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?

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.

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.

What leverage does Canada have heading into upcoming CUSMA negotiations and what is at stake?

In this episode, Professor Meredith Lilly, former International Trade 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 talks could mean for Canada’s economy.