Shows
The Future Skills PodcastSpecial - Name ChangeThis is Jeremy Strachan, your host of the Future Skills Podcast, brought to you by the Future Skills Centre. You may have noticed that The Conference Board of Canada's changed it's name. We’re now Signal49 Research. This new name reflects a guiding signal in times of uncertainty; a dependable beacon that leaders can rely on to navigate complexity. Inspired by Signal Hill in Newfoundland and Labrador, and with a nod to Canada and the 49th parallel, it embraces the spirit of innovation and anchors us in a distinctly Canadian point of view. Learn more about what our new na...
2026-01-2600 min
Bright FutureEp. 33: Valérie Pisano on the Rise of AI and ChatGPTOpenAI’s ChatGPT and other large language model AI have brought the long-standing promises of artificial intelligence to fruition. ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, accumulating millions of users worldwide. However, this tool and others like it are being met with trepidation and fear by many AI pioneers. To help us make sense of these developments and their implications is Valérie Pisano, President and CEO of Mila, the Quebec Institute of Artificial Intelligence.In this episode, you’ll hear why AI leaders are calling for a temporary pause on further AI develop...
2023-05-1640 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep. 07: Fiscal Responsibility with Pedro Antunes and Kevin PageIn this episode, our guests Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist of The Conference Board of Canada, and Kevin Page, founding President and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa, discuss the evolving definition of fiscal responsibility in 2023. They address key issues such as the lack of consensus around debts and deficits, the influence of macroeconomic drivers on federal spending, the potential need for revenue increases, and the consequences of borrowing from future generations. They also provide advice to government policymakers as they navigate complex challenges like fiscal sustainability, growth, inflation, rising interest rates...
2023-04-1925 min
Leadership PerspectivesEp. 25: Canadian Telecoms and The Promise of Independent Towers with Dan Carpenter and Wendy ZatylnyCanada’s mobile broadband usage numbers are dismal. We rank dead last in mobile broadband users and have some of lowest mobile data usage compared to other G7 countries. These metrics need to improve. While there is much discussion on the number of providers and the competitiveness of our telecommunications industry, there’s another way to move the needle.Research by The Conference Board of Canada shows that increased tower sharing can play a role in changing this critical metric for Canadians. It could allow for more tower development in rural and remote regions, eliminate redundancies in infrast...
2023-03-2920 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 06 - Economic Forecasting with Ted MallettIn this episode of Economics Matters, we look behind the curtain at the world of economic forecasting. Our colleague Ted Mallett, The Conference Board of Canada’s Director of Economic Forecasting, gives us his take on how he and his team approach business of economic forecasting. We discuss the mechanics of economic forecasting, the models, the data sources as well as the ways in which Ted and his team incorporate observations on human behaviours to guide the outputs of the models and derive meaningful insights on the direction of the economy.About our guest: Ted...
2023-03-2225 minThe Future Skills PodcastS3 Ep. 02: L’intégration des nouveaux arrivants au Canada : l’exemple du Nouveau-BrunswickEn 2022, le Canada a accueilli un nombre record de nouveaux arrivants : plus de 431 000, qui sont devenus des résidents permanents. Dans cet épisode, nous explorerons la question de l’intégration économique et professionnelle de ces personnes au Canada, principalement dans le contexte du Nouveau-Brunswick.Nos invités sont des personnalités connues qui travaillent, l’un pour un gros employeur de la région, l’autre pour une organisation dont la mission est d’aider les nouveaux arrivants à participer pleinement à la société néo-brunswickoise. Ils parleront de leurs expériences personnelles et professionnelles, en plus d’offrir leurs éclair...
2023-03-1526 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 05 - Inequality in Canada with Pedro Antunes and Mike MoffattFor economists, inequality is a critical issue because the more unequal a society is, the more challenging it is for that economy to grow and thrive. This episode we explore the data on inequality in Canada to separate fact from fiction. We discuss whether inequality is growing in Canada. We also explore the question of whether the way economists normally approach this topic is up to the task of addressing the various concerns that get lumped into discussions of inequality.About our guests: Pedro AntunesPedro Antunes is the Chief Economist a...
2023-02-2223 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 04 - Canada’s Long-Term Economic Outlook with Sohaib Shahid and Brett HouseCanada used to pride itself as being one of the best places to live in the world, but our international ranking is on the decline. Many people have questions about the long-term economic growth path for the country. How will demographic issues—high retirements and low birth rates—impact the country? Will Canada ever solve the innovation and productivity challenge that we face? How can Canadian policy-makers take steps today to help to build a better future.In this episode, we hear two leading economists assess Canada’s long-term economic growth prospects and what steps we can take a...
2023-01-2537 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 03 - Economic Outlook for 2023As we near the end of December, many economists are looking back at the year that was. But that’s the past. What can we expect for the future?We’ve asked two leading economic thinkers to give us their forecasts on the key issues that the Canadian economy will face in 2023. Will the Bank of Canada’s initiatives be enough keep inflation down next year? What will the impact of monetary and fiscal policy be and where should government spending go? What will the impact of broader geopolitical challenges be on the Canadian economy? And, what questi...
2022-12-2132 minThe Future Skills PodcastS3 Ep. 01: Comprendre les pénuries de main-d’œuvre au CanadaIl y a plus de gens qui travaillent qu’avant la pandémie, mais la demande de main-d’œuvre demeure supérieure à l’offre. Dans cet épisode, nos invités font part de leurs points de vue sur le contexte économique entourant ces pénuries et leurs conséquences pour les entreprises canadiennes. Nous discutons de ce que cela signifie pour les responsables en matière de compétences, les employeurs et les travailleurs.Invités :- Pedro Antunes, économiste en chef, Le Conference Board du Canada- Geneviève Bich, vice-présidente, Ressources hu...
2022-12-1925 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 24: Fixing the Path from International Student to Permanent Resident with Iain Reeve and Kathryn DennlerCanadian Universities and Colleges are increasingly welcoming students from around the world to study in Canada. We estimate that over the last ten years, over a million international students have come to study in Canada. And that number is rising. International students represent some of the best and the brightest from around the world. They come to Canadian post-secondary institutions hoping to get a world-class education and in many instances an opportunity to continue to build on the connections they make in school to jump into the Canadian labour force. But the ideal isn’t always...
2022-12-0725 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 02 - Labour market woes with Mike Burt and Armine YalnizyanCanada’s labour market is facing an unprecedented set of challenges. We keep hearing the dual realities of low unemployment levels but high job vacancies. There is a loud and growing chorus of business owners who complain that they can’t find the workers they need. And workers are increasingly expressing their frustration with the jobs they do have. From the great-resignation, to quiet quitting. From the turbulence that is affecting industries as diverse as travel, hospitality, restaurants, and healthcare to the ongoing pressure to address wages without creating a wage-price spiral. Something is happening in the...
2022-11-3040 min
Leadership PerspectivesEconomics Matters Ep: 01 - Recession Risk with Sohaib Shahid and Jimmy JeanThis is the first episode of Economics Matters, a Conference Board of Canada podcast. This series will bring you some of the leading economic thinkers from Canada and around the world to talk about key issues in the economy. In our first episode, we deal with one of the biggest questions facing our economy— what is Canada’s risk of falling into a recession and what, if anything, can be done about it. To answer this question, our guests this episode share their views on whether Canada’s recession risk is increasing and provide their suggestions for how poli...
2022-10-1937 minBright FutureEp. 32: Lloyd Axworthy on Supporting RefugeesThe history of humanity is a history of movement. Today, movements of people from one place to another are subject to severe political and social constraints.Our guest this episode has spent a good portion of his life creating supports for people who are fleeing human rights or environmental disasters. Dr. Lloyd Axworthy joins us to share what he and others at the World Refugee & Migration Council see as the great need for reform in our treatment of refugees in Canada and around the world. We discuss how Canada’s generally positive political and s...
2022-09-2035 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 06: Skills for the Digital EconomyTechnological change is affecting every sector, and these changes shift the roles and the skills in demand. Our guests share their perspectives on what needs to happen to ensure Canada has the skilled talent it needs to take full advantage of the growing digital economy. We hear about two rapid training initiatives that seek to help their learners transition mid-career to jobs in the digital economy.SpeakersGuestsNamir Anani, President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)Rushmi Hasham, Director, Development and Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Programs, Rogers Cybersecure...
2022-08-1828 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 23: How Recent Trade Agreements Are Regulating the Digital Economy with Matt MaloneCanada is a trading nation. Throughout our history, trade has been one of the foundations of our economy. Equally important has been to establish rules for international trade. This episode we hear how trade agreement commitments are shaping Canada’s ability to regulate the digital economy. Matt Malone, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University, talks about how recent trade agreements are shaping the digital economy, often before domestic governments have acted with their own laws and regulations in pertinent areas.He cautions that as Canada seeks to revamp law and policy for the di...
2022-07-2018 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 05: Skills for the Clean EconomyIn the face of the climate crisis, shifting to more carbon-neutral economic activities is a necessity. The growth of this clean economy can also be an opportunity – for individuals to have in-demand and meaningful careers, and for Canada to become a global leader in this area. In this episode, we hear from three Canadian organizations. Our guests tell us about the growing clean technology and blue economy sectors, and about the skills needed in these sectors, and share their insights on what needs to happen to support the development of a strong workforce in the clean economy....
2022-07-0726 minBright FutureEp. 31: Tracy Bear on the Importance of Indigenous KnowledgeProfessor Tracy Bear is a well-known researcher focusing on Indigenous knowledge, resilience and embedding research in true partnerships with communities. In 2021, she was appointed director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute.Hundreds of thousands of Canadians got to know Professor Bear through her role as academic lead of “Indigenous Canada”—a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to help Canadians understand the history of Indigenous Peoples. Since its inception in 2016, the course has grown from twenty thousand to more than four hundred and sixty thousand learners and has been named the most popular online course in Canada.I...
2022-06-2136 minBright FutureEp. 30: Nicholas André G. Johnson on Being Princeton’s First Black ValedictorianIn May 2020, in the depths of the pandemic, Canadian Nicholas André G. Johnson broke new ground as Princeton’s first Black valedictorian. In over 274 years, no other Black student had been recognized in this way by the institution, making Nicholas a ground breaker and as we’ll hear—a mentor to other Black professionals forging their path through academic and professional settings. Nicholas talks about the experience of being the first Black valedictorian and the intense media attention he received from both American and Canadian press. He shares how his passion for technology and for building connects to what...
2022-06-0731 minLeadership PerspectivesMaking Sense of Data with Tableau – Episode 5 – Carolyn Loh on Driving Customer Value Through AnalyticsOf course, analytics helps the internal operations and management of an organization but how is that, in turn, helping their customers? In this final episode of our five-part series on data analytics, Carolyn Loh talks with host Takara Small about how data analytics can help deepen relationships with customers, and how to better communicate to the public about how data analytics can actually benefit them. About our guest: Carolyn Loh is the VP Analytics & Insights Acuity Ads. She brings to her role a deep knowledge of customer lifecycle and strategic value management to deliver insights th...
2022-06-0618 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 04: Putting Microcredentials into PracticeMicrocredentials are a recognition of learning, assessing specific competencies and addressing employer needs. In this episode, we discuss the rise of microcredentials, their potential, and ongoing challenges such as coordination across Canada and assessment quality. Our guests provide perspectives from industry and from post-secondary education and include Emma Gooch from eCampusOntario, Kerri Korabelnikov from Red River College Polytechnic, and Theresa Davis-Woodhouse from the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace. SpeakersGuestsEmma Gooch, Program Manager, Microcredentials, eCampusOntarioKerri Korabelnikov, Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, Red River College Polytechnic
2022-06-0125 minLeadership PerspectivesMaking Sense of Data with Tableau – Episode 4 – Tamara Augsten on Fostering a Citizen Driven Analytics CultureOrganizations often struggle with fostering a data and analytics culture to the detriment of their analytics programs. In this fourth episode of our five-part series on data analytics, Tamara Augsten talks with host Takara Small about her work with data visualization and how organizations can build a culture that makes workers excited to engage in data analytics.About our guest: Tamara Augsten uses her background in data analysis and urban planning to visualize, mobilize and translate data in a meaningful, accessible and engaging ways to inform planning and policy. She currently works with Toronto Public H...
2022-05-3029 minLeadership PerspectivesMaking Sense of Data with Tableau – Episode 3 – Maxime Cohen on Becoming a Data Driven, Innovative OrganizationAnalytics has a major role in enabling innovation-induced growth among small and medium sized businesses, allowing them to scale-up rapidly. In this third episode of our five-part series on data analytics, Maxime Cohen talks with host Takara Small about the necessary steps for managers and owners to jump into the data analytics space, as well why small and medium sized organizations cannot afford to ignore data analytics. About our guest: Maxime Cohen is the Scale AI Chair Professor of Retail and Operations Management and co-director of the Retail Innovation Lab at McGill University. He is th...
2022-05-2320 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 22: HR Trends and the Canadian Workforce Outlook with Lauren FlorkoThe last two years have changed the way we work and has made us reconsider ways of working, both from an employer and an employee point-of-view. While we know things have changed, data on how this is impacting workplaces is still quite sparse. This episode we hear how the Conference Board of Canada’s Human Capital team is working to fill in the gaps in HR trends and metrics. We explore: what’s really happening with Canada’s “great resignation”; how to approach employee engagement; why some companies are adjusting their engagement strategies to deal with current and future c...
2022-05-1813 minLeadership PerspectivesMaking Sense of Data with Tableau – Episode 2 – Vanitha Lucas on Data for GoodGovernments, businesses, non-profits, and academia have tremendous potential to use data to help move forward on their sustainable development goals to make the world a better place. In this second episode of our five-part series on data analytics, Vanitha Lucas talks with host Takara Small about how data can be used to promote social change and what problems data can help solve.About our guest: Vanitha Lucas considers herself to be a data and analytics philanthropist. Strongly believing in the power of data and analytics to serve the greater good; she is dedicating herself to r...
2022-05-1626 minBright FutureEp. 29: Marnie Howlett on Ukraine as a BorderlandThe war in Ukraine brought the country and its people to the forefront of international attention. Every day more and more people are seeking to help Ukrainians to end the war and to recover from the damage that is being inflicted.Dr. Marnie Howlett has dedicated her life to understanding—and helping others understand—how Ukraine and its people view their country and their unique position as a borderland between Europe and Russia. She joins us this episode to provide a deeper understanding of how Ukraine’s history, its complexities and its realities on the ground...
2022-05-1036 minLeadership PerspectivesMaking Sense of Data with Tableau – Episode 1 – Ashley Howard Neville on Data Literacy for AllWith massive amounts of data generated every day in organizations, knowing what data is, how to analyze it, and how to communicate and share it is becoming an increasingly necessary skill for everyone. In this first episode of our five-part series on data analytics, Ashley Howard Neville talks with host Takara Small about why everyone should care about data literacy as well as what workers can do to help future-proof their careers. About our guest:Ashley Howard Neville is a Senior Evangelist with Tableau. As a business-minded technologist and evangelist of self-service data, Ashley brings o...
2022-05-0923 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 03: Supporting the Future of Small Business and Entrepreneurs through Skills DevelopmentSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the Canadian economy and the workplace of many Canadians. But these businesses face steep difficulties in the coming years as COVID-19 government supports end. How can SMEs tackle challenges, such as skill and labour shortages, to flourish as businesses and employers?In this episode we speak to three guests about the economic trends and opportunities facing SMEs in their region, from remote-first small businesses to new jobs in the green economy. They discuss the skills, roles, and supports needed to take advantage of these opportunities....
2022-04-2129 minBright FutureEp. 28: Jane Boulden on How the War in Ukraine is Disrupting the Rules-Based International OrderThe ongoing war in Ukraine has shaken the foundation of international relations. In many ways this war feels like déjà vu—a land war in Europe, a larger power attempting to overtake another smaller country for its own gains. But in other ways this war is unprecedented. Professor Jane Boulden joins us this episode to help make sense of the impact of the war in Ukraine on the international order, on the United Nations and on how this war has eroded the rules-based order that we thought governed international relations. About our guest: Jane Boulden i...
2022-04-1341 minBright FutureEp. 27: The Economic impact of the war in Ukraine, with Pedro Antunes, Ted Mallett and Sohaib Shahid.The Russian invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves around the world and Canada is not immune. Join the Conference Board of Canada’s economic forecasting team as they discuss how this conflict will impact Canadian producers, government, and consumers. They will also discuss opportunities for Canada to build on its special relationship with the people of Ukraine to play a bigger role in post-war rebuilding. About our guests: Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist and primary spokesperson at The Conference Board of Canada. He provides insights and general direction for the Board’s economic products...
2022-03-3035 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 02: Adapting to Change—The Case of Canada’s Hospitality & Tourism IndustryRestaurants, hotels, and attractions across Canada are an important place of work, particularly for youth, students, and newcomers to Canada. But with cycles of closures and layoffs, health and safety concerns, and new enforcement requirements due to COVID-19, there has been an exodus of workers from the hospitality and tourism industry. How are businesses rethinking their hiring, training, and compensation practices to adapt and recover?This episode explores issues of workforce development and business strategy in the hospitality and tourism industry, in conversation with Krista Bax from go2HR and Adam Morrison from OTEC. We also hear...
2022-03-1619 minLeadership PerspectivesLevelling Up with TELUS #4: Dr. Helen Hambly on Agriculture’s Digital DivideToday, farming relies on digital tools as another key input. But is our digital infrastructure up to the needs of modern agriculture? Dr. Helen Hambly of the University of Guelph talks to Keara about the changing needs of agriculture—and how well Canada’s digital backbone is supporting farmers. About our guest: Dr. Helen Hambly is a Professor in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. Her research efforts support innovation among farmers and other stakeholders. Dr. Hambly leads the Regional and Rural Broadband
2022-02-0222 minThe Future Skills PodcastS2 Ep. 01: Youth Employment and Skills Training for an Inclusive RecoveryWe are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. We know that COVID-19 has had disproportionate economic impacts on certain groups, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada. We are experiencing an undesirable “K-shaped recovery” where certain individuals and sectors recover more quickly than others. This episode highlights key challenges facing certain groups—such as Indigenous students and youth more broadly—when it comes to education and employment during the pandemic. We make the case for a more inclusive skills training strategy, that give all workers the skills to navigate a changing...
2022-01-1321 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 21: What is digital trade and why does it matter? – Swapna NairDigital trade is booming worldwide, but countries are struggling to define, measure, and track its impact. Swapna Nair discusses the challenges and opportunities Canada has to become a leader in the international sphere (and international standards) of digital trade. The full story: Choosing the Right Ruler: Approaches to Measuring Digital Trade (Impact Paper, November 2021) Digital Trade Measurements in Canada Explained (Video)Measuring Digital Trade (Global Commerce Centre) About our guest: Swapna Nair is a Senior Economist and the Global Commerce Centre (GCC) lead. As part of the GCC...
2021-12-0113 minLeadership PerspectivesBeyond the Bounce with PwC Canada #3: Shelley Gilberg and Sarah Marsh on transforming business in the face of climate changeOur climate is changing. How are organizations changing in return? Shelley Gilberg and Sarah Marsh from PwC explain how leading businesses’ net-zero carbon, ESG reporting, and sustainability strategies are evolving for a new world. Read the Canadian findings from PwC’s 24th annual CEO Survey at https://www.pwc.com/ca/ceosurvey. Starting November 15, visit PwC’s Net Zero Hub: www.pwc.com/ca/net-zero-hub About our guests: Shelley Gilberg is ESG Markets & Consulting Leader at PwC Canada. She helps clients develop and implement their strategies to preserve and create valu...
2021-11-1016 minLeadership PerspectivesBeyond the Bounce with PwC Canada #2: Jennifer Johnson and Sajith Nair on cybersecurity’s coming of ageAre organizations doing enough to protect their data—and their clients’ trust? PwC cyber risk experts Saj Nair and Jenn Johnson discuss CEO/CIO strategies, budgets, and why simplicity matters. This is the second episode of Beyond the Bounce, a three-part mini-series from The Conference Board of Canada and PwC. Read the Canadian findings from PwC’s 24th Annual Canadian CEO Survey at https://www.pwc.com/ca/ceosurvey. Privacy, safety, reliability, and fraud—Explore PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights survey: https://www.pwc.com/dti2022 and access their Digital Resilience Centre. About o...
2021-10-2723 minLeadership PerspectivesLevelling Up with TELUS #3: Marco Hafner on telemedicine’s futureWhat happens when healthcare goes virtual? COVID-19 has ushered in a new era of widespread telemedicine and digital healthcare, but will it last beyond the pandemic? Keara talks to RAND Senior Economist Marco Hafner to understand how Canada can get up to speed in telemedicine—and understand the benefits, barriers, and risks. Discover more about the digital divide and how TELUS is supporting meaningful change at telus.com/connectingcanada. About our guest: Marco Hafner is a senior economist at the RAND Corporation, where his research focuses on the links between health and wellbeing and t...
2021-10-2018 minLeadership PerspectivesLevelling Up with TELUS #2: Vass Bednar and Robin Shaban on competition in the digital agePower, prices, and choice: Canada’s Competition Act hasn’t been updated in two decades. What does this mean for digital competition in Canada, and the ways we could bridge the digital divide? Keara talks to two leading researchers for a lively discussion on how Canada’s competition space has changed in the digital age—and what needs to be done to ensure an equitable playing field for all. Discover more about the digital divide and how TELUS is supporting meaningful change at telus.com/connectingcanada. About our guests: Robin Shaban is co-founder and senior...
2021-07-2138 minLeadership PerspectivesLevelling Up with TELUS #1: Helaina Gaspard and Sam Andrey on Canada’s digital divideCOVID-19 has exacerbated the digital divide—the gap between Canadians who have reliable, fast broadband Internet access and those who don’t. What can we do to close it? In this first episode of our five-part series on the digital divide, Sam Andrey and Helaina Gaspard talk about the complications, challenges, and solutions in increasing digital access and adoption for all Canadians. Discover more about the digital divide and how TELUS is supporting meaningful change at telus.com/connectingcanada. About our guests: Sam Andrey is Director of Policy and Research at the Ryerson Leadersh...
2021-06-3024 minBright FutureEp. 26: Rupen Seoni on how data shapes the worldDecisions about our communities are made based on data. That data comes from many places, but these days, a lot of it comes from what we do and the decisions we make. Over the course of the pandemic, our actions changed dramatically. Having local, current data meant decision-makers were able to target their reactions to the communities that needed them most. But could we have done better? Do our new sources of information play well with our old sources? Rupen Seoni, Chief Revenue Officer, Environics Analytics, joins us this episode to talk about how governments and organizations c...
2021-06-2922 minBright FutureEp. 25: The Hon. Murray Sinclair on why we need truth for reconciliationMore than five years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued its final report, progress on the 94 calls to action has been slow. But are Canadians starting to finally understand the truth of how Indigenous Peoples have been treated in this country?Reconciliation is a long journey. Knowing the truth is just the first step. The head of that commission, The Honourable Murray Sinclair, joins us this episode to talk about new laws in Canada that recognize Indigenous rights, the next phase in his storied career, and why he’s optimistic that things can be dif...
2021-06-2142 minLeadership PerspectivesBeyond the Bounce with PwC Canada #1: Matthew Wetmore on PwC’s 24th Annual Global CEO SurveyPwC’s annual CEO survey is a big indicator of business confidence. The bottom line for 2021: Canadian CEOs are optimistic—and anticipate immense growth in the upcoming year—but they’ll need to be smart about their priorities to sustain it. In this first episode of our mini-series exploring CEOs’ plans for the future, National Managing Partner Matthew Wetmore shares insights from PwC’s 24th Annual Global CEO survey. This is the first episode of Beyond the Bounce, a three-part mini-series from The Conference Board of Canada and PwC Canada. Read the Canadian findings from PwC’s 24th annu...
2021-06-0216 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 20: Why Canada’s COVID-19 immigrant cohort is unique – Dr. Iain ReeveHow has the pandemic impacted Canada’s immigration admissions? Dr. Iain Reeve explains what’s changed in our intake numbers and the characteristics that set the COVID-19 immigrant cohort apart. Find out more about our immigration research at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/immigration Our annual Canadian Immigration Summit is happening virtually on May 25–27, 2021. Check out our speakers and agenda here: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/events/immigrationLearn more about Iain and our other subject matter experts at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/about-cboc/our-experts And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca
2021-05-1117 minBright FutureEp. 24: Partnering to overhaul workplace technology, with Amélie Lecompte and Mark LambertWhat do you do when your technology trips you up more than it helps you out? In 2014, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found itself with a collection of legacy technologies that were getting in employees’ way and limiting the organization’s impact.Initially, they thought it was just a technology issue. Turns out, they needed more than just a contractor to move them to the cloud—they needed a partner who could help them find a new approach.This episode, Amélie Lecompte, CMHC’s VP and Deputy Chief Information Officer, and Mark Lambert, Canada Fe...
2021-05-0423 minBright FutureEp. 23: Does disclosure improve diversity? Dr. Susan Black and Rob Davis“Comply or explain” disclosure requirements were intended to improve women’s representation at the top of Canada’s major organizations. Five years later, the ratio of women on corporate boards has improved, but is it thanks to the disclosure requirements? Dr. Susan Black, CEO of The Conference Board of Canada, and Rob Davis, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer at KPMG in Canada, talk to us about the pace of change for women’s representation and opportunities to increase diversity in Canadian boardrooms.Both of this episode’s guests can be found on LinkedIn: Susan at linkedin.com/in/susanlblack...
2021-04-1432 minBright FutureEp. 22: Tareq Hadhad on starting over in CanadaRefugees bring very few “things” with them when they arrive in Canada, but they don’t arrive empty-handed. They bring experiences, perspective, passion, and fresh ideas. When Tareq Hadhad left war-torn Syria and settled in Nova Scotia with his family, he brought a delicious path to peace, prosperity, and community. The founder of Peace by Chocolate joins us to talk about Canada’s immigration and refugee system, entrepreneurship, and being a newcomer in a small town.Find Tareq on Twitter (@TareqHadhad), LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tareqhadhad), and Facebook (facebook.com/tareqhadhadofficial). Find Peace by Chocola...
2021-03-1738 minBright FutureEp. 21: Sasha Tregebov on nudging our way to recoveryPolicies need to make sense with how people and businesses already operate. Otherwise, they won’t work. Knowing how people make decisions can help policies make sense to the people they’re supposed to support. A misplaced nudge can sometimes feel like a shove. Policies work better when they line up with how people already make their decisions. Sasha Tregebov, Director of Behavioural Insights Team’s Canada office, joins us to talk about how creating the right policies can help us to recover better.Find Sasha on Twitter @s_tregebov and on LinkedIn. Learn mo...
2021-02-2332 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 19: Public debt in the time of COVID-19 – Pedro AntunesIn its November 30th fiscal update, Canada’s federal government tallied up the costs of COVID-19. The deficit will swell to $385 billion in 2020–21. The provinces and territories have also tallied record deficits—$92 billion, on aggregate. What do figures like these mean for our recovery? Keara talks to Chief Economist Pedro Antunes for these answers and more. The full story:Challenges Ahead: Canada’s Post-Pandemic Fiscal Prospects (February 2021). View the report at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=10974. Learn more about Pedro and our other subject matter experts at https://www.conference...
2021-02-2209 minBright FutureEp. 20: Dr. Jiaying Zhao on behavioural sustainabilityEnvironmental sustainability is one of the most pressing concerns of our time. And while this is something most of us can agree on, turning that consensus into action is more difficult. If we want to make progress on our climate targets, we need to work smarter. One tool policy-makers and organizations are turning to is psychology. If we know how people come to their decisions, we can design policies that help them make good decisions on their own. Our guest this episode felt compelled to put psychology to use in sustainability; she sees it as a behavioural p...
2021-02-0929 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #6: Claude Guay on IBM Canada’s role in leading businesses into the futureThe role of technology in Canada's post-pandemic recovery is top of mind right now at IBM Canada. How are they responding to businesses' need for speed, flexibility and agility in 2021? We learn from President and General Manager Claude Guay about how IBM is helping companies accelerate their digital transformations. He talks about how technologies like hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence as well as investing in people and skills will play a critical role in Canada’s recovery.Learn more about IBM’s P-TECH program at https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/ptech/index.html. See th...
2021-01-2719 minBright FutureEp. 19: Shaun Brown on Canada’s new privacy regulationsUsing data to make decisions—either by a person or by a machine—has become a big part of our lives over the past couple of decades. Our lawmakers have tried to keep up, but innovation will likely always outpace bureaucracy. And, in a world where most of us have clicked “I have read the terms and conditions” even when we haven’t, the implications of out-of-date privacy laws could become serious.In November, the federal government introduced the Digital Charter Implementation Act to try to better protect Canadians and their privacy. This update to Canada’s privacy laws...
2021-01-1933 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 18: Canada’s cancer report card – Isabelle Gagnon-ArpinCanada’s track record on mortality rates due to cancer isn’t as good as you might think. Isabelle Gagnon-Arpin joins us to talk about provincial disparities, COVID-19's impact on cancer detection, and how we measure up internationally. The full story: Measure of Life: Is Canada Doing Enough to Reduce Deaths from Cancer? View this online experience at conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/health/measure-of-life. Discover more Health projects and access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-12-0907 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 17: The economic life cycle of Canada’s plastics – Dr. Babatunde OlatejuDr. Olateju returns to our podcast to talk plastics—and how the sustainable finance industry could give Canada’s plastics recycling market a much-needed boost. Read the full story, Balancing power with capital in Canada’s circular plastics economy (October 7, 2020, 4-minute read), at https://is.gd/uuU87C. Discover more Innovation & Technology projects and access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-11-2514 minBright FutureEp. 18: Margaret MacMillan on war and remembranceNovember 11 is a time of reflection. A time to remember the struggles and sacrifice that have gone into building this country. Margaret MacMillan, bestselling author and professor of history, reminds us in her new book, War: How Conflict Shaped Us, that we are all shaped by war. They say we can either learn from our history or be doomed to repeat it. And while history never really repeats itself, according to Margaret, it does echo. Understanding history helps us to spot the parallels today—and avoid the pitfalls of the past. For Margaret, Remembrance Day is a...
2020-11-1029 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 16: Bringing supply chains back home – Julie AdesWhat happens when businesses go local on their supply chains—especially during COVID-19? Julie Ades from the Global Commerce Centre explains the motivations, trends, and possible impacts. The full story: Bringing Them Home: Reshoring Supply Chains Is Not a Panacea (Issue briefing, October 20, 2020) Discover more Canadian Economic projects and access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-11-0410 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 06: Gig Economy and Independent WorkersThe nature of jobs is changing, with the growth of the gig economy and more work in all fields being tasked to contract workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. These independent workers lack the social support net that full-time employees benefit from. What are some ways to bridge the “support gap” and ensure that people don’t fall between the cracks in these precarious job markets?In our final episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss this question and more with Armine Yalnizyan (Atkinson Fellow).Learn moreOld Gigs, New Gi...
2020-10-2638 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #5: Richard Chartrand on 3M’s sustainability-driven innovationRichard Chartrand, 3M’s USAC R&D Operations and 3M Canada Sustainability Leader, explains how 3M is balancing sustainability and innovation—and how a company known for over 100 years of ingenuity is planning a better future for everyone. Learn more about 3M’s initiatives at sciencecentre.3mcanada.ca/sustainability. This is the fifth episode of Breakthroughs, our mini-series presented by the Council for Innovation and Commercialization. Discover more at conferenceboard.ca/networks/cic/. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-10-2112 minBright FutureEp. 17: John Stackhouse on the potential of Canadian expatsAs a journalist in the ‘90s, John Stackhouse spent many years living overseas meeting and interviewing interesting people. Many of them were his fellow Canadians. He discovered that expats are keen to help their home country. When he returned, however, he found people were concerned over the number of people leaving the country—the perceived “brain drain.” John says that’s the wrong way to think about it. Canada’s diaspora is not a brain drain, it’s brain circulation. As people wear their maple leaves around the world, they’re building networks of insight and goodwill for Canada. But C...
2020-10-2040 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 05: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work—WILCanada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of its rates of postsecondary education attainment as well as annual spending per postsecondary student. While a majority of education providers believe that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce, a much lower proportion of students and employers share that belief.This points to a disconnect between the education and work worlds, one that could be bridged by incorporating real-world or experiential work into students’ education. The Business + Higher Education Roundtable aims to do just that, by ensuring that 100% of Canadian postsecondary students participate in a fo...
2020-10-1232 minBright FutureEp. 16: Dr. Susy Hota on getting through the second waveHow can we keep the second wave from turning into a second lockdown? Viruses spread when people spend time in close quarters, so lockdowns are good at slowing their transmission. But they come with a cost—a reality we know well, and don’t want to repeat. Dr. Susy Hota is an infectious disease physician and medical director of infection prevention and control at University Health Network. She joins us this episode to talk about what we’ve learned since the outbreak began. She’s concerned that our pandemic fatigue may be contributing to the disease’s...
2020-10-0631 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #4: Chris Dulny on upskilling in an uncertain worldChris Dulny, PwC’s Chief Innovation Officer, explains how rapid technological change demands new skills to help people thrive and future-proof themselves in the new world. This affects every company.Learn about PwC’s journey and check out their New world. New skills. initiative here: pwc.com/ca/en/today-s-issues/upskilling.html. This is the fourth episode of Breakthroughs, our mini-series presented by the Council for Innovation and Commercialization. Discover more at conferenceboard.ca/networks/cic/. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-09-3016 minBright FutureEp. 15: Sinead Bovell on the death of learn, work, retireTechnology has been affecting how we make a living since we first started using tools. Never before, though, has technology changed as quickly as it does today. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in our everyday tasks, we can expect even more disruption: No longer will a human be the smartest entity in the room. This disruption goes beyond just how we work. According to this episode’s guest, the traditional “learn, work, retire” career path is dead. Futurist, writer, and entrepreneur, Sinead Bovell founded WAYE—Weekly Advice for Young Entrepreneurs—in 2018 to help youth prepare for...
2020-09-3032 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 04: Upskilling and Reskilling (Mid-Career Workers)Reskilling and upskilling are now imperative for both employees and organizations to keep pace with the digital and technological innovations that are changing the way we work. This is creating a new echelon of positions—those that require brand new skills and those that require an enhanced skillset.Investing in reskilling and upskilling is critical at the organizational and individual level to ensure mutual preparedness and success in the new technology-driven world. But how can governments, organizations, and workers work together to ensure the right supports are being provided to those who need them most? In our fo...
2020-09-2834 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #3: Rowena Rizzotti on innovation in B.C.’s lower mainlandDiscover how two major Surrey, B.C. projects are repurposing and reinventing the region. We talk to Rowena Rizzotti, Vice President, Healthcare & Innovation of Lark Group in British Columbia, about the Health & Technology District and the Legion Veterans Village. This is the third episode of Breakthroughs, our mini-series presented by the Council for Innovation and Commercialization. Discover more at conferenceboard.ca/networks/cic/. Check out Lark Group’s projects at larkgroup.com. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-09-2313 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #2: Tim Murphy on Alberta’s health innovation ecosystemHow did COVID-19 change the face of Alberta’s health innovation sector? We talk to Tim Murphy, VP of Health at Alberta Innovates, about health-system discoveries during a crisis.This is the second episode of Breakthroughs, our mini-series presented by the Council for Innovation and Commercialization. Discover more at conferenceboard.ca/networks/cic/. Check out Alberta Innovates projects at albertainnovates.ca. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-09-1612 minBright FutureEp. 14: Paul Martin on supporting Indigenous youthAbout 15 years ago, then-Prime Minister Paul Martin announced the Kelowna Accord. It was an agreement intended to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and it was ground-breaking for modern politics in terms of consultation and collaboration with Indigenous groups. Mere days after the announcement, however, parliament was dissolved and leadership of Canada’s government changed hands. The accord was enacted, but as a shell of its original vision. The Right Honourable Paul Martin is still working at it though. In 2008, he founded the Martin Family Initiative to help bridge the gap in standards of l...
2020-09-1534 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 03: Skilled Trades—Transitioning to a Digital, Green, and Human FutureApprenticeships get a bad rap. All too often, we perpetuate negative images of the trades: dirty, low pay, and boring. These stereotypes couldn’t be further from the reality of work—young people who pursue an apprentice-able trade should expect intellectually stimulating work, increasingly diverse workplaces, and significant opportunity for financial reward.The knowledge and skills of our construction, manufacturing, automotive, and food service tradespeople can help support Canada’s transition to a more prosperous and sustainable future, but they will need resilience and teamwork to adapt to workplaces that are more efficient, automated, and digitally connected.
2020-09-1434 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 15: Indigenizing K–12 science education – Jane CooperMany Indigenous students in Canada experience science lessons as counterintuitive, if not outright alienating. It’s high time we incorporated First Nation, Inuit, and Métis perspectives on the natural world into mainstream K–12 science. Researcher Jane Cooper explains the educational landscape, current initiatives, the role of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and what it will take to make it happen. The full story: Curriculum and Reconciliation: Introducing Indigenous Perspectives into K–12 Science (impact paper, out September 2020). Discover more Indigenous and Northern studies projects and access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-09-1010 minBright FutureEp. 13: John Manley on getting back to businessCanadian businesses have been scrambling to find ways to stay afloat since the beginning of the pandemic in March. Government programs have helped, but they can’t last forever. We’ve all had to adapt to whatever “normal” was as we progressed through lockdown. As our businesses incrementally reopen, they are tasked with the challenge of being both safe and profitable.Our guest this episode is well versed in both the business side and the government side. The Honourable John Manley, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, talks to us about getting Canada back to business. He shares h...
2020-09-0827 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 14: Using unconventional data to forecast the job market – Thomas HindleHow can we go beyond traditional datasets when forecasting the future? Thomas Hindle explains. The full story: Job postings plummet in March, slide continues in April (commentary): https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/blogs/job-postings-plummet-in-march-slide-continues-in-april Discover more Economics team projects and access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-09-0209 minBright FutureEp. 12: Paul Bennett on school systems in CanadaIt’s back to school season, but many families are uneasy this year. The suddenness of school closures last March had parents—and schools—scrambling to keep kids engaged and learning. We simply weren’t ready to be that nimble. What have we learned since then? These are the types of questions that keep this episode’s guest busy. Paul W. Bennett, author, education policy researcher, and founder and director of the Schoolhouse Institute, has been talking about the cracks he’s noticed in our country’s education systems to everyone he can. His upcoming book, The State...
2020-09-0131 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 02: Addressing Inequalities in the WorkforceDriven by an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, the Future Skills Centre recognizes the competitive advantage that comes from fostering innovative solutions which address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, newcomers, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Indigenous, rural, remote, and northern communities.Through authentic engagement with grassroots organizations and diverse communities across Canada, as well as the use of a strength-based and asset-focused perspective, knowledge and solutions are needed that shift the focus from just “fixing” job seekers to eroding systemic barriers to change our institutions, helping us buil...
2020-08-3127 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 13: Believing the hype around hydrogen and SMRs? – Dr. Babatunde OlatejuAre interim solutions to climate change right under our noses? Dr. Babatunde Olateju explains how small modular nuclear reactors and hydrogen—energy technologies that have been around for years—could fill in the gaps between were we are and where we want to be. The full story: Hydrogen is back—but will it break through? (commentary): https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/featured/sustainability/hydrogen-is-back-but-will-it-break-through Nuclear Energy: A Crossroad in a Climate Emergency (issue briefing): https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=10540 Discover more Sustainability team projects—and access all our research—at...
2020-08-2615 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 01: Developing Social and Emotional Skills in an Automated WorldWe’ve all heard it before: Technology is disrupting the world of work, eliminating “low skill” jobs and harming the future of the trades. Daunting? Sure. But there’s also growing demand for a specific type of worker. One with the ability to problem solve, lead, collaborate, communicate, and adapt to the ever-evolving world of work. In other words, there is a growing demand for strong social and emotional skills. The problem is, there is a gap between the demand for these skills and the skills Canadians acquire through education and training.So, what exactly are these social a...
2020-08-1730 minThe Future Skills PodcastEp. 00: Trailer—Future Skills Centre Podcast SeriesA podcast exploring some of the most crucial emerging challenges to the future of work, presented by The Conference Board of Canada.Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en lire la transcription en français.
2020-08-1301 minBright FutureEp. 11: Greg Fergus on creating opportunity for Black CanadiansThis past June, the Parliamentary Black Caucus issued a statement calling on Canadian governments to take five specific steps toward reducing the harms caused by systemic racism. Greg Fergus, MP for Hull–Aylmer and chair of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, joins us to talk about what he hopes the statement will achieve. We discuss the importance of having—and understanding—good data to know what is really happening and what communities need help. We talk about the opportunities he sees for Black business and community leaders to improve live for all Canadians, and what’s holding us back.
2020-08-1135 minBright FutureEp. 10: Hadiya Roderique on systemic racismAs peaceful protesters around the world have taken up the chant of Black Lives Matter, the push to address systemic racism in Canada has opened the eyes of many to some of the hurdles Black people in this country face. The conversations we’re having today are the same ones Black activists were having in the 1970s. The information, the stories, the solutions are all there. Waiting for people to listen. Our guest this episode wants you to listen. And she wants you to understand and think about your own bias. Dr. Hadiya Roderique, writer, lawyer, and div...
2020-08-0437 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 12: Mind the generational gap: Digital skills in the trades – Dr. Andrew BielerDr. Andrew Bieler explains why technological change is transforming Canada’s skilled trades—and why teaching skills like virtual collaboration, digital troubleshooting, and intergenerational communication needs to be on the agenda. The full story: This fall, check out Dr. Bieler’s impact paper, Bridging Generational Divides, and find more Education & Skills team projects at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/education-skills. And as always, access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-07-2909 minBright FutureEp. 09: Duncan Bureau on returning to air travelAs we enter the recovery, many people are wondering if they can get back in the air. Airlines are investing in new equipment and developing protocols to try to provide a safe environment. But the global nature of the industry means airlines—and their passengers—all need to do their part to keep everyone safe. When you get into the details, things can get incredibly complicated. Duncan Bureau, senior vice-president of sales and distribution at Etihad Airways, talks about what the airlines industry is doing to make flying safe and why he’s sure the industry will bounce...
2020-07-2830 minLeadership PerspectivesBreakthroughs #1: Dan Bourgeois on Bauer Hockey’s new line of face shieldsDiscover how Bauer Hockey started manufacturing protective face shields during COVID-19. We talk to Dan Bourgeois, VP of Product Innovation, about Bauer's journey from idea to reality. This is the first episode of Breakthroughs, a Leadership Perspectives mini-series presented by the Conference Board’s Council for Innovation and Commercialization. Check out Bauer’s products at bauer.com/en-CA/medical-face-shield/. Find out more about the Council for Innovation and Commercialization at conferenceboard.ca/networks/cic/. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-07-2310 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 11: Saving for the future, boosting the economy – Sheila RaoMost Canadians aren’t saving enough. How can financial advice help? Researcher Sheila Rao explains the symbiotic relationship between individual savings and Canada’s economy, and why it pays to get advice. The full story: To find out how retaining financial advice pays off in the long run, check out our interactive page, Saving for the Future, at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics/2020/saving-for-the-future. Find all our Economics projects at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-07-2208 minBright FutureEp. 08: Norman Amundson on unemployment and career pathsAs the pandemic spread around the world, normal life shut down to shelter people. In its wake, millions were left unemployed. As regions start to relax their restrictions, many people are returning to their jobs or have found new ones. But many are still looking. This episode’s guest has published articles and books on career development and has been involved in a number of award-winning career development projects. Norman Amundson, UBC professor emeritus, advocates for hope during this emotional roller coaster. He joins us to talk about the importance of finding purpose, of being ready to tak...
2020-07-2130 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 10: If post-secondary schools reopen, will students go? – Dr. Maria Giammarco and Nimi PukulakattWhat will this September look like for Canada’s students? Conference Board researchers Dr. Maria Giammarco and Nimi Pukulakatt look at campus social distancing and what’s at stake for Canada's universities, colleges, and polytechnics. The full story:Back to school? If post-secondary institutions open, will students go? (Commentary, June 11, 2020): https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/blogs/if-post-secondary-institutions-open-will-students-go. Find all our Education & Skills team’s projects at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/education-skills. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-07-1511 minBright FutureEp. 07: Volker Gerdts on the search for a vaccineWe need a vaccine for COVID-19. There have been many advancements in helping people recover, but the surest way to get back to a place where we can shake hands with strangers again is a vaccine. And the race is on. Labs around the world have been working hard to understand this virus, develop a vaccine, and get it through the various stages of testing to be sure it is safe. Our guest this episode is Dr. Volker Gerdts, Director and CEO of VIDO-InterVac. He and his team are on the front line of vaccine de...
2020-07-1432 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 09: Inching back from economic recession during a pandemic – Pedro AntunesCOVID-19 is a costly global challenge. How can Canada safely boost its economy in the continued presence of a pandemic? Chief Economist Pedro Antunes explains issues around the CERB benefit, universal basic income, and consumer confidence. The full story: You can find Pedro Antunes’s June 15, 2020 article, Economic recovery in the time of COVID, at hilltimes.com. The Hill Times is offering free subscriptions during the pandemic. Find all our Canadian Economics projects at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics. And access all our research at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-07-0808 minBright FutureEp. 06: Jennifer Keesmaat on the future of citiesAre our cities a reflection of the people who live in them? Are they built for people? As our economy starts to recover, will our cities? Or are these sprawling urban jungles built for a different time, retrofitted as our needs have changed? Is now a good time to rethink the city? Our guest this episode, Jennifer Keesmaat, is passionate about creating places where people flourish. She was Toronto’s chief planner for five years and has been named one of the “most powerful people in Canada” by MacLean’s and one of the “most influential”...
2020-06-2335 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 08: Travel and tourism during COVID-19—Jennifer Hendry and Robyn GibbardShould I stay or should I go? Many Canadians are putting travel plans on hold this summer due to social distancing orders, border closings, and air travel restrictions. Researcher Jennifer Hendry and economist Robyn Gibbard explain The Conference Board of Canada’s travel outlook. The full story: Check out the research at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics/impact-of-covid-19-on-canadians-travel-plans Find all our Canadian Economics team’s projects at: And you can access all our COVID-19-related coverage at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-06-1710 minBright FutureEp. 05: Hugh Segal on guaranteed incomeMillions have been relying on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) these past few months. This has been an extraordinary response to an extraordinary time. But people concerned about fighting poverty are looking to draw lessons from the pandemic for the future. Discussion is growing around the creation of a universal basic income for Canadians. This episode, the Honourable Hugh Segal, Canadian political strategist, author, commentator, academic, and former senator, joins us to talk about a guaranteed basic income for Canadians. Hugh has touted guaranteed basic income as a way to break families out of poverty for d...
2020-06-1645 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 07: Automation and occupational mobility—Darren GreschWhat makes workers vulnerable to automation, and which jobs are at risk? How has COVID-19 changed our views of “high-risk, low-mobility" roles? Innovation and Technology Research Associate Darren Gresch explains how technological innovations are changing Canada’s occupational landscape. The full story: Check out our Innovation & Technology team’s report, Bracing for Automation, at: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/innovation-technology/future-skills/bracing-for-automation Find all our Innovation & Technology team projects at: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/innovation-technologyAnd you can access all our COVID-19-related coverage at conferenceboard.ca.
2020-06-1008 minBright FutureEp. 04: Shamira Madhany on immigrationImmigration is vital to Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness. The people we welcome fill the gaps in our labour market, bring valuable skills and experience, and have connections around the world. But they can face an uphill battle to have their credentials or experience recognized in Canada. This episode, Shamira Madhany, Managing Director, Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services, talks to us about immigration during the pandemic, where new Canadians are working and where they want to be working, the role of immigrants in rebuilding our economy, and provides a path forward to recognizing skills the exp...
2020-06-0935 minBright FutureEp. 03: Minister Ranj Pillai on Yukon’s response and recovery from COVID-19The territories face special challenges when it comes to dealing with an outbreak. Many communities are remote or isolated, and emergency health care is often far away. On this episode of Bright Future, The Honourable Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier of Yukon, shares his personal experience with COVID-19 and how it helped shape the territory’s response. He talks about the territory’s labour shortage before and during the pandemic, tourism, the economic outlook for the region, and Northern entrepreneurship. Find Minister Pillai on Twitter, @RanjPillai1, and Facebook, facebook.com/ranjpillailiberal. Learn about Yukon’s COVID r...
2020-06-0439 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 06: Economic forecasting during a global crisis—Alicia Macdonald & Todd CrawfordHow do you forecast the future when the future’s in flux? Our Economic Forecasting team’s associate directors reflect on the changing story of COVID-19—and how they pivoted to rewrite a nationwide outlook, one province at a time. The full story: For more insights and the latest reports, check out our Canadian Economics team's main page: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/canadian-economics And find all our COVID-19 coverage at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/covid-19
2020-06-0309 minBright FutureEp. 02: André Picard on emerging from lockdownHealth columnist André Picard joins us to talk about what we can expect as we move to the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis: the slow reopening. What lessons have we learned so far? And will we remember them? How will we bring social distancing to the workplace? And what are the “bright spots” in this—the changes that are happening that have been a long time coming.Learn more about André Picard at www.andrepicard.com.Find Conference Board research on health at conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/health.Listen to our other podcasts at confe...
2020-05-2829 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 05: Sustainable finance and Canada’s world-leading potential—Roger FrancisCanada has the chance to become a leader in sustainable finance—But we’re not there yet. Sustainability Director Roger Francis explains how two factors—effective disclosure and trustworthy data—are the key to making Canada’s sustainable finance ecosystem a reality. The full story: A Chance to Lead: Overcoming Barriers to Sustainable Finance (Issue briefing, April 24, 2020)For more information our sustainability projects and to access the issue briefing, check out the Conference Board’s Sustainability knowledge centre at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/energy-environment.
2020-05-2708 minBright FutureEp. 01: Stéphane Hamel on contact tracing and data privacyStéphane Hamel is a leader in the digital marketing, analytics, and privacy world. He has been working in it and speaking about it for over 20 years. In this episode, he talks to us about privacy, consent, trust, and what it will take for Canada to get ahead of COVID-19. Learn more about Stéphane at his website: stephanehamel.net. Find Conference Board research on innovation and technology here: conferenceboard.ca/focus-areas/innovation-technology. Listen to our other podcasts at conferenceboard.ca/insights/podcasts. You can find all of our research here: confer...
2020-05-2138 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 04: Employers’ plans and pivots during COVID-19—Allison CowanHuman Capital Director Allison Cowan takes us behind the scenes of our popular HR survey series, Working Through COVID-19, with a spotlight on returning to work.
2020-05-2010 minBright FutureComing Soon: Bright FutureThis new series from The Conference Board of Canada connects you to leaders with big ideas. Find more Conference Board insights at conferenceboard.ca. Listen to our other podcasts at conferenceboard.ca/insights/podcasts.
2020-05-1402 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 03: Indigenous communities’ responses to COVID-19—Stefan FournierIndigenous communities are navigating COVID-19 with traditional skills and ingenuity. But is local-level resilience enough? Indigenous and Northern Communities Director Stefan Fournier takes us through the unique challenges and risks these groups are facing, and what they’re doing from coast to coast to help their most vulnerable citizens.
2020-05-1311 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 02: Our brave new social and emotional world—Dr. Matthew McKeanIt’s hard to teach soft skills. Education and Skills Director Matt McKean explains how social and emotional skills are key to surviving and thriving this pandemic together. We also look at how Canadian employers and educators can foster social and emotional skills development—both now and post-COVID-19.
2020-05-0610 minLeadership PerspectivesEp. 01: Cybersecurity and the global supply chain—Harry SharmaThanks to the security of our supply chains, Canadians can still access vital goods and technologies during COVID-19. But what happens when part of that chain breaks down from a cyber attack? Our Innovation & Technology Director Harry Sharma explains how the global pandemic is highlighting cyber vulnerabilities along our global supply chains.
2020-04-2910 min