build Canada’s economy one community at a time.

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The dangerous spread of sports betting

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With gambling in the palm of everyone's hand, it's not just big business: it's changing the world of sports. It also ignores the harms that come along the way. Danny Funt is a journalist and the author of a new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. He talks to host Amanda Lang about the dark side of sports betting, why professional sports has embraced it and why the public can’t get enough.

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Premier David Eby on building a new economy

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Prime Minister Carney's recent speech in Davos was hailed globally as a pivotal moment. But, as is always the case, the question becomes, what's next? In Canada, finding new trade partners is obviously top of the agenda. So is getting out of our own way on internal trade barriers. David Eby is the Premier of British Columbia. He talks to host Amanda Lang about this new reality, LNG and global trade.

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Chris Hadfield on Canada’s new space race

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A Toronto startup recently launched 10 low earth orbit satellites as part of a new commercial satellite network. Meanwhile, a Canadian astronaut is poised to be one of the first to orbit the moon, and new investments are being made in space technology in this country. Chris Hadfield is one of Canada's best known astronauts, the first Canadian to walk in space, commander of the ISS, an engineer, former fighter pilot, musician and a best-selling author. He speaks with host Amanda Lang about why 2026 will be a critical year in space.

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Bob Rae on the new world order

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Even by recent standards, the world right now feels precarious with the U.S. attack on Venezuela and saber rattling over taking over other countries, all while abandoning international cooperation. It's hard not to wonder, where does it leave the rest of us? Host Amanda Lang talks to former UN ambassador Bob Rae about dealing with Donald Trump, the future of the UN and why it’s time to worry.

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Canada’s make or break year

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If ‘uncertainty’ was the word of 2025, what will the new year bring for Canada's economy and the world? On top of the now familiar trade and tariff worries for Canada, we are facing technological change and new geopolitical concerns. So what lies ahead? Kevin Carmichael is The Logic’s economics columnist and editor at large. Jean-Francois Perreault is the chief economist at Scotiabank. They speak with host Amanda Lang about what’s on their lists of the big issues to watch in the year ahead.

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Don Tapscott on the battle to control your own AI

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

You've heard of agentic AI, the next generation of smart technology that will, we're told, transform our lives. But what about identic AI? That's a term coined by Don Tapscott, the author and thought leader who's built a career on seeing what's coming in technology from one of the first books about the internet to a seminal book on blockchain. Now Tapscott and his co-author Joseph Bradley have written You to the Power of Two, How the Next Stage of AI Needs to be Decentralized.

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The big policies that will shape 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

When it comes to unprecedented times, 2025 did not disappoint. It was a year of upheaval and change, both at home and abroad. In the year ahead, Canada will grapple with big issues and daunting policy files, from housing to AI to tariffs and trade. Host Amanda Lang speaks with Inez Jabalpurwala, the president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum, about the urgent need for broader policy discussions, their impact on all Canadians and how to chart a better path forward in 2026.

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‘What is common knowledge?’ Steven Pinker explains

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Steven Pinker has spent his academic and literary career thinking about thinking, and the ways societies have been shaped by our neurology and what we do with it. He is a professor at Harvard University and author of 13 books. The latest: "When Everyone Knows What Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy and Outrage". On this episode of Wonk, he speaks with host Amanda Lang about the book, the impact of social media, AI and more.

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Why Canada needs to build ‘anchor companies’

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Despite some big advantages, world-leading research and a lot of early promise, Canada does not have a thriving life sciences and biotech sector. Could the elements that would fuel this much sought after industry also fuel growth in other places? Gordon McCauley is the head of adMare BioInnovations, a national life sciences accelerator. He talks to host Amanda Lang about how to lure more anchor companies, investment and entrepreneurs to Canada.

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Minister Champagne: Putting a ‘generational’ budget into practice

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Canada’s recent federal budget has been called generational and transformational. Of course, it's been called that by the government that passed it, but there's no question that this budget comes at a pivotal moment for Canada. Host Amanda Lang talks to Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne about changing the investment climate, affordability and following the German economic example.

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Alberta’s Danielle Smith on pipelines and fellow premiers

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:15:15 GMT

When it comes to the Team Canada approach to fighting tariffs, the rubber hits the road in the provinces and territories — and with a growing list of major projects. Missing from the list so far is a pipeline from Alberta to B.C., a lightning rod for some very familiar-feeling inter-provincial disputes. Host Amanda Lang talks to Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, about her optimism around pipeline plans, dealing with separatist sentiment and why Alberta recently used the notwithstanding clause.

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Matthew Boswell on Canada’s fight against anti-competitive behaviour

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

When it comes to setting the stage for a healthy economy, competition laws are among the most important tools. A lot of Canadians looking at our banks, telcos and airlines might wonder if we're getting it right. Recent reforms have put Canada on a stronger footing, but are we ready for the massive challenges ahead? Canada's competition commissioner, Matthew Boswell, talks to host Amanda Lang about the new laws, enforcement efforts and fixing some old economic "own goals".

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Fara Dabhoiwala on the meaning of free speech

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

For most of human history, free speech was not a welcome concept. The notion that all ideas or expressions are equal is a pretty new one, and it could be argued a dangerous one. Fara Dabhoiwala, a senior research scholar at Princeton and author of ‘What is Free Speech?’ talks to host Amanda Lang about truth, and the history and unexpected outcomes of free speech.

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The biggest issues in Canada's next federal budget

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Canada's upcoming federal budget is, by any measure, going to be big. It'll be big in size, symbolism and substance. And it's going to have to find support somewhere in the House to be passed at all. To talk about what’s at stake, we’ve reconvened our policy panel, featuring Armine Yalnizyan and Sean Speer. They talk to host Amanda Lang about the need to fortify the economy, fight tariffs and make concessions.

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Stéfane Marion on Canada’s business investment crisis

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Canada has a few immediate economic problems, like tariffs and a potential recession. But there are also some long-standing structural problems, including our poor productivity and the erosion of business investment. National Bank Chief Economist Stéfane Marion has highlighted the decimation of investment by Canadian business and the sharp divergence with the U.S. as key factors. He talks to host Amanda Lang about what happened to manufacturing and why Canada needs a red tape czar. You can review the charts here: https://www.nbc.ca/content/dam/bnc/taux-analyses/analyse-eco/hot-charts/hot-charts-250912.pdf

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David Frum on Donald Trump’s tariff problem

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

President Donald Trump is having a sizable impact on America and the world. Canada knows that all too well. For better or worse, there's a new economic order afoot. Will the new vision outlast the president? David Frum is a former Bush speech writer, now a senior editor at the Atlantic, author of many books, including two about Trump and the modern Republican movement. He talks to host Amanda Lang about the trouble with tariffs, what Canada should do and America’s looming economic issues.

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Catherine McKenna on climate costs and polarization

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:30:00 GMT

As Canada’s environment minister in 2015, Catherine McKenna emerged as a leading voice in the climate debate. She also faced some of the unprecedented and disturbing abuse that was aimed at public officials, and became an advocate for the voice of women in politics. McKenna is still a force at the centre of Canada's climate discussion and the global one. She talks to Wonk host Amanda Lang about the urgent economics of climate change, her new memoir and why Canada needs to deal with rising polarization.

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The fight to save kids from social media harm

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Sophisticated algorithms, endless scrolling and harmful content have affected a generation of children and young adults in alarming ways. Host Amanda Lang talks to Ava Smithing, advocacy director of the Young People's Alliance, about the addictiveness of social media platforms, advice for parents and the legal efforts underway to hold tech firms more accountable.

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Energy Minister Tim Hodgson on Canada's new economic ambitions

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The time for slow rolling major energy projects in Canada appears to be ending. The resources sector is increasingly seen as both the low-hanging fruit of economic growth and a core component of clean technology in the future— a seeming contradiction that Ottawa is eagerly embracing. Host Amanda Lang talks to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson about attracting capital, the Major Projects Office and what success looks like.

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Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem on seeking economic stability

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canada’s Central Bank lowered rates this week to the surprise of no one. Tens of thousands of jobs were lost over the summer, and inflation, if not easing, does appear to be contained. But as the Bank said in its statement, the path ahead will still be very much determined by what happens on trade. Host Amanda Lang speaks to Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, about the decisions ahead and how friction with the US will continue to affect our economy.

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Economist Frances Donald on Canada’s big opportunity

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canada just recorded a quarter of negative growth and sits on the edge of a potential recession. U.S. tariffs continue to hit the economy hard. Meanwhile, the country is plowing ahead with plans to build mega projects and diversify trade. We are, to put it mildly, at a pretty consequential fork in the road. Host Amanda Lang talks to one of Canada's top economists, Frances Donald, about the challenges ahead and the surprising case for optimism. As chief economist at RBC, Canada's biggest bank, Donald’s insights and pronouncements on both the Canadian and the U.S. economies are vital. And in this climate of unprecedented uncertainty, needed more than ever.

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Howard Marks: How to make sense of today’s reality-defying markets

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

One thing most people assume about stock markets is that they're an accurate reflection of what's happening in the economy. Yet nothing about markets or politics feels typical right now. Despite global tariffs and unprecedented uncertainty, markets continue to soar. Howard Marks is co-chair of Oaktree Capital Management. He's something of a legend in the investing world and in-depth regular memos are must-reads among those in the industry and well beyond. He speaks with host Amanda Lang about what’s going and what it all means.

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Encore: Jean Chrétien on the ongoing fight for national unity

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Jean Chretien, Canada’s oldest living prime minister, isn't taking Western separatism lying down. Having seen Canada through the threat of Quebec separation, his Clarity Act of 2000 could find new currency today. Chrétien — now 91, mentally sharp and still not pulling his punches — talks to host Amanda Lang about Donald Trump, Team Canada and his message to Alberta. This episode originally aired on June 12, 2025

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Encore: Sally Armstrong on the ongoing fight for women's rights

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In her incredible career as a journalist and author, Sally Armstrong told stories no one else would about the atrocities of war and became a towering figure for women's rights. She speaks with host Amanda Lang about the ongoing fight for rights, the ‘small group of greedy men' who start wars and how a former phys-ed teacher at a magazine called Homemaker became a groundbreaking war correspondent. This episode originally aired on May 1, 2025.

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Encore: Measles returns. How did it come to this?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Once eradicated in Canada, measles is making a comeback in Canada. Is it part of a bigger, post-pandemic trend we're seeing of vaccinations declining? What will it take to get public health back on track? Host Amanda Lang talks to Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the Canadian Medical Association, and Dr. Michael Gardam, a leading infectious disease expert about confronting misinformation, acknowledging COVID mistakes and why we’re still not ready for another emergency. This episode originally aired May 15, 2025.

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Andrew Coyne: Is Canada’s democracy falling apart?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canadians are feeling patriotic these days and acutely aware of what we think makes Canada great. But like a lot of good things, our successes should not be taken for granted. In fact, it's been suggested that our democratic processes have fallen so far over time, we’ve lost sight of what "good" even looks like. Host Amanda Lang talks to Andrew Coyne about his new book The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, and how Canada’s political system and structures are under siege.

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How Canadian housing got so unaffordable

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The housing market dominates conversation for many Canadians, especially when it comes to the lack of affordable homes. Absent a trade war, it is the subject that ranks most important to many of us. And it’s not just about the real estate market — housing now dominates the Canadian economy. Peter Gilgan founded the largest private home builder in North America, Mattamy Homes. He talks to host Amanda Lang about what’s been driving up prices, the impact of investors and his bet on modular home building.

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Why Canada can’t break free from America

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The risks the world faces today feel not just numerous, but in some cases existential. Ian Bremmer is one of the top political scientists and risk experts in the United States. He’s the head of Eurasia Group, a global consultancy, a highly regarded media commentator and the author of 11 books. He talks to host Amanda Lang about America’s ‘dysfunctional democracy’, the threats leading up to the midterm elections and how Canada lacks the infrastructure of a sovereign nation.

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How to build Arctic sovereignty — and Canada’s economy

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The One Canadian Economy Act is supposed to streamline new projects in Canada, including big resource projects. Can the government pursue these nation-building efforts while also answering other aims, including securing sovereignty over Canada's Arctic and working in partnership with Indigenous groups? Sean Boyd helped grow Agnico Eagle into the largest miner in the country and one of the biggest builders in the Arctic. He talks to host Amanda Lang about why his company is so invested in Canada, the importance of building trust on big projects and why the Northwest Passage needs to be developed.

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Inside the fight of Google’s life

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

AI is both a massive opportunity and a big threat. And that is especially true for Google, a tech innovator whose bread and butter business (search) faces an uncertain future in the age of artificial intelligence. Kent Walker is the president of global affairs at Google and its parent company Alphabet. He talks to host Amanda Lang about fending off anti-trust allegations, why Sergey Brin is coming back into the office and the “most fundamental transformation” of the tech giant.

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Encore Episode: Tim Snyder on America’s descent toward ‘modern tyranny’

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Tim Snyder is one of America’s most important scholars. While his work has focused on Eastern Europe, Russia and on the Holocaust, more recently he's written hugely popular books about the nature of tyranny and freedom. He recently moved with his family to Canada, where he is in high demand as someone who can help make sense of what is happening in the world. He talks to host Amanda Lang about America’s slide toward tyranny, the importance of local media in democracy and what keeps him hopeful for the future. This episode originally aired on April 24, 2025.

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Why we’re not ready for the new AI

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Within five years, ‘agentic AI’ could make 40 percent of today’s skills irrelevant. Valérie Pisano is the president and CEO of MILA — Quebec AI Institute, founded by one of the godfathers of AI, Joshua Bengio. She speaks to host Amanda Lang about why the latest technology is being dramatically underestimated and whether it’s time for governments to put the brakes on its unregulated development.

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Can Canada build big things?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canada needs to get moving on some big nation-building projects that will boost our economy and enhance our sovereignty. It’s a key part of the government’s ‘one Canadian economy’ legislation now being debated. Host Amanda Lang talks to Jay Khosla and Yiota Kokkinos about their ‘Build Big Things’ report and what it will take — from financing to political will — to get this trillion-dollar-opportunity right.

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Jean Chrétien on the ongoing fight for national unity

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Jean Chrétien, Canada’s oldest living prime minister, isn't taking Western separatism lying down. Having seen Canada through the threat of Quebec separation, his Clarity Act of 2000 could find new currency today. Chrétien — now 91, mentally sharp and still not pulling his punches — speaks with host Amanda Lang about Donald Trump, Team Canada and his message to Alberta.

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Trevor Tombe on how to make ‘one Canadian economy’

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest challenges facing the Canadian economy is improving what we already do: Better efficiency, more open trade. It's what Ottawa is calling ‘one Canadian economy.’ Trevor Tombe is one of Canada's most sought after economists and the go-to expert on interprovincial trade barriers. He talks to host Amanda Lang about how we get there and the winners and losers of cross-Canada trade.

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Dominic LeBlanc on getting to 'zero' tariffs

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Job number one of Canada's new Liberal government is salvaging our trade relationship with the United States. Next is the job of uniting the country — doing away with internal trade barriers and getting big projects built. All of that is the unwritten mandate of Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc. He talks to host Amanda Lang about his plan to get to ‘zero tariffs’ with the U.S. and the need to turn down the volume on partisan politics.

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How Canada’s biggest energy storage project got built

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest clean energy storage facilities in the world — the Oneida Energy Storage Project in Ontario — connected to the grid this month. It's a big clean energy win, but it's also a model for how Indigenous partnerships can propel energy projects in Canada. The driving forces behind the project, Matt Jamieson, president and chief executive officer of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, and Annette Verschuren, chair and CEO of NRStor Inc., speak with host Amanda Lang about the challenges they faced and why their project represents the future of how to get big infrastructure projects built.

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Measles has returned. How did we get here?

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

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Paul Wells: Is Canadian politics actually getting nicer?

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Paul Wells is the de facto dean of political journalism in Canada — a longtime observer and interpreter of what happens in Ottawa. He talks to host Amanda Lang about some surprising shifts in the wake of the federal election, including an easing of the 'ever-deepening animosity' that’s become a trademark of politics, evidence of a common understanding of what's good for Canada and why we should be grateful Trump isn’t better at his job.

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Sally Armstrong on the ongoing fight for women's rights

Thu, 01 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

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America’s descent toward ‘modern tyranny’

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Tim Snyder is one of America’s most important scholars. While his work has focused on Eastern Europe, Russia and on the Holocaust, more recently he's written hugely popular books about the nature of tyranny and freedom. He recently moved with his family to Canada, where he is in high demand as someone who can help make sense of what's happening in the world. He talks to host Amanda Lang about America’s slide toward tyranny, the importance of local media in democracy and what keeps him hopeful for the future.

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What should Canada do about China?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

It’s getting hard to tell who's a friend and who's an enemy in this turbulent geopolitical era. As Canada searches for new trade partners, one big question that's emerging is what to do about China. Is it time to rethink an economic relationship or are the security risks still too great? Host Amanda Lang talks to Peter Van Praagh, founder and president of the Halifax International Security Forum, about Chinese ambitions, Canadian values and how China will be “working diligently” to influence the federal election.

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Election panel: What Canadians actually need to be talking about

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The federal election has been dominated by Donald Trump and his tariffs. But is that the key ballot question? Energy, infrastructure, defense, productivity, housing and affordability, just to name a few, all loom large. The challenges are piling up and the economic future is dark. Host Amanda Lang gathers an all-star election panel — Armine Yalnizyan, Sean Speer and Jay Khosla — to talk about what Canadians need to be thinking about as well as a few of the positive signs in the race so far.

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Does Canada need a customs union with the U.S.?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canada’s happy trade arrangement with the U.S has ended. And while it seemed sudden and alarming, it was not totally unforeseeable to those watching the bigger shifts in global trade. Among those who predicted this moment, Roger Martin. He's the former dean of the Rotman School of Management and a best-selling author. He talks to host Amanda Lang about how globalization began to unravel, the problems with U.S.-Canada trade and why Canada needs to ‘ask the EU question.’

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How to govern through an election on top of a trade war

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In short order, Canada has experienced a Liberal leadership race, a new Prime Minister, a trade war attack from its closest ally, and now a federal election. How is democratic accountability maintained through this unprecedented action? How do the wheels of government keep turning? Host Amanda Lang talks to Canada’s former top bureaucrat, Michael Wernick, about the "weird place" we’re in, the job of the public service and the changes on the horizon.

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The fight over U.S. fighter jets

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s review of Canada's purchase of F-35 jets is another battle line drawn in the ongoing trade war. But it has also re-opened old scars. Canada has been trying to replace its aging jets for decades now. Two people who have lived the file, former defence minister Peter MacKay and former assistant parliamentary budget officer Sahir Khan talk to host Amanda Lang about the politics of procurement, the need for better discourse and what’s at stake.

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Andrew Furey on the nastiness of politics and facing Donald Trump

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Andrew Furey has been the premier of Newfoundland and Labrador for an extraordinarily eventful five years, from the pandemic and its fallout to going all in on oil and gas, and lately, of course, the chaos of Trump and a trade war. The popular leader shocked everyone recently when he announced he’s leaving politics. Host Amanda Lang talks to Furey about why he’s stepping down, his fears about the U.S. president’s motives and the need for a Canada-first strategy.

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David Paterson on fighting the trade war and winning over Americans

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

After weeks of uncertainty it finally happened: Canada has been plunged into a trade war it desperately hoped to avoid. Even as it unfolds the path is unclear. Already there are signs that some tariffs could be reduced or removed, but it will cause pain on both sides of the border. Make no mistake, we are in a new era of Canada-U.S. relations. David Paterson is Ontario’s representative in Washington, and understands what's at stake and what's happening on the ground like few others. He was former VP at General Motors and BlackBerry, and was chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He talks to host Amanda Lang about what's motivating Trump's tariff attack, how he wins over U.S. lawmakers and why he doesn't think the U.S.-Canada relationship is permanently damaged.

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How to revive local news — and Canadian democracy

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Local news has been disappearing at an alarming rate, leaving a huge void in communities and undermining a key pillar of democracy. Guest host Alison Uncles talks to Lisa Sygutek, the publisher of the Crowsnest Pass Herald, Stacey Brzostowski, editor and publisher of The Haida Gwaii News, and Andrew Phillips, former editor-in-chief of The Montreal Gazette and Victoria Times Colonist, and a columnist with The Toronto Star, about misinformation, community ties and why they have a newfound sense of optimism in their battle for survival against big tech. They also delve into the results of a new PPF report outlining some key steps to help put the local back in local news.

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A 30-day window to save Canada’s economy

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Canada has a very short time to act before Donald Trump's 30-day tariff reprieve ends. It's a tall order given the stakes and magnitude of the challenge ahead. Our panel of experts, host Edward Greenspon, Janice Stein and Riaz Kara, talk about the need for a disciplined response, the time-intensive task of diversification, and why the smart move now might be to reopen trade negotiations.

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How Canada's energy industry can respond to Trump

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have forced Canadians to take a long, hard look at our economy and how it needs to evolve. This is especially true for the oil and gas industry which is deeply linked with the United States. Our panel of top energy wonks — Jackie Forrest, Janet Annesley and Bryan Cox — discuss the impacts and real costs of U.S. tariff threats, and the path to Canadian energy security.

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President Trump and Canada’s big choices

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The moment Canadians have been waiting for, and in some cases dreading, is here. President Donald Trump is continuing to threaten us with massive tariffs, but now with all the levers of a president who controls both houses of Congress. What does Trump's so-called "Golden Age for America" mean for the world and for Canada? Our expert panel — Luiza Savage, Don Wright and Sean Speer — discuss the dangers and opportunities in the early days of Trump’s new term, what Canada needs to be doing and why this presidency is nothing like 2016.

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U.S. panel: Is Canada ready for President Trump?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In the lead-up to President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, he has escalated his taunts and economic threats against Canada. How can we prepare for the potential upending of a trade relationship that is the backbone of the Canadian economy? To help sort through this we've gathered one of our all-star panels: Marta Morgan, former deputy minister of foreign affairs, Peter Loewen, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, and Mark Cameron, a former director of policy and research in the prime minister's office. They discuss Canada’s challenges, missteps and the odds we’ll have new tariffs on Day 1 of Trump’s second term.

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Erin O’Toole on how to deal with Trump, Arctic defence and energy

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The former leader of the Conservative party was almost the Prime Minister of Canada. In the 2021 election, his party won more votes than the Liberals, but not more seats. O’Toole, now the president and managing director of ADIT North America, is out of politics, but he remains a wonk at heart. He joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss how he’d deal with Donald Trump, defence spending and what today’s leaders get wrong.

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WONK panel: A game-changing bet on wind power in B.C.

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

British Columbia gave the green light this week to nine wind energy projects intended to meet the insatiable demand for clean electricity. In the words of B.C. Premier David Eby, "we need a lot more juice." Eight of these projects are majority owned by First Nations communities and all are set to proceed without the regular environmental assessments. Host Edward Greenspon speaks with an all-star panel of Western wonks — Janet Annesley, Kwatuuma Sayers and Don Wright — about why this is such a big deal and what it means for the future of resource development.

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Tariff Special: What happened at Mar-a-Lago and what’s next for Canada

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

We convened an expert panel for an emergency WONK session to talk about President-elect Donald Trump's latest tariff threats and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Host Edward Greenspon talks with Janice Stein, the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Steve Verheul, Canada's former chief trade negotiator, and Andrew Phillips, a columnist at The Toronto Star and the author of PPF’s weekly Canada-U.S. newsletter, about the high stakes, what Canada can do next and whether or not retaliation works.

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Andrew Leach: How to hit climate goals – and not kill the economy

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

How do we hit Canada's climate goals without harming consumers and the overall economy, especially if that harm hits some regions particularly hard? To untangle this, host Edward Greenspon talks to Andrew Leach, a professor at the University of Alberta's Department of Economics and Faculty of Law. He's also an architect of Alberta's climate change strategy under former Premier Rachel Notley. As one of the country's leading authorities on climate and energy policy, he may be the ultimate climate policy wonk.

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Peter Loewen on what’s dividing America

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Although President Donald Trump swept the table in the U.S. election, the vote still showed an America sharply divided. Recent events represent a high watermark of the polarization that has come to dominate politics in much of the Western world. Host Edward Greenspon talks to Peter Loewen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, about the big changes in American life and politics, what it will take to reunite the country and the lessons for Canadian leaders.

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Brett House on understanding the rise of Trumponomics — and Swiftonomics too

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:30:00 GMT

From tariffs to tax cuts, Americans, Canadians and people around the world are thinking through the implications of Donald Trump’s proposed economic plans. Wonk host Edward Greenspon talks to Brett House, a professor at Columbia Business School and a former deputy chief economist at Scotiabank about the major flaws in Trumponomics, why CUSMA sowed doubt in the minds of investors... and how Taylor Swift’s tour helps explain some of the economic trends unfolding today.

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US Election special: What Trump’s big win means for Canada

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

After one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history, we've gathered a trio of consequential policy wonks to help us understand what went down in this election and what the result means to Canada and the world. PPF Fellows Don Wright, Janet Annesley and Sean Speer join WONK host Edward Greenspon to talk about President Trump’s decisive victory, the big political shifts that are unfolding and the potential impact on Canada’s future.

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Alex Himelfarb on the ideology that ruined the world

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Alex Himelfarb served as Canada’s top public servant, Clerk of the Privy Council, under three Prime Ministers: Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and, briefly, Stephen Harper. He knows a thing or two about the immense challenges of governing at the highest levels. He's also been fascinated by the big trends that policymakers must come to terms with, such as inequality and climate change. Himelfarb believes we are in - what he describes as - ‘The Age of Crisis’. He speaks with host Edward Greenspon about the economic and political forces behind it, and what needs to happen to save democracy.

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Steve Verheul on what a Trump victory could mean for Canada

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The question on everyone's mind these days: What happens if tariff-loving Donald Trump wins the U.S. election in November? Specifically, what does it mean for Canada, our side of the world's biggest trading relationship? Host Edward Greenspon talks to Canada’s chief NAFTA negotiator, Steve Verheul, about the ‘ugly choices’ we face in dealing with a more protectionist America, changes in global trade and why Canada can’t just ‘sit back and wait’ to see what happens.

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Economist David Campbell explains Atlantic Canada’s historic boom

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The biggest turnaround since the Second World War is underway in Atlantic Canada. But it comes with a bit of a cautionary flag. As PPF’s Atlantic Canada Momentum Index shows, growth is occurring at a more tentative pace than the year before. WONK host Edward Greenspon talks to all-star economist David Campbell — the wonk of the East — about what’s going well and what needs to be going better.

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NWT Premier R.J. Simpson on why the North is hot right now

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

As the climate warms and geopolitical tensions heat up, Canada’s eyes, and the appetites of the world, are increasingly turning north. An area renowned for its stark beauty is now also viewed as an untapped resource for rare earth and critical minerals. It is also feeling the impacts of global warming more acutely than almost anywhere on Earth. Host Edward Greenspon speaks with R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, about this new North, his message to Ottawa and the immense changes that are unfolding.

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Dr. Jane Philpott on how to fix Canada’s family doctor shortage.

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

There are few people in Canada who understand the ins-and-outs, the strengths and the undeniable weaknesses of our healthcare system as well Dr. Jane Philpott. She recently poured her decades of invaluable experience into a new book called Health for All: A Doctor’s Prescription for a Healthier Canada. A core prescription in her book? That primary care must be easily accessible to everyone. On this episode, Host Ed Greenspon talks to Dr. Philpott about what that would take.

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Raven Lacerte on leading a national movement to end violence

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Over 13 years, the organization Raven Lacerte co-founded with her dad has distributed seven million little squares of moose hide that people wear on their lapels. The Moose Hide Campaign has sparked an estimated 30 million conversations about ending violence toward women and children in Canada. She speak with host Edward Greenspon about how it all started and the progress she’s seen in that time.

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Sean Speer on how governments can get stuff done

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

On lists of influential people to watch, Sean Speer is often described as a guide, an influencer and a conservative who is committed to policy. He was senior economic adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Today, he's an editor-at-large at The Hub, the conservative leaning news and opinion website. And he's a leading thinker on the ideas behind conservatism as a political movement. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about what's driving political instability in the world and breaks down the increasingly pressing question of state capacity.

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Janice Stein on a world gone mad

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

If you are a Canadian who's interested in the world, then you are almost certainly a Canadian who has encountered Professor Janice Stein. She’s Canada’s preeminent interpreter of global issues through her teaching, academic research and regular media appearances. She is the founding director at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, and she's a good friend of PPF. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about Israel, Ukraine and the deepening conflict between China and the United States.

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John Risley on his big green hydrogen bet

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

John Risley is best known for his by-the-bootstraps creation of global seafood giant Clearwater — and for orchestrating its sale to a coalition of First Nations. The self-made billionaire’s next big project is as chairman of World Energy GH2, which plans to build a massive green hydrogen project on Newfoundland’s west coast. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about why the project could be revolutionary, what keeps him anchored in Atlantic Canada and why he went to "wind farm academy."

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Trevor Tombe, economic truth-teller, is kind of a big deal

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The University of Calgary economics professor’s views on the intersection of policy and economics are in high demand because, well, his cool empirical perspective makes them so compelling. Trevor Tombe talks to host Edward Greenspon about why the now-operational Trans Mountain pipeline isn’t the boondoggle critics think, why Canada’s economy lags the U.S. and why he’s only the second most famous economist from Maple Ridge B.C.

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'The fascinating economist’ Craig Wright, on the role of a big bank forecaster

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

As chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada for the past 23 years, Craig Wright has offered essential insight through booms and busts, from the great financial crisis to the pandemic. Everyone from CEOs to prime ministers, to news reporters have relied on his prognostications. When he retires in June, he’ll relinquish his title as longest serving big bank economist. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about what’s changed over his career and where Canada needs to do better.

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Mark Podlasly on the really big news in Budget 2024

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Tucked into this year’s federal budget document was something a little out of the ordinary and of great consequence: Indigenous Loan Guarantees. The program has the potential to open massive energy and resource developments that will benefit both Canada and Indigenous communities. Mark Podlasly is the chief sustainability officer of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, which has championed the program. He joins host Edward Greenspon to explain how it puts Indigenous communities on a whole new path.

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The new chief economist of the OECD, Álvaro Santos Pereira, on solving the productivity crisis

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Canada’s lagging productivity has become what the Bank of Canada calls a national ‘emergency’. The OECD’s incoming chief economist, Álvaro Santos Pereira, a dual citizen of Portugal and Canada, is one of the foremost experts on the subject. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about why Canada lags other countries, the opportunities it’s missing, and why he’s optimistic Canadians will rise to the challenge.

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Emera CEO Scott Balfour on the urgent energy transition

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Scott Balfour is the CEO of Emera, the owner of Nova Scotia Power and a major player in energy in the United States. He is central to the efforts to wean Canada off carbon and build a clean electricity system – all at a time when demand for power is soaring. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about investments, promising technologies and the so-called ‘energy trilemma.’

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Halifax Mayor Mike Savage on how a big city keeps up with growth

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

After 12 years leading one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage recently announced he’ll be stepping down. In his time as mayor, Halifax went from worrying about its declining, aging population to becoming a magnet for newcomers and residents from other provinces. Savage joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about his successes, managing growth and the importance of local journalism.

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Head of Canadian Olympic Committee David Shoemaker on how to win at the Olympics

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

David Shoemaker is the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the organization tasked with promoting Olympic values and helping get Canadian athletes onto the podium. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about why he expects big things in Paris, the challenge of making sport safer in Canada, and the delicate balance of international competition in a time of war.

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Rupa Banerjee: What does Canada really want from immigration?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Canada is perhaps the most successful immigration nation in the world. But its system is showing some cracks, as immigration is twinned in the public mind with housing shortages and high rental costs. Rupa Banerjee, Canada Research Chair in Economic inclusion, Employment and Entrepreneurship of Canada’s Immigrants, talks to host Edward Greenspon about what Canada’s getting wrong and why it’s unfair to blame foreign students for housing woes.

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Beverley McLachlin: the problems with the online harms bill

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The longest-serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the first woman to hold the position, weighs in on the good and the bad of the federal government’s long-awaited online harms bill. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about anti-hate laws, freedom of expression and why some provisions in the new bill will likely end up before the courts.

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JP Gladu on the rise of big Indigenous business, and life on Lake Nipigon

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

JP Gladu is one of Canada's visionary leaders in the national dialogue around Indigenous ownership in the economy. He has decades of experience bringing Indigenous communities together with industry and governments in pursuit of their economic sovereignty. He joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about the rise of Indigenous business, getting the government to say 'yes', and overcoming fear and ignorance of Indigenous ownership.

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John Hannaford on the historic challenges facing the public service

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

John Hannaford is the Clerk of the Privy Council, the most senior job in the public service. It is really three jobs rolled into one: deputy minister to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the cabinet and head of the public service. Hannaford talks to host Edward Greenspon about the historic challenges facing the public service, the renewed focus on ethics and the importance of fearless advice.

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Paul Wells on not being mean, and building an empire

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Paul Wells is the dean of political reporting in Canada. For 30 years he wrote for national news outlets before recently launching his own little media empire. He has a buzzing Substack and podcast. His brand name is now, well, his name. He joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about his life in a fast-changing media landscape, the future of journalism and why he stopped caring about being edgy.

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‘Are you a bot?!’ Shingai Manjengwa on why we shouldn’t fear AI

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Shingai Manjengwa is one of the leading AI educators and thinkers. She is the head of AI education at chainML, the founder of Fireside Analytics, and the director of professional development at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about how AI actually works, its challenges and why we shouldn’t fear the future.

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Wearables for everyone: Dr. Vivek Goel on data-fueled health care

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Dr. Vivek Goel was an ace up Canada’s sleeve when the pandemic hit. He’s a physician and top public health researcher. He was on COVID-19’s Immunity Task Force and advised the national body for COVID-19 research. He’s also the president of the University of Waterloo. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the unrest in higher education institutions, the importance of health data and what a better pandemic response could have looked like.

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It’s not easy being a Liberal in Alberta. Anne McLellan on a life in politics

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Anne McLellan is known as ‘Landslide Annie’ for her nail biting wins as a Liberal MP in Alberta. She served as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Health and deputy Prime minister. Today, she’s a co-chair, along with former conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, of the coalition for a Better Future. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about working for Jean Chrétien, why Alberta is misunderstood and Canada’s lack of focus on long-term growth.

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Chief Crystal Smith on the life-changing impacts of LNG

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Crystal Smith is the elected chief of the Haisla National Council and the guiding force behind a multi-billion-dollar LNG project on Haisla territory that is fast becoming a model for Indigenous led and owned development. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about the dramatic changes occurring in her home town of Kitimaat Village, overcoming environmental opposition to LNG, and her hopes for the future.

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From space to cabinet: Marc Garneau on a remarkable life

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Marc Garneau has been a naval officer, an astronaut and a cabinet minister. He’s led the Canadian Space Agency and served as ‘Capcom’ at NASA – that is, the voice of Houston on shuttle missions. For his remarkable career(s), his name is etched in the history books, on two highschools and a postage stamp. Garneau talks to host Edward Greenspon about a life of no regrets, the highs and lows of astronaut life, and why he’s never asked Justin Trudeau about his exit from cabinet.

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Mentoring Elon Musk and the future of wind: Peter Nicholson

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:58:54 GMT

Peter Nicholson has advised leaders of the OECD, major corporations and was instrumental in Canada's deficit busting 1995 budget. Today, the dean of public policy thinking in Canada has turned his efforts to the topic of wind power, and its potential to make Atlantic Canada the next energy superpower. He talks to Edward Greenspon about the urgent energy transition, why he ‘marches toward the sound of gunfire,’ and how he became mentor to a young Elon Musk.

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Jayna Hefford on launching the Professional Women’s Hockey League

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Jayna Hefford is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, having won four straight gold medals. She’s also one of the top goal scorers ever to play the game of hockey. Now she’s turning her considerable talents to the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a six-team league of elite players that hits the ice next month, on Jan. 1, 2024. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about inspiring a new generation players, working with Billie Jean King and what it takes to launch a brand new league.

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Jeff Elgie on his fight to save local news in Canada

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT

At a time when news outlets are falling into decline and disappearing from the map, Jeff Elgie has been steadily growing Village Media from his base in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. In the process he has wound up at the centre of one of the most important debates of the digital news era: how to effectively sustain journalism and, by extension, the strength of our democratic fabric. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the government's recently announced $100-million agreement with Google, and what motivates him to keep fighting for local news.

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Bob Rae on life at the UN and following in his dad’s footsteps

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae has taken on what may be his most consequential role in a 45-year career largely in public service. From the invasion of Ukraine to the war between Israel and Hamas, he speaks for Canada with a rare and often critical clarity. Ambassador Rae talks to host Edward Greenspon about the emotional toll of life at the UN and Canada’s recent diplomatic efforts.

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Ep. 78: Growing Canada's Infrastructure with John Casola

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:01 GMT

In this episode of Policy Speaking, John Casola, Chief Investment officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, joins host Edward Greenspon to break down what the Infrastructure Bank does, why we need it and what projects are in the pipeline.

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Ep. 77: Trade and Tough Decisions with Steve Verheul

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:00:21 GMT

In this episode of Policy Speaking, Steve Verheul, Canada's former Chief Trade Negotiator, joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss negotiating the new NAFTA, the strength of middle powers, and Canada's potential leadership in creating a new trading system.

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Ep. 76: Unpacking the Clean Energy Puzzle with Scott Balfour

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:00:26 GMT

In this episode of Policy Speaking, Scott Balfour, CEO of Emera joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss the many puzzle pieces inherent in Canada’s energy transition.

Balfour and Greenspon discuss how to reach renewable energy goals, the need for honest conversations and the question that’s on everyone’s mind: affordability.

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Ep. 75: The Future of Healthcare with Dr. Victoria Lee & Dr. Danielle Martin

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:00:48 GMT

Paired with the release of the Public Policy Forum’s Taking Back Health Care report, this special edition of Policy Speaking features report authors Dr. Victoria Lee and Dr. Danielle Martin. Dr. Lee, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University, and Dr. Martin, Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine with Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, join host Edward Greenspon to discuss what it will take to mend the health-care system – and why money is only a part of that solution.

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Ep. 74: Toward Economic Reconciliation, with Harold Calla and Geordie Hungerford

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:00:49 GMT

In this episode of Policy Speaking, Harold Calla, executive chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and CEO Geordie Hungerford join host Edward Greenspon to discuss a roadmap for achieving economic reconciliation.

Calla and Hungerford call for the creation of new Indigenous-led institutions, including a First Nations Infrastructure Institute, an Indigenous Development Bank and an Indigenous Economic Council to create capacity and get capital flowing, ultimately fueling the Indigenous ownership movement and building a robust Indigenous economy.

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Ep. 73: The Future of Work with Stéphan Déry

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 10:00:32 GMT

Stéphan Déry, Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Edward Greenspon, PPF President and CEO, discussed the future of work and workspaces during a recent PPF Member Event. Their conversation ranged from how to modernize the federal government's workspaces to ways to attract and retain workers – including beautiful places to work.

This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Manulife for being recognized as one of the World’s Best Employers by Forbes in 2022 for the third year in a row.

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Ep. 72: An exit interview with B.C. Premier John Horgan

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:41 GMT

In this special edition of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon, PPF president and CEO, is joined by outgoing B.C. Premier John Horgan.

On one of his last days as premier of British Columbia, Mr. Horgan gives a no-holds-barred interview on challenges in energy policy, healthcare and climate change, as well as his bubbling frustration with the federal-provincial relationship.

This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for offering more than $85 million in grants to support colleges and partner organizations through the College and Community Innovation program.

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Ep. 71: Monetary Policy Report with Tiff Macklem

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:00:40 GMT

In this special edition of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon, PPF president and CEO, is joined by Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, to discuss the latest Monetary Policy Report.

Against a backdrop of the sixth interest rate hike this year, Dr. Macklem discusses economic green shoots, maximum sustainable employment, the weight of expectations, historic inflationary lessons — and why he wishes he'd paid more attention in high school science classes.

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Ep. 70: Technology, work and safeguarding the internet

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 10:00:49 GMT

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) is joined by Chris Barry (President of Microsoft Canada) to discuss all things technology. This episode was recorded at Microsoft’s Toronto Offices.

Barry and Greenspon chat about the workspace Microsoft has created and the workforce changes that came out of the pandemic. They discuss collaboration, productivity, sustainability and how Microsoft’s space contributes to all three of those things. Looking at Russia’s war against Ukraine, Barry discusses the role cyberattacks have played during the war and what work is being done to combat these attacks.

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Ep. 69: Electrification: What is it and what can it do?

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:00:07 GMT

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses Electrification with Bruce Lourie (President of the Ivey Foundation) and Janet Annesley (Chief Sustainability Officer for Kiwetinohk Energy).

They discuss what Electrification is and what role it can play in Canada’s path to net zero. Lourie and Annesley look at supply, demand and the overall question of efficiency to help paint a picture of what this part of the energy transition can look like. They discuss what’s available now and what future technologies may include. Finally, they touch on what other forms of energy can do for us now and in the long term.

This episode includes #PPFproud shoutout to the University of Victoria for their launch of the world’s first MBA in Indigenous Reconciliation, starting in Spring 2023.

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Ep. 68: The Future of Conservatism with Ginny Roth and Sean Speer

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:00:36 GMT

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses the results of the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race with Ginny Roth (Vice President and National Practice Lead for Government Relations at Crestview Strategy) and Sean Speer (PPF Scotiabank Fellow in Strategic Competitiveness and a Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy).

After a historic leadership election and clear victory for Pierre Poilievre, Roth (a strategist on Poilievre's campaign) and Speer (past senior economic advisor for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper) explore what that win means for the conservative movement and for future policy goals. They examine the taxonomy of conservatism, Poilievre’s messaging and peel back some of the layers of the campaign to look toward the what now and what next of Canadian policy and conservatism.

This episode includes #PPFproud shoutout to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport for the launch of their 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

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Ep. 67: LNG, Geopolitics and Canada's Choice

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:00:43 GMT

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses LNG and geopolitics with Karen Ogen-Toews (CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance), Bryan Cox (President & CEO of the Canadian LNG Alliance), and Janice Stein (Professor and founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy).

Following the German Chancellor's visit to Canada, they discuss what role Canada's natural gas can play in lowering global carbon emissions and in helping other countries through their energy transition. The group looks at Canada's responsibility and considers a path forward in this energy stability crisis.

This episode included a #PPFProud shoutout to University of Ottawa for appointing the first Indigenous leader as Chancellor in their 174-year history, Claudette Commanda.

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Ep. 66: Canada, COVID-19 and the G10

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 15:00:26 GMT

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses Canada’s COVID-19 response with Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto) and Dr. Fahad Razak (Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table).

Nearly two and a half years later, we're taking stock of how Canada fared compared to its peers during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report published on June 27th in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), authors: Dr. Fahad Razak, Saeha Shin, Dr. David Naylor and Dr. Arthur S. Slutsky review the COVID-19 response from G10 nations and share how Canada fared in comparison to its counterparts.

This episode includes a #PPFProud shoutout to Enbridge for having received the Catalyst Award, which recognizes organizational diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women.

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Ep. 65: The Hydrogen Advantage with Nancy Southern

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:09:25 GMT

This week, PPF’s President and CEO and our host of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon sits down with Nancy Southern (Chair and CEO of ATCO Ltd. and Canadian Utilities Limited) at the Canadian High-Level Gas Summit to discuss the opportunity for Canada to invest in hydrogen production on our path to net-zero. They discuss international examples such as Australia, geopolitical security considerations and the need for greater collaboration among government and business. Southern also notes the benefits of investing in hydrogen including how it can be a unifying principle across Canada, can position Canada as a global leader and can improve the prosperity and sustainability of people across Canada. Finally, Southern answers questions from the audience related to regulatory and industrial policy as well as Indigenous economic reconciliation.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Government of Manitoba, for offering grants of up to $50,000 from the Manitoba Accessibility Fund for organisations that will promote accessibility and remove barriers for people with disabilities.

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Ep. 64: Managing Carbon to Achieve Net-zero

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 22:19:08 GMT

In this episode of Policy Speaking, our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon chats with the co-chairs of the Energy Future Forum’s Carbon Management Work Group, Janet Annesley (Chief Sustainability Officer at Kiwetinohk Energy) and Michael Bernstein (executive director of Clean Prosperity). They discuss small and large pathways to net-zero as Canada tries to reach our 2030 and 2050 targets through carbon capture and storage as well as other carbon management technologies. Annesley and Bernstein also examine the role different industries can play, from the oil and gas sector to agriculture, risk management strategies in decarbonization efforts and the importance of investing in the commercialization and domestic production of new technologies. Finally, they look to examples from other nations and how Canada can collaborate to manage carbon in the economy.

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discuss the Convoy’s presence in Ottawa over the past few weeks and the protests and blockades across the nation. They also reflect on understanding the rise in populism, the motivations behind the actions of protestors and how to rebuild cohesion across Canada.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the YWCA for launching Canada's first National Emergency Survivor's Support Fund which will be used to help women and gender diverse people experiencing intimate partner and domestic abuse escape and rebuild their lives.

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Ep. 63: Investing in Black Futures with Dahabo Ahmed-Omer

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:52:32 GMT

In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host Edward Greenspon (President and CEO of PPF) chats with Dahabo Ahmed-Omer (Executive Director of the BlackNorth Initiative) about systemic racism, economic inclusion and the disproportionate impacts the pandemic has illuminated among different communities across Canada. They reflect on the progress made towards combatting discrimination and examine the path of rhetoric to results in strategizing for impactful change. Finally, they discuss the BlackNorth pledge and the Racial Equity Playbook in how businesses can become more equitable corporate citizens.

This episode included a #PPFProud shoutout to the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and the University of Calgary for ranking in the top five research information sources and latest Top 50 universities.

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Ep. 62: The Shattered Mirror Revisited

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:43:13 GMT

In marking the fifth anniversary of PPF’s The Shattered Mirror report, the host of Policy Speaking and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon sits down with three of the principal researchers on The Shattered Mirror project, Colette Brin (Professor in the Department of Information and Communications at the Université Laval), Chris Dornan (former Director of both the School of Journalism and Communication and the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs at Carleton University) and Elizabeth Dubois (Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa). They discuss what’s changed in the past five years regarding the role of journalism in democracy, the various shifts in the media ecosystem and how policy can address challenges facing the news media industry. Brin, Dornan and Dubois also examine the relationship between technology companies, media, government and citizens, the prevalence of disinformation and the debate around the limitations of free speech. They conclude with reflections on innovations within the journalism sector and what Canada can learn from other nations.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to Via Rail for being a leader and reimagining how Canadians travel.

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Ep. 61: The Indigenous Economy with Jeff Cyr and Alicia Dubois

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:29:34 GMT

This week our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon discusses Indigenous ownership and economic self-determination with Jeff Cyr (CEO of Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation and Managing Partner of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners) and Alicia Dubois (Founder of Nish Synergies Advisory Group and former CEO of Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation). They examine the role of reconciliation in driving a more inclusive economy, Indigenous access to equity and capital and the importance of engaging in meaningful partnerships on projects and ventures. Cyr and Dubois also provide examples of successful Indigenous partnerships including the coalition of Mi'kmaq First Nations and Clearwater Seafoods, and Wataynikaneyap Power and Fortis, and the upstart Virtual Gurus. Finally, they look at the role of ESG and the competitive advantage Indigenous businesses have on the path to a net-zero economy.

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward talk about the evolution of news media in light of PPF’s fifth anniversary since releasing The Shattered Mirror, a report that detailed the troubling diagnostic of accelerating revenue declines among producers of original journalism. They also touch on the Report by the Canadian Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression, released just last week.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business for its commitment to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada's economy.

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Ep. 60: Hacking Cities: Living Through a Ransomware Attack

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:10:52 GMT

This week our host Edward Greenspon (President and CEO of PPF) chats with Aron Feuer (Managing Director of Cybersecurity at Valencia) and Brad Brookman (former Director of Finance and Treasurer at the Municipality of North Grenville) about the landscape of cyberattacks and ransomware attacks in Canada. They discuss the cyberattack in North Grenville, the targeting of public sector institutions across Canada and the role of cryptocurrency in ransomware attacks. The discussion concluded by stressing the importance of preparedness as a policy response. Check out Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's Ransomware Playbook to learn more.

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discuss the ongoing debates surrounding repairing the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive and Premier Legault’s proposed “Vax Tax”, a measure to increase vaccination rates in the province of Quebec. They also touch on two reports PPF recently released including New North Star 3 which looks at innovation policy in Canada and Debating the Right Balances for Privacy Law in Canada which reflects on discussions around modernizing national privacy law.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Business Development Bank of Canada for incorporating diversity, equality and inclusion values into its programming and providing better financial support and financing opportunities to underrepresented entrepreneurs in Ontario.

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Ep. 59: COVID-19: Where Do We Go From Here?

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:36:14 GMT

In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon sits down with Dr. David Naylor (past Dean of Medicine and President Emeritus at the University of Toronto) and Jodi Butts (lawyer, entrepreneur and self-described healthcare nerd) to discuss the new Omicron variant. They compare public health measures taken with Omicron and previous variants, and discuss reactions from Canadians as we approach a second holiday season in this pandemic. Dr. Naylor and Ms. Butts also examine lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and building domestic supply capacity. Finally, they look at policy considerations, such as global vaccine equity, the effectiveness of travel bans and improving Canada’s healthcare system.

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward chatted about Canada’s progress on gender equality and the representation of women in politics including the contrast between the 100th anniversary of the election of the first female member of Parliament and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out Ability New Brunswick. PPF believes that diversity and inclusion are essential ingredients of good policy in a better Canada. And we thank Ability New Brunswick for their role in developing public policy that builds towards more inclusive communities for persons with a mobility disability.

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Ep. 58: Making Space Work for Canada

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:34:46 GMT

This week’s episode of Policy Speaking is literally out of this world and focused on the space economy. Our host Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) chats with Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. They cover the importance of investing in space technology along with strategic changes in the industry and the difference between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. Dan Goldberg and the Hon. Navdeep Bains also examine the importance of public-private partnerships, Canada’s contributions in the industry, and competition with other nations and corporations. Lastly, they debate policy implications, such as broadband connectivity, and even discuss whether they would explore space themselves!

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discussed the new Omicron variant, vaccinating children in Canada, and space exploration.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how important strong and resilient healthcare is to all Canadians, and just how stressed our system is in many parts of the country. The Public Policy Forum is the think tank about tomorrow which is why we are keen to touch on timely issues of relevance to Canadians. Our podcast sponsor, Johnson and Johnson also knows how critical it is to provide strong healthcare services to Canadians and we thank them for their support of Policy Speaking.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to EY for their Ripple’s program, which aims to positively impact the lives of one billion people by 2030. Through this program, EY has provided consulting services with Habitat Canada to help them build equity and increase accessibility to safe and stable housing through stakeholder consultations, collaborations and an intensive review of their operations. So thank you EY, who has been a proud and active member of the Public Policy Forum for many years.

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Ep. 57: Putting up Guardrails on the Internet

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 19:17:08 GMT

In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host – and PPF’s President & CEO – Edward Greenspon chats with the co-chair of the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression, Taylor Owen, Commissioner Nathalie Des Rosiers and Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression, Peter MacLeod. They discuss what the Commission and Citizens’ Assembly has been working on and what it hopes to accomplish in the next year. Taylor Owen, Nathalie Des Rosiers and Peter MacLeod also examine the harms of technology and disinformation, and the need for mechanisms in the digital ecosystem to ensure transparency and accountability. The conversation includes the right to information and expression, the increased polarization of ideas online and the role social media plays when participating in public life. They look at policy considerations, such as increased public education, more user control online, as well as better privacy and data protection.

During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward covered the return of the House of Commons, what ministers have a tall order, and regulating the internet.

This episode included a #PPFProud shout out: Here at the Public Policy Forum, we have the pleasure of working with Canada’s leading organizations to work on policy recommendations for a better Canada. Several of our members have partnered on the This Is Our Shot campaign which is an initiative and a platform which provides easy-to-understand COVID-19 information, and vaccine FAQs including booking information and resources to help Canadians get vaccinated faster. PPF Members who we are #PPFproud of include: Bell Media, CN, Facebook, Hydro One, McCarthy Tetrault, Seneca, Rogers Communications, Telus, University of Calgary, Accenture, ArcelorMitall Dofasco, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Deloitte, Enbridge, Innovative Medicines Canada, University of Toronto, Atco, BCG, Manulife, Amazon, Business Council of Canada, CIBC, EY, KPMG, TD, York University.

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Ep. 56: How can Canada win the race to net zero?

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:26:11 GMT

In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host Edward Greenspon (PPF President & CEO) chats with the Honourable Jean Charest and Amanda Affonso looking at Canada’s efforts to balance national interests while decarbonizing. They discuss leveraging Canada’s energy advantages and becoming policy shapers in the global race to net-zero carbon emissions. Hon. Jean Charest and Amanda Affonso also examine COP26, the implementation of the Paris Agreement, carbon border adjustments, and rising energy prices. In answering questions from the audience, they stress policy considerations such as Indigenous engagement, incentives for small businesses, and the political traits needed to move forward with the green energy transition. This episode also corresponds with the release of PPF’s latest report, CLIMATETIVENESS: What it takes for Canada to thrive in a net zero exporting world.

In Today in Policy, Edward chats with Editor of PPF Media, Katie Davey. They discuss the COP26 convening in Glasgow, Scotland and Canada’s energy transition policy.

This episode includes a #PPFProud Member Shoutout: Amazon Web Services is bringing the power of the cloud to advance climate science, supporting the first ever full production climate model simulations on the cloud with potential to accelerate climate research and democratize access to climate research capabilities. We are PPF Proud of our member Amazon Web Services for their commitment to a net-zero future!

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Johnson & Johnson.

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Ep. 55: Building Consensus in a Post-Pandemic Canada

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:58:20 GMT

In our first episode this fall, Ed Greenspon (host of Policy Speaking and PPF President & CEO) is joined by the Right Honourable Joe Clark and the Honourable Christy Clark. They discuss the recent report by the Senate Prosperity Action Group, called Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities, and focus on the 'how' of achieving its outcomes. Some of the conversation points include building consensus in a post-pandemic Canada, contemplating historical events like the Charlottetown Accord and looking forward on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Hon. Joe Clark and Hon. Christy Clark also examine challenges in our policies and institutions – such as federalism, the Senate, partisanship, and the importance of leadership and interest groups – in forging common ground amongst Canadians. Finally, in answering questions from the audience, they reflect on the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on racialized Canadians, the rise of populism, and strategies to unite Canadians around a common cause.

Plus, in Today in Policy, Ed chats with Editor of PPF Media, Katie Davey. They cover a summary of Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities, the forthcoming COP26 and what Canada should consider, and the tall order in front of a shuffled federal Cabinet.

This episode includes a #PPFProud Member Shoutout:

On October 15, BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank and TD announced their collective pledge to join the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) as part of a global, industry-led initiative to accelerate and support efforts to address climate change. We are PPF proud of our members, CIBC, RBC and Scotiabank for their commitment to a net-zero future.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Johnson & Johnson.

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Ep. 54: Critical casualties? The dichotomy & discrepancy of essential work and emerging industries.

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:01:35 GMT

In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon connects with Jerry Dias, President of Unifor Canada. They reflect on the state of the ‘union’, the impact of the pandemic on Canada’s auto, manufacturing & service industries and the constant transition to new & different work. Jerry shares thoughts on industrial policy based on U.S. protectionism, the roles government, business and consumers play and how technology is not the workers’ enemy.

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Ep.53: Brave New Data

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:59:20 GMT

Brave New Work special | Episode 3 of 3

Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on new data policymakers can use in this digital era. Joining the podcast is Paul Cowan, Chief Marketing Officer at FreshBooks who talks about the birds-eye-view insights his accounting company gleaned during the COVID economic crisis, and how sharing those trends helped Canada's policymakers. We also have Caitlin Stanley, Regional Manager at GoFundMe who talks about the early data points her company sees like rises in GoFundMes for medical expenses – even in Canada – and for other basic necessities like food through the pandemic. Finally we sit down with Murad Hemmadi, the Ottawa correspondent at The Logic to talk about the shift in public opinion on data sharing, from controversies of the past to the historic credit and debit card debt info sharing agreement begun by VISA and Interac with Canada's government.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.

Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license

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Ep.52: When Your Boss is an Algorithm

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:46:46 GMT

Brave New Work special | Episode 2 of 3

Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on algorithms that pit workers – especially precarious workers – against the clock. Joining the podcast is Emily Guendelsberger, author of 'On the Clock', who wonders: how do you measure misery at work and what do political solutions for misery look like when policymakers are insulated from the dehumanising daily experience of low-wage work. Later in the podcast, labour relations expert Sean O’Brady talks about how technology is driving workers out of work, rather than improving their work. And he touches on union solidarity-from-home.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.

Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license

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Ep.51: Skills and Surveillance

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:29:31 GMT

Brave New Work special | Episode 1 of 3

Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on how to think more fully about technological change. This week's focus is on skills and surveillance, with special guests: Unifor economist and policy analyst Kaylie Tiessen who talks trends in workplace training and how truck driving has been transformed; Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Brenda McPhail who talks about the right and very wrong ways surveillance can be used in the workplace; and author of 'The Secret Life of Groceries' Benjamin Lorr who talks about how minimum wage grocery work is no longer the care-free job we nostalgically remember.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.

Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license

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Ep. 50: Can Canada Build Better Infrastructure?

Thu, 20 May 2021 17:55:16 GMT

Canada's track record with infrastructure is world renowned, yet as Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada's Infrastructure Bank says, nationwide the country is in a persistent infrastructure gap – especially in Northern or remote communities. Cory joins Policy Speaking host Edward Greenspon to talk about the infrastructure bank system, how to leverage investment in Canada's infrastructure and innovative projects. In a wide ranging conversation from battery storage to satellites, they explore what role CIB might play in emerging technologies like carbon capture and agriculture revitalization.

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Ep.49: Does Canada Have a Plan for Economic Growth?

Thu, 13 May 2021 18:04:31 GMT

Manulife Financial's Chief Economist Frances Donald and former governor of the Bank of Canada David Dodge face off for a productive conversation about supporting our economy at home. From housing prices pushing a generation out of the market, to a debate on a national childcare program, these two eminent Canadian financial minds discuss the historic spending Canada has unleashed to address the pandemic and where that may land us in a few years.

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Ep.48: Taking Note of Mental Healthcare

Thu, 06 May 2021 19:48:04 GMT

Canadians have made step-wise advancements in treating mental health in the past two decades. 15 years ago the stigma made it hard to even talk about. Today, COVID has accelerated the use of telehealth technology to make mental health support easier to access than before. Dr. David Goldbloom, senior medical advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) joins us to talk next steps on mental healthcare in Canada, and the crisis the COVID-19 pandemic has both revealed and amplified. Dr. Goldbloom and Policy Speaking host Edward Greenspon talk about the NHS's stepped care approach that's seeing big success in the UK, how we can get a new cadre of mental health practitioners, the opioid crisis, and more.

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Ep.47: The Cutting Edge of Carbon

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:24:27 GMT

Canada is presented with a smorgasbord of solutions to reduce, reuse, or better use the carbon that's heating up the Earth. Policy Speaking is joined by Bruce Lourie, President of the Ivey Foundation and Janet Annesley, Senior Director, Energy and ESG at Invest Alberta Corporation for a wide ranging discussion on what Canada's provincial and federal governments can focus on – in terms of policy and technology – to drive Canada to becoming low carbon experts, relative to the U.S. and the rest of the world.

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We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.

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Ep.46: Caring for Canada's Seniors

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 17:52:31 GMT

Canadians have seen the inadequacies of Canada's senior home system in this pandemic. What's less clear – how do we solve these? Policy Speaking is joined by Deloitte Canada's Georgina Black to talk about what good senior support looks like around the world, and where Canada can start to innovate. Should we be looking for better housing solutions, for new social care solutions, or is there a need for better medical solutions?

Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license

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Ep.45: Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Pandemic Edition

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:01:28 GMT

The pandemic presents an opportunity to breathe new life into the story of rail in Canada. Former Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Yves Desjardins Siciliano, CEO at Siemens Mobility Canada and former VIA Rail CEO join Policy Speaking to talk the ghost of divestment past, Canada's present inter-city train network, why Quebec's system seems different, and how the current commuter crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could be leveraged to innovate metro systems and major city links.

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Ep.44: More than an Economic Recovery

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:48:28 GMT

Vaccines are rolling out and many Canadians are hoping for an economic upswing in the summer and fall. Is that what we should expect? David Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, joins us to talk about the economic factors he's following and the impact of the economic stimulus so far in Canada versus the U.S. and Europe. He also puts on his healthcare hat, as a former deputy health minister, to talk about outlooks for provinces like Ontario and Quebec relative to their healthcare spending - and the impact healthcare and social spending can have on our economies.

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Ep.43: Keep Calm and Supply Vaccines

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:51:14 GMT

Canada has four COVID-19 vaccines ready for distribution in half (if not 1/3) the time many predicted. Yet none are homegrown. Dr. Alan Bernstein, CEO of the global research organization CIFAR, and Dr. Vivek Goel, soon-to-be President of the University of Waterloo and a public health physician on the federal government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, join Policy Speaking to talk about the logistics of delivering the large number of vaccines landing on Canadian shores, why we're importing them, and how to tackle the looming 3rd wave of COVID-19 variants.

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Ep.42: Our Forced Telework Experiment

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 19:38:52 GMT

When the pandemic ends, do we return to the office of 2019? Over half of surveyed workers would like to continue working from home, even just a bit. Managers, employees, commuters, and families have lived new options and Tania Saba, professor and expert on workforce and digital transformation, explores how back-to-office may – or may not – play out. Regardless, says Murtaza Haider, Research Director of the Urban Analytics Institute, many Canadians have left urban centres bringing their work needs – whether infrastructure or work habits – with them.

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Ep.41: She-cession – Unprecedented and Uneven

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 19:46:10 GMT

Women are the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. From nurses to doctors, school teachers to orderlies, women represent 50% (or much more) of many front-line professions. Yet employment outcomes for women, particularly young women and racialized women, are the most troubling. Lynn Barr-Telford, Assistant Chief Statistician at Statistics Canada, joins Policy Speaking to share these numbers and Anjum Sultana, National Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications at YWCA Canada, shares how the pandemic has transformed hidden trends in the labour market and offers solutions from the YWCA's 8-point feminist economic recovery plan.

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Ep.40: Realities for Black Canadians in COVID-times

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:10:23 GMT

Nadine Spencer, President of the Black Business and Professional Association, and Mohamed Elmi, Director of Research at the Diversity Institute discuss walking the talk when it comes to addressing systemic racism. Nadine and Mohamed share the challenges black business people have long faced, and society has only recently begun to acknowledge. From financing in the COVID-19 pandemic, to the fact that only 13 black individuals were identified from over 900 corporate boards positions in major cities in Canada, this wide reaching conversation really puts the challenges and hopes for a better Canada in perspective.

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We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.

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Ep.39: Are Rural Areas Being Left Behind?

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:05:23 GMT

U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent inauguration speech spoke of the “uncivil war” that polarizes American society across different fault lines including the urban-rural divide. But Canadians shouldn’t assume that these are merely American problems. PPF's Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow Sean Speer and Peter Loewen share their recent research, and sketch a blueprint for how we can go about building empathy and ultimately precluding the kind of polarization that we've witnessed elsewhere, with renewed economic activity in some of these places on the periphery.

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Ep. 38: Renewal – A Growth Plan for Canadian Industry

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:32:46 GMT

From clean energy, to digital tech Canada is a world leader in entrepreneurship. Yet as Monique Leroux, Chair of the Industry Strategy Council of Canada, and Karimah Es Sabar and Karen Hamberg, members of the Council point out – many of those companies start out but find no home here. Joining host Edward Greenspon, these industry leaders share what they've heard from business leaders across Canada, in reports like New North Star I & II, and share findings from the Council's December report on how Canada can make strategic changes to stay on the path of prosperity.

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Ep.37: Putting Indigenous in ESG

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 22:01:26 GMT

Billions of dollars will flow into Indigenous nations to make major impacts on Canadian infrastructure and industry, but will those impacts benefit those Indigenous communities? Globally, 40 trillion investor dollars go through an environment, social and governance (ESG) risk assessment process. Yet Mark Podlasly, economic director at The First Nation's Major Project Coalition says no part of ESG includes Indigenous people as anything more than a checkbox, instead of invested partners. He says that needs to change.

Hear Mark at the Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference March 18 and 19.

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Ep.36: Measures to Help the Internet Fulfill its Democratizing Potential

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:42:52 GMT

In the season three opener, Policy Speaking sits down with two Commissioners from the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression Amira Elghawaby & The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin. Public opinion and these experts agree: the time to regulate social media has arrived. They discuss findings of a new report "Harms Reduction: A Six-Step Program to Protect Democratic Expression Online", released by the Commission in parallel with findings from the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression. They tackle harmful behaviour and online hate speech, and what we can do to address these on online platforms while still defending Canadian's rights to free speech.

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Ep.35: Isolated and Anxious, but Not Alone

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:28:47 GMT

If there's a silver lining to COVID, it may be the acceleration of the availability of virtual mental health services. Provinces and institutions had moved very quickly to digitize services, speeding up a transition that needed to happen anyway. Two-thirds of Canadians are reporting their mental health is good, and are feeling confident in their ability to cope with COVID. Research is showing that employers – in particular – can play a big part in buoying the mental health of workers. But for some, things have gotten much worse. Policy Speaking is joined by Paula Allen, VP at Morneau Shepell and co-chair of the Civic Action's Champions Council on workplace mental health and Ed Mantler, VP at the Mental Health Commission of Canada for an analysis of Canadians' mental health status, where things have gone right, wrong, and what to expect for the holidays.

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Ep.34: Carbon Capturing Canada's Future

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:08:58 GMT

Carbon capture is a promising new technology, and there's big projects in Canada, the U.S. and Europe showing that it could be an economical way to remove fuel from the fire of the Earth's climate crisis. Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Ilana Hosios at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)'s Centre for Canada's Future, and Alex Dewar, Senior Director at BCG's Center for Energy Impact in Washington for an exploration of the industrial and policy implications of this emerging technology, and its potential for supporting Canada's industries and fostering R&D.

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Ep.33: 5G on the Horizon with Mirko Bibic

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:15:21 GMT

With a Canadian workforce of 50,000, Bell Canada is a major player in Canada's telecom industry and the cornerstone of so many of our work-from-home setups during the pandemic. President & CEO Mirko Bibic is at the helm of this historic company, and he joins Policy Speaking to discuss what's on the horizon with key milestones for 5G coming up in the next year. He and host Edward Greenspon also discuss Internet access for all, digital skills in small and medium-sized businesses, Canada's telecom competitiveness and more.

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Ep.32: The Rise and Fall of Trust in Government on COVID-19

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 18:29:25 GMT

Trust in the government response to COVID-19 started high and, overall, has dwindled in Canada. While Canadians accepted the need for big travel restrictions at the start, mobile apps for contact tracing and other targeted responses have not been universally met with open arms. As Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy professor Peter Loewen explains, this lack of trust could impact the way a vaccine is rolled out in Canada. With the pandemic growing, will Canadians have faith government can respond to the full complexity of issues ahead?

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Ep.31: Will the U.S. See a Normal Transition from One Government to Another?

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:11:49 GMT

Nixon conceded to John F. Kennedy. Al Gore conceded to George W. Bush. Will Trump concede to Biden? Anxieties are increasing as a transition becomes increasingly contentious and politicized. Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Maryscott “Scotty” Greenwood and PPF Fellow Sean Speer to discuss how the Democrats and Republicans did, the polarization of this U.S. election and what that means for Canada. Could a Biden presidency be a return to "normal" or is Trump a herald that there's no going back?

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U.S. Election Special – Narrow Defeat and a Divided Country with Frank McKenna

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 22:19:45 GMT

With final results potentially still days away, the U.S. election has turned out to be a cliffhanger and not a landslide. Frank McKenna is a former Ambassador to the U.S. and 27th Premier of New Brunswick, and he joins Policy Speaking to share his initial reactions as Trump's results in key states have blown polling out of the water. McKenna shares his insights on where polls went wrong and possible court challenges ahead. Whatever the result, the U.S. will find itself a divided country and McKenna explores what this polarization means for government gridlock, what a Biden or Trump presidency means for Canada's relationship with the U.S., and how Canada can navigate the uncertainty of this moment.

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Ep.29: More Runway for Airports and Canada's Aviation Industry

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 19:10:14 GMT

Billion dollar infrastructure investments are on hold and airport passenger volumes are down 90% at two of Canada's biggest airports. The CEOs of Toronto and Vancouver airports – Deborah Flint and Tamara Vrooman respectively – join Policy Speaking to talk about the tensions airports face in the pandemic. Facing stiff competition from airports in the US and no clear runway for recovery, our guests explore how their industry can pivot to get cleaner, greener, leaner and keener about innovation – in this special Rebuild Canada Growth Summit episode of the podcast.

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Ep.28: What is Reconciliation About?

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:55:43 GMT

Senator Murray Sinclair shares wisdom on the Nova Scotia lobster fishing dispute and how current events fit into the trending societal discussion about racism and systemic racism. Sen. Sinclair demonstrates why he's an honouree of this year's Testimonial Awards as we trace his history from a young man of the Peguis First Nation (north of Winnipeg) who would go on to become a lawyer, Manitoba's first Aboriginal judge, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Indigenous leader, and Senator. Plus what are the impacts of COVID-19 on Indigenous communities and where does mistrust of the medical profession come from?

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Ep.27: The Second Surge of COVID-19

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:03:49 GMT

An effective and truly national vaccine roll out plan is what Dr. David Naylor, Co-chair of Canada's COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, hopes for. He joins host Edward Greenspon to chat about what it takes to break a surge of the virus – right as a second wave begins to form. From testing, to international cooperation, to reinfection, this wide-reaching conversation puts Canada's response to the pandemic in perspective with other responses around the world.

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Ep.26: ABCs of Economic Recovery with Frances Donald

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:46:40 GMT

Perhaps a middle ground can open up between unrestrained spending and unreasonable restrain for Canada's COVID-19 recovery, says Frances Donald, Global Chief Economist & Head of Macroeconomic Strategy at Manulife. She and host Edward Greenspon bring nuance to the popular discourse in economics around how a recovery could & should look for your favourite local businesses, in Canada's industries and in global markets. Plus historian J.D.M. Stewart joins us for a special chat. You don't want to miss this!

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Ep.25: Ushering in the fifth generation of digital communications

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:05:50 GMT

New 5G technology is rolling out in some Canadian communities, promising improvements to life-saving technologies as much as to your fun weekend activities. At the same time, there's a huge digital divide between city folk and rural & Northern communities, leaving roughly 15 percent of Canadians with poor Internet or no Internet. Joe Natale, CEO at Rogers Communications, joins Policy Speaking to share his vision for the future of mobile tech, bridging the digital divide, and how industry can partner with government to bring Canada together as a nation.

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Ep.24: Hydrogen – A competitive element of Canada's renewable future

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:11:03 GMT

Hydrogen promises a green bearing to Canada's energy economy, yet consumer applications are still out of reach. Grant Strem, CEO of hydrogen-tech company Proton Technologies, and Marty Reed, Vancouver venture capital investor, join Policy Speaking for a conversation about hydrogen energy in Canada and its potential as a catalyst for innovation - to give Canada a strategic competitive edge in the global, fast-growing technology economy.

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Ep.23: New Ventures into Democracy

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 19:53:02 GMT

New digital frontiers have renewed old problems: conspiracy theories, hate speech and disinformation. This conversation with Peter MacLeod, founder of public engagement firm MASS LBP, and Amira Elghawaby, journalist and human rights advocate, gives us insights on the health of our democracy and explores innovative approaches to civil dialogue in a social media age – including a Citizens' Assembly of 42 Canadians that's currently underway and the PPF-organized Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression.

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Ep.22: From Old School, to (Mostly) Online School

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 15:21:07 GMT

In the first 10 days after the pandemic struck, Canadian colleges and universities moved over 2.2 million learners online. Now students are going back to school – but not like before. Edward Greenspon speaks with Denise Amyot, CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, and Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada, about lifelong learning in this pandemic and beyond, equitable access to education, and the broadband Internet challenges that could make-or-break these new ways of lifelong learning.

Plus what's happening to Canada's international students in the COVID-19 pandemic?

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Ep.21: The Next Move on Vaccines, Apps and the Canadian Arsenal Against COVID-19

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 13:53:33 GMT

Listen to this episode to learn the latest developments on the vaccine front. What does the recent manufacturing agreement mean for Canada and what's ahead for delivering a safe vaccine to Canadians after clinical trials? Progress on vaccines has been the result of unprecedented collaboration between scientists, industry and regulators, but how will politics play a role in the successful distribution? Will Canadians trust in the science? And how will inequalities play into distribution, particularly in light of developing international tensions over vaccine development. Join this conversation with Dr. Alan Bernstein, the Hon. Anne McLellan and host Edward Greenspon to learn all the details.

Dr. Alan Bernstein is a member of Canada's COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and the president of CIFAR (the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research). He's a one time medical researcher and former head of CIHR (Canadian Institute of Health Research) and also served as executive director of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise in New York, an international alliance charged with accelerating the search for an HIV vaccine. He recently published an article in The Atlantic titled I’m Optimistic That We Will Have a COVID-19 Vaccine Soon.

The Hon. Anne McLellan is making her second appearance on Policy Speaking. As former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, among her many responsibilities in government, she also served as federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and as Minister of Health.

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Ep.20: Systemic Racism in Canada; A Conversation with Minister Hussen on How We Can #dobetter

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 14:02:42 GMT

Episode 20 I A series of three major concurrent and overlapping crises, one about health, about the economy and about race, diversity and inclusion has brought our society to a troubled place in time. Many of us have been forced to challenge our own roles. Edward Greenspon is joined by The Honourable Ahmed Hussen to examine the fight against anti-black racism in all its forms, to ensure a future of justice and equality.

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Ep.19: The Future of Energy; Re-stabilizing an Industry

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 14:23:54 GMT

Three months into a pandemic and the Canadian economy finds itself in an induced coma with a long journey ahead to recovery. The Bank of Canada contests that we have a bumpy road to recuperation but few have been hit as hard as the Canadian energy sector. The Public Policy Forum has been working with stakeholders in the Canadian energy sector to find ways to achieve our climate targets. The Energy Future Forum's mission is to develop practical measures that will help Canada meet or exceed our 2030 emissions targets on the way to a NetZero future and strengthen an innovative economy, deepen shared prosperity and enhance national unity. In this episode, Edward Greenspon is joined by Mark Little, President and CEO of Suncor energy to discuss energy and climate in the time of a pandemic.

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Ep.18: Getting the Future of Work Right in Unprecedented Times; Part 2 of 2

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:56:06 GMT

Ep. 18 I Unprecedented times have called for the future of work to become the present. The rapid acceleration of automation and technology integration into the workplace is thought to either cause displacement or upgrades. Bridging the skills gap and upskilling employees and businesses will become imperative in not leaving anyone behind. We know that diversity and inclusion can provide access to well-qualified talent and can help meet the changing needs of the global environment, starting at the post-secondary level. Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director of Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, and Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Center for Part 2 of this Policy Speaking segment to examine workplace diversity and preparing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed in the present and the future of work.

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Ep.17: Getting the Future of Work Right in Unprecedented Times, At An Accelerated Pace

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:34:17 GMT

Episode 17 I The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the future of work, the issue of lack of diversity and a skills gap in the workplace. We know that diversity and inclusion can improve organizational performance, can provide access to well-qualified talent and can help meet the changing needs of the global environment. But there's still room to understand how we can harness innovation, new approaches, and technologies to bridge the skills gap. A new urgency to adapt to the future of work, and do it right is imperative.

Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director of Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, and Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Center to examine workplace diversity and preparing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed in the present and the future of work.

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Ep. 16: The Adaption Advantage- Sustaining adaptability in the workforce post COVID-19

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 19:33:37 GMT

Episode 16 I The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated change in the way Canadians work and has initiated remarkable adaptability in the workplace. Future-of -work strategist, Heather McGowan has referred to the pandemic as a great social experiment, with online education and remote work understanding how much comprehension and work is best achieved together versus remotely. This is where policy and organizational change come in. How do we adapt ourselves and our institutions and how do we shape the future we want?

Listen in as host Edward Greenspon and Heather McGowan discuss the future of work and workplace adaption.

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Ep. 15: Leveraging Immigration & Mobility For Economic Growth Post-COVID-19

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:25:32 GMT

What is Canada doing to attract and retain immigration in the Canadian workforce? Host Edward Greenspon sits down with Catrina Tapley, Deputy Minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and Francis McGuire, President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to discuss the after-effects of a global pandemic on immigration in Canada and what job availability will look like in the years to follow COVID-19.

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Ep.14: Understanding a Disease – COVID-19 and Genomics Canada

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:25:37 GMT

Episode 14 | COVID-19 is a virus that impacts different individuals in similar ways. Although scientists have been learning rapidly, so much is still unknown about the virus. President & CEO of Genome Canada Dr. Rob Annan and President & CEO of Ontario Genomics Dr. Bettina Hamelin outline for host Edward Greenspon how this branch of biology will help Canada to comprehend the dynamics of who gets sick, who doesn't, and scientific collaboration when so much is uncertain.

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Ep.13: The Generation Squeeze and COVID-19

Mon, 25 May 2020 20:38:47 GMT

As younger Canadians endeavour to make a life for themselves, they are increasingly “squeezed” by stationary incomes, strain in procuring quality employment, high costs for services, and rising debts. In this episode, Dr. Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze joins host Edward Greenspon to make sense of the shocking labour force numbers affecting young people in Canada amidst COVID-19.

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Ep.12: Unpacking Labour Force Trends from COVID-19

Fri, 15 May 2020 23:35:51 GMT

Numbers reflect what is happening in the world around us. But how has COVID-19 impacted the shift? Lynn Barr-Telford, Canada's Assistant Chief Statistician, responsible for social, health and labor statistics at Statistics Canada and Craig Alexander, Partner and Chief Economist at Deloitte join host Edward Greenspon to discuss labour force trends. Listen in as we unpack the statistics and the trends reported over the last two months.

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Ep.11: The News Media and COVID-19

Thu, 14 May 2020 19:39:57 GMT

Episode 11 | Where do you get your information from? Original news is in serious decline, yet times of crisis are when the community leans most heavily on reliable news sources. Co-hosted by Edward Greenspon and PPF Fellow in Residence Sean Speer, today's conversation with Senator Paula Simons and David Skok of The Logic is about the current state of media and journalism, media competition and the further impacts of COVID-19.

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Ep.10: Intergenerational Attitudes and Impacts of Covid-19 with David Coletto

Fri, 08 May 2020 14:34:51 GMT

Episode 10 | David Coletto is one of Canada's leading pollsters and experts on millennials. Co-hosted by Edward Greenspon and Policy Lead Katie Davey, on this live podcast recording they review what this critical group of Canadians are thinking, how they’re doing, and if their outlook on the future has changed in relation to the current COVID-19 crisis.

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Ep.9: A Challenge-Driven Industrial Strategy for Canada

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:02:04 GMT

Episode 9 l New North Star II authors Sean Speer, Robert Asselin & Royce Mendes, join host Edward Greenspon for a special hybrid podcast and webinar to share their insights on the changing nature of Canadian competitiveness and to explore their suggested policy-response: a challenge-driven industrial strategy that will give Canada a competitive edge as it rebuilds post COVID-19.

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Ep.8: What Sacrifices are People Willing to Make During a Crisis? with Peter Loewen

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:17:11 GMT

In PPF's first live podcast recording, host Edward Greenspon is joined by Peter Loewen, an expert in public trust of government. They look at the response to the COVID-19 crisis: Does it tell us something bigger about how citizens feel about strong and decisive leadership, or even the toning down of partisan rhetoric?

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Ep.7: The Realities of COVID-19 on Provincial and Federal Budgets with Janice MacKinnon

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:20:32 GMT

Episode 7 | In the early 1990s Janice MacKinnon helped steer Saskatchewan through its fiscal crisis. She joined Policy Speaking host Edward Greenspon for a discussion around the fiscal realities of the COVID-19 crisis on provincial and federal budgets. What advice would she give to Canada's finance minister and what would it take to see an economic turnaround in 2021 or 2022?

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Ep.6: Extending a Lifeline to Canadians in the Sharpest Economic Downturn of our Time with Tamara Vrooman

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:43:54 GMT

Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancity, Canada's largest credit union shares insights on the situation in Vancouver and B.C. In this episode, she gives host Edward Greenspon an inside scoop on what VanCity is doing to help it's half a million members recover from job losses and incapacitated business. Plus who's most vulnerable in this crisis?

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Ep.5: What We Learned From SARS With Dr. David Naylor

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:22:04 GMT

A Canadian Medical Hall of Famer, Dr. David Naylor was the Chair of the committee looking at Canada's response to SARS in 2003. He joins host Edward Greenspon for a discussion about what we're learning about and from the COVID-19 pandemic. What did Canada look like after SARS and what will Canada look like beyond COVID-19?

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Ep.4: Why Don't Humans Take Meaningful Action Sooner? with Bruce Lourie

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:36:03 GMT

In the fourth episode of our Policy Speaking podcast, host Edward Greenspon is joined by Bruce Lourie, President of the Ivey Foundation to discuss the speed of the response to COVID-19 and how it can inform Canada's battles with further public health risks and climate change.

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Ep.3: The Energy Sector and Covid-19 with Peter Tertzakian

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:14:45 GMT

Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Canada’s pre-eminent energy economist and energy historian, Peter Tertzakian as he explains the factors and the impacts of Covid-19 on the energy sector – economically and policy-wise.

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Ep.2: Governing Through a Crisis with Anne McLellan and John Manley

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:35:56 GMT

Host Edward Greenspon is joined by two formed Deputy Prime Ministers of Canada, the Hon. Anne McLellan and Hon. John Manley. They provide insights from the cabinet table during 9/11 — Anne was Justice Minister and John Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time — and share how this COVID-19 crisis is different. Plus what comes next? They share what their experience with responding to past global crises such as SARS tells us about the world after COVID-19.

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Ep.1: The Economy After COVID-19 with David Dodge

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:32:14 GMT

Join the Public Policy Forum for a new podcast, Policy Speaking, which looks at the management of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as its collateral impacts in areas such as: the economy, the energy sector, income support programs, the geopolitical order; and the nature of leadership.

In the first episode, PPF President & CEO Edward Greenspon is joined by one of Canada's great economists, academics, & former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge to help us wrap our head around the reality of the current financial situation. From 9/11 to the 2008 financial crisis, Dodge compares COVID-19 to economic shocks of the past and helps us re-imagine what the other side of this crisis could look like.

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