C.d. Howe Institute

What would Alberta gain by leaving Canada – and what could it lose?As calls for Alberta independence gain attention, former Alberta premier Jason Kenney and economist Charles St-Arnaud join Michael Hainsworth to examine the economic, political and practical consequences of separation.From Alberta’s history of Western alienation and economic frustration to trade access, currency, federal debt and investment uncertainty, the discussion explores what independence could mean for Albertans – and whether greater provincial autonomy and reforms within Canada offer a more workable path forward.

What does Canada’s rising debt mean for the next federal budget? Don Drummond joins Michael Hainsworth to discuss Canada’s fiscal outlook, government spending, deficits and debt, and whether the country is prepared for another major economic shock. They examine Canada’s borrowing costs, the country’s debt position relative to other G7 economies, the C.D. Howe Institute’s shadow budget, the case for spending restraint, and potential tax reform. Drummond also discusses what it could take to return Canada to a balanced budget

In this episode, host Michael Hainsworth sits down with George Vegh and Kate Koplovich to discuss what's holding back Canada's major projects — and what it will take to restore investor confidence.From pipelines and energy infrastructure to mining, transportation, and nation-building projects, the conversation explores why regulatory certainty, efficient approvals, and effective governance are essential for Canada's economic future.

What would a US debt crisis mean for Canada?Martin Eichenbaum, Charles Moskos Professor of Economics at Northwestern University and International Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute, says a US fiscal crisis is a “very high probability event” over his lifetime. The question is not exactly when it will happen, but whether Canada will be prepared when it does.In this episode, Eichenbaum explains how a US debt crisis could affect Canada through weaker US demand, falling exports, financial-market losses, a stronger Canadian dollar and lower commodity prices. He also discusses why Canada needs enough fiscal space to respond to a crisis and why Canadian financial institutions should stress-test their exposure to a US sovereign debt shock.The bigger question: if the US debt bomb detonates, will Canada wish it had prepared sooner?

As the Bank of Canada reviews its monetary policy framework, former Governor David Dodge and C.D. Howe Institute President and CEO Jeremy Kronick discuss whether its current approach remains fit for a rapidly changing economy and what the Bank’s mandate should be going forward.

What leverage does Canada have heading into upcoming CUSMA negotiations and what is at stake?In this episode, Professor Meredith Lilly, former InternationalTrade Advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joins Steve Verheul, Canada’s chief negotiator for NAFTA, to discuss Canada’s negotiating leverage, the pressures shaping North American trade, and what the next round of CUSMA talkscould mean for Canada’s economy.

Is the Greater Toronto Area housing shortage just a supply problem? Despite strong demand for ground-related homes, planning policies have favoured apartment construction for decades. Frank Clayton and Benjamin Tal discuss why solving the housing crisis requires building not just more homes, but the right homes.

What leverage does Canada have heading into upcoming CUSMA negotiations and what is at stake?In this episode, Professor Meredith Lilly, former InternationalTrade Advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joins Steve Verheul, Canada’s chief negotiator for NAFTA, to discuss Canada’s negotiating leverage, the pressures shaping North American trade, and what the next round of CUSMA talkscould mean for Canada’s economy.

Is Canada in a technical recession? Following the latest GDP figures from Statistics Canada, Business Cycle Council members Jeremy Kronick and Philip Cross unpack what a technical recession actually means and why Canada's current economic challenges run much deeper.

Youth unemployment in Canada is soaring, entry-level jobs demand years of experience, and many Gen Z graduates are wondering if AI will replace the careers they studied for. In this episode, economist and University of Laurier professor Tammy Schirle breaks down what’s really happening in the job market — and why young Canadians are struggling more than previous generations.

In this episode, host Michael Hainsworth speaks with Kate Koplovich, Senior Policy Analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute, about Ottawa’s proposed Canada Strong Fund and what a new $25 billion sovereign wealth fund could mean for Canadians. They break down how sovereign wealth funds work, why Canada’s model differs from successful funds in places like Norway and Quebec, and whether borrowing billions to invest is a smart economic strategy or a risky bet.Read her Financial Post opinion piece: https://cdhowe.org/publication/the-25-billion-sovereign-wealth-fund-is-not-enough-for-canadas-investment-challenges/The C.D. Howe Institute is Canada’s most influential think tank. Hosted by Michael Hainsworth, subscribe to the CDHI Podcast feed to get all our best content: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-cdhi-podcast/id1093920522 (Apple) https://open.spotify.com/show/1jIiUjOjlCUrzi6ZTI3GCM?si=ed51bb3130984f5b (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CDHoweInstitute Want more CDHI? Subscr

More than 9 million Canadians don’t have a company pension plan because they work for a small business that doesn’t think it can afford one. Finance veteran Keith Ambachtsheer and industry leader Alex Mazer have a solution that keeps SMEs competitive during unprecedented times.https://cdhowe.org/publication/spreading-the-benefits-a-targeted-tax-credit-is-needed-to-expand-retirement-plan-coverage-in-canadas-private-sector/

Canada promised over 250,000 new childcare spaces – but many still haven’t materialized. While $10-a-day fees have improved affordability, families are increasingly stuck on waitlists as demand outpaces supply. Economists Parisa Mahboubi and Tingting Zhang explore what’s behind the gap and how it can be fixed.

Trump may waver on NATO, but Canada’s 5% commitment isn’t going anywhere - and it could cost $150 billion. .The question is: how do we pay for it? Colin Busby and Nicholas Dahir lay out a path forward that avoids piling on debt.

“Nation building” projects aren’t the only way to insulate Canada from Trump’s (trade) wars. Jack Mintz explains why a “big bang” reform is the only way to inject billions into the economy.Read the report: https://cdhowe.org/publication/big-bang-tax-reform-unleashing-growth-in-the-canadian-economy/The C.D. Howe Institute is Canada’s most influential think tank. Hosted by Michael Hainsworth, subscribe to the CDHI Podcast feed to get all our best content.Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CDHoweInstitute Want more CDHI? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter: https://cdhowe.org/newsletter-signup/ Follow us on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c-d--howe-institute https://www.instagram.com/c.d.howeinstitute https://www.facebook.com/cdhoweinstitute https://www.x.com/CDHoweInstitute

After almost 40 years at the C.D. Howe Institute, President Emeritus Bill Robson reflects on the Institute’s success, the future of Canada, and the state of political discourse. Watch the exit interview as host Michael Hainsworth tours the new headquarters with the man who built it.The C.D. Howe Institute is Canada’s most influential think tank. Hosted by Michael Hainsworth, subscribe to the CDHI Podcast feed to get all our best content: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-cdhi-podcast/id1093920522 (Apple) https://open.spotify.com/show/1jIiUjOjlCUrzi6ZTI3GCM?si=ed51bb3130984f5b (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CDHoweInstitute Want more CDHI? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter: https://cdhowe.org/newsletter-signup/ Follow us on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c-d--howe-institute https://www.instagram.com/c.d.howeinstitute https://www.facebook.com/cdhoweinstitute https://www.x.com/CDHoweInstitute

Canada’s kids are being outperformed by many of their global peers in math, despite spending more than the OECD average. Dr. Anna Stokke of the University of Winnipeg tells our Michael Hainsworth that there are several factors, from discovery-based learning to lack of standardized testing, but there are solutions.

How will Canada’s new Defence Investment Agency strengthen our sovereignty? Canada’s top soldier, General Jennie Carignan, on the Arctic, a 400,000-strong civil defence force, and whether purchasing F-35 fighter jets from a key ally remains in Canada’s best interests.

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate, but the decision comes as uncertainty around CUSMA looms large. Dr. Jeremy Kronick and Steve Ambler break down what the Bank's latest decision means.

AI is at the center of “creative destruction” of the Canadian Economy. The Institute’s 2025Nobel winner Peter Howitt sits down with our Michael Hainsworth to discuss the technology, our trade war with Washington, and why you should always keep your phone charged.