All Publications

Six principles to help lead Canada to a net-zero economy

As published by the C.D. Howe Institute From: John Dillon and Michael GulloTo: Canada’s PolicymakersDate: May 27, 2021Re: Six Principles to Help Lead Canada to a Net-Zero Economy Climate change represents one of the most urgent public policy challenges facing Canadians today. Fortunately, we […]

Time to ditch the incremental approach to innovation and go big

As published by The Hub In ordinary times, Canada fares pretty well under the mantra of “peace, order and good government.” But sometimes circumstances demand more of us, and right now we are living in anything but ordinary times. “I think circumstances […]

We need a reopening plan that gives Canadians hope

For the latest research, analysis and perspective on business and policy in Canada, sign up for our newsletter today. Dear Friends, Last weekend I had the opportunity to get my first COVID-19 vaccination. It was an exciting day. But those who know […]

Lofty climate goals will only get you so far, Canada

In the Olympics, judges award gold medals based on achievement, not ambition. We should adopt the same approach in evaluating Canada’s newly revised target for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Some […]

Lofty climate goals will only get you so far

As published in the National Observer on May 10, 2021 In the Olympics, judges award gold medals based on achievement, not ambition. We should adopt the same approach in evaluating Canada’s newly revised target for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — 40 […]

The federal budget has no answers on the question of growth

As published in The Hub To evaluate a budget, I’ve always asked a simple question: which problem(s) is it trying to solve? A budget that needs 700 pages of (red) ink says a lot about government motivations. I can only […]

There’s a lot to like in Budget 2021, but Canadians know there’s no free lunch

For the latest research, analysis and perspective on business and policy in Canada, sign up for our newsletter today. Dear Friends, Following yesterday’s highly anticipated federal budget, I gave full marks to Chrystia Freeland for doing what no man has been able to […]

Here’s what we need to do for workers

As published in the Toronto Star The current employment picture across Canada is a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. While the overall pace of job creation is picking up, the pandemic continues to hammer service-oriented sectors […]

North American partnership is key to defeating COVID and accelerating recovery

As published in Fortune Magazine There are many lessons to glean from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For North America, we have learned that we are all better off, and we are more resilient, when we work together.  Business leaders in […]

Canada Needs an R&D Powerhouse Modelled on the Successes of DARPA

As published in a C.D. Howe Institute Intelligence Memo When considering Canada’s long-term economic health, it is wishful thinking to assume Canada’s economy can thrive on deficit spending, booming real estate and household consumption. To be sure, post-pandemic we will experience short-term growth through […]