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Public Policy Forum

WONK

A Politics , News and Government podcast

#57 in Politics · 🇨🇦
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About the show

WONK is a show about big ideas in unprecedented times. Hosted by Michael Serapio, we unpack some of the most pressing issues and challenges facing Canada, and talk to some leading thinkers and policymakers about how to tackle them. New episodes drop on Thursdays. This feed also hosts the archive for Public Policy Forum's podcast, Policy Speaking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newest episodes

Kevin Page on debt, deficits and Canada’s hinge moment

30 min

The Liberal government recently tabled its second budget — a $151.5 billion plan that the government hopes will boost the economy, ease affordability challenges and even eradicate homelessness. This plan is made possible in part by an unexpected windfall thanks to higher oil prices, but it will still cost Canadians, with the federal government projecting a $62-billion deficit and no plan to balance the books. In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to economist Kevin Page, the founding president of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy, about the government’s bet at a critical moment in history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Canadians aren’t ready for AI

29 min

Canada’s AI strategy involves positioning the country as a global AI powerhouse, driving economic growth and ensuring Canadian control over critical digital infrastructure. But the $2-billion strategy comes as skepticism and deep concerns grow not only here in Canada, but around the world about AI. Host Michael Serapio talks to Shingai Manjengwa, senior director of education and development at Mila, about the rise of AI agents, growing safety concerns and why more education is essential. Read Manjengwa’s policy memo on Canada’s AI strategy. Learn more about PPF and Mila’s AI courses: AI Advantage and AI Policy Compass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the U.S. midterms could mean for Canada

33 min

Americans are about to head to the ballot box to cast their votes in the midterms. Canadians, of course, are watching quite intently. Industries and businesses have been hit hard by U.S. tariffs and threats against our sovereignty have been constant. Will anything change if there is a change in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress? In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to Scotty Greenwood, a former chief of staff to the U S Ambassador to Canada, former CEO of the Canadian American Business Council and the founder of Ottawa Street Strategy. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All episodes

Kevin Page on debt, deficits and Canada’s hinge moment

30 min

The Liberal government recently tabled its second budget — a $151.5 billion plan that the government hopes will boost the economy, ease affordability challenges and even eradicate homelessness. This plan is made possible in part by an unexpected windfall thanks to higher oil prices, but it will still cost Canadians, with the federal government projecting a $62-billion deficit and no plan to balance the books. In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to economist Kevin Page, the founding president of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy, about the government’s bet at a critical moment in history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Canadians aren’t ready for AI

29 min

Canada’s AI strategy involves positioning the country as a global AI powerhouse, driving economic growth and ensuring Canadian control over critical digital infrastructure. But the $2-billion strategy comes as skepticism and deep concerns grow not only here in Canada, but around the world about AI. Host Michael Serapio talks to Shingai Manjengwa, senior director of education and development at Mila, about the rise of AI agents, growing safety concerns and why more education is essential. Read Manjengwa’s policy memo on Canada’s AI strategy. Learn more about PPF and Mila’s AI courses: AI Advantage and AI Policy Compass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the U.S. midterms could mean for Canada

33 min

Americans are about to head to the ballot box to cast their votes in the midterms. Canadians, of course, are watching quite intently. Industries and businesses have been hit hard by U.S. tariffs and threats against our sovereignty have been constant. Will anything change if there is a change in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress? In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to Scotty Greenwood, a former chief of staff to the U S Ambassador to Canada, former CEO of the Canadian American Business Council and the founder of Ottawa Street Strategy. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candace Laing on the Canada’s trade war plan: ‘We got this’

32 min

It would not be an understatement to say that the Canada-U.S. relationship is undergoing a challenging time. The U.S. president describes Canada as a terrible trade partner and the 51st state. Both countries have applied tariffs and counter tariffs on goods that not long ago crossed the border tariff-free. On this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to Candace Laing, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, about the impact of the relationship breakdown on jobs, investments and businesses in this country. This episode is sponsored by the Forest Products Association of Canada. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan: Canadian democracy is working

31 min

The largest survey on Canadian views on foreign policy in over 50 years suggests that Canadians are united on a whole host of issues, from trade diversification to global health. It also shows a surprising confidence that democracy in Canada is working well, despite the challenges and unity questions facing the country. Host Michael Serapio talks to Anne McLellan, a former deputy prime minister in Paul Martin's government and Lisa Raitt, a former minister in the government at Stephen Harper, who were involved in the report, called Foreign Policy by Canadians 2026. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter Learn more about PPF Academy’s learning program, Managing Canada’s interests under Trump 2.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the auto industry survive Trump?

34 min

When it comes to Canada's auto industry, the U.S. President is very clear: Donald Trump does not see the need for it and he is doing everything he can to force car makers to bring their operations to America. The rupture would undermine an industrial relationship that goes back decades, and lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Host Michael Serapio talks to Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, about the state of the highly integrated industry and what Donald Trump gets wrong about it. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter: https://ppforum.ca/newsletters/ Learn more about PPF Academy’s learning program, Managing Canada’s interests under Trump 2.0: https://ppforum.ca/academy/canada-united-states-policy-program/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier RJ Simpson on northern investment the need for better Arctic defence

27 min

Canada’s Arctic is getting a level of attention it hasn't seen in decades. The federal government is promising to put some $35 billion towards asserting Canada's Arctic sovereignty, creating economic opportunities and, it is hoped, long-term prosperity for Northern communities. But how will these investments do that? When will we see shovels in the ground? Host Michael Serapio is joined by the Premier of the Northwest Territories, RJ Simpson to talk about Arctic resources, building roads and why Canada needs to up its Arctic defence. Subscribe to PPF’s Build Big Things newsletter: https://ppforum.ca/newsletters/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s search for $1 trillion — and new friends

33 min

Canada's push to diversify its economy has taken some big steps: An international investment summit in Toronto; a trip by PM Mark Carney to the European Parliament to explore becoming an associate member of the EU; and a meeting in Saint-Pierre with French President Emmanuel Macron. What do these developments tell us about Canada's efforts? How interested is the world in what Canada has to offer? And what will it take to turn that interest into growth? Host Michael Serapio is joined by Gitane De Silva, Executive Director of the Peter Lougheed School of Politics & Democracy at the University of Alberta and Brett House, an economist and professor at Columbia Business School. Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter: https://ppforum.ca/newsletters/ Learn more about PPF Academy’s learning program, Managing Canada’s interests under Trump 2.0: https://ppforum.ca/academy/canada-united-states-policy-program/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s former top trade negotiator Steve Verheul: Moving beyond the U.S.

24 min

Ever since Donald Trump was reelected in 2024 and started talking about Canada as a 51st state, cross border trade has been a sore point. But in recent weeks, there has been great urgency as the United States slapped tariffs on many goods and the fate of CUSMA hangs in the balance. PM Mark Carney has said “America is trying to break us so that they can own us.” So what can Canada really do to diversify its trade and thrive next to a suddenly unfriendly neighbour? Host Michael Serapio talks to Canada’s former chief trade negotiator and PPF Fellow Steve Verheul about his new report From Reliance to Resilience and what could happen next.  Read Verheul’s report for PPF: https://ppforum.ca/publications/from-reliance-to-resilience/ Subscribe to PPF’s Canada-U.S. newsletter: https://ppforum.ca/newsletters/ Learn more about PPF Academy’s learning program, Managing Canada’s interests under Trump 2.0: https://ppforum.ca/academy/canada-united-states-policy-program/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

31 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to make a nation of supertraders

33 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evan Solomon on the promise and perils of AI

32 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building an economy that helps people flourish

32 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big risks facing Canada and the world

37 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the Canadian economy will be okay

53 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor Robertson on the housing dilemma

29 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank McKenna on Canada’s future and dealing with America

32 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to get investment flowing back to Canada

39 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Canada be energy independent?

47 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s race to build big talent

35 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Poloz on dealing with dual economic shocks

51 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s place in the global energy race

39 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The $7-billion bet on ag tech

33 min

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier Susan Holt on Canada’s comeback plan

37 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to deal with oil shocks and inflation

39 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why housing should be a human right

40 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie Dabrusin on Canada’s new climate plan

26 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Chi on how to make an economy that works

47 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zita Cobb on economic growth, one town at a time

34 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dangerous spread of sports betting

34 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier David Eby on building a new economy

20 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hadfield on Canada’s new space race

28 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Rae on the new world order

41 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s make or break year

43 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don Tapscott on the battle to control your own AI

34 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big policies that will shape 2026

34 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘What is common knowledge?’ Steven Pinker explains

41 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Canada needs to build ‘anchor companies’

35 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minister Champagne: Putting a ‘generational’ budget into practice

32 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta’s Danielle Smith on pipelines and fellow premiers

29 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

39 min

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". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fara Dabhoiwala on the meaning of free speech

41 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest issues in Canada's next federal budget

40 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stéfane Marion on Canada’s business investment crisis

28 min

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Frum on Donald Trump’s tariff problem

34 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine McKenna on climate costs and polarization

39 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fight to save kids from social media harm

35 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson on Canada's new economic ambitions

33 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem on seeking economic stability

26 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economist Frances Donald on Canada’s big opportunity

42 min

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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