A year into the pandemic, we need an economic growth plan

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Dear Friends,

A year ago this week, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. I suspect you, like me, have been reflecting on all we’ve experienced and learned.

It’s been a year of tragedy and loss, but I believe we’re at a turning point. As infections subside and more people get vaccinated, hope is finally on the horizon.

The weeks ahead will be critical. With spring in the air, we can’t let our guard down. It’s up to all of us to stop the spread by continuing to follow public health advice.

We’re seeing lots of encouraging developments. In some parts of the country, vaccination clinics are starting up in pharmacies and other businesses. Ontario is now allowing rapid screening to be self-administered in workplaces, schools and other public spaces. I hope other provinces will follow Ontario’s lead, enabling more people to use this important screening tool.

As the health crisis gradually abates, we can’t lose sight of the monumental task ahead: fixing Canada’s battered economy. Our pre-budget letter to Chrystia Freeland makes seven recommendations for an inclusive and resilient post-pandemic economy. I invite you to read the letter and offer your feedback.

We’re also partnering with other groups in free virtual events to explore what it will take to make Canada’s recovery a success. Collaboration has helped us get through these difficult times, and it’s how we can build a better future for all.

Until next time,

Goldy Hyder
President and CEO
Business Council of Canada

Ensuring a healthy, resilient recovery will require teamwork and vision.  

I look forward to moderating this timely discussion with Monique Leroux, chair of the Industry Strategy Council, Mark Little, president and CEO of Suncor Energy and Darryl White, CEO of BMO Financial Group.

How can we strengthen Canada’s innovation economy? 

Our innovation policy expert Robert Asselin makes the case for a federal R&D powerhouse modelled on the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).  He joins The Logic’s Murad Hemmadi at a virtual event.

Canada’s current privacy law is badly out of date.

A modernized law was proposed last fall. Bill C-11 aims to protect Canadians’ privacy while strengthening our data-driven economy. This week I urged politicians to move forward with the study of this important legislation.