Policy Options Podcast

Canada is preparing for a major shift in defence policy, one that could reshape not only its military capabilities, but also its economy and global partnerships. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Jeff Collins, a defence policy expert at the University of Prince Edward Island, about what’s driving Canada’s push toward significantly higher military spending and a new defence strategy . They discuss how renewed pressure from the United States, growing geopolitical competition, and the war in Ukraine have forced a rethink of Canada’s security assumptions. The conversation explores the challenges of defence procurement, the ambition to build a stronger domestic defence industry, and the realities of operating alongside, and increasingly independently from, the United States.

For decades, economists and policymakers have argued that internal trade barriers are holding Canada back. But tariff threats from the United States and global uncertainty have prompted governments across the country to act on lowering those barriers. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Ryan Manucha, one of Canada’s leading experts on interprovincial trade and the author of Booze, Cigarettes and Constitutional Dust-Ups, about the recent wave of legislation aimed at mutual recognition and internal trade reform. They discuss what mutual recognition really means, why implementation is harder than it sounds, and whether new federal and provincial momentum can translate into lasting economic gains.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Mireille Paquet, director of the Institute for Research on Migration and Society and research chair on the politics of immigration at Concordia University, about how Canada’s immigration landscape has changed over the past decade, and why public opinion has shifted. They explore the growing role of temporary migration, the policy choices that shaped the system, and the challenges of maintaining public confidence while responding to economic and regional needs.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Carolyn Whitzman, one of the country’s leading housing experts, about how decades of policy choices created today’s housing crisis and what it will take to fix it. Drawing on international examples and her own research, Whitzman explains why Canada stopped building enough affordable and non-market housing, how zoning, financing, and regulation now stand in the way of solutions, and why seniors, low-income households, and even middle-income Canadians are increasingly at risk. The conversation explores practical pathways forward, from co-housing and non-market development to large-scale financing reform and makes the case that solving the housing crisis will require political will, clearer definitions of affordability, and action at a scale Canada has not yet attempted.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, about how attracting global investment can strengthen Canada’s economic resilience, not just in major cities, but in communities across the country. Broten explains what foreign direct investment is, why it matters to Canadian workers, and how global companies can help in areas such as critical minerals, clean energy, agri-food processing, life sciences, and the EV battery supply chain. Drawing on her pan-Canadian experience, she discusses how smaller and rural communities can position themselves to attract and retain long-term investment, why predictability and regulatory clarity matter to investors, and how a “Team Canada” approach is helping the country compete in an increasingly crowded global market.

In this episode, Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Timothy Caulfield, one of North America’s leading voices on misinformation and the author of The Certainty Illusion: What You Don’t Know and Why It Matters. Caulfield unpacks how today’s chaotic information environment, from wellness products to fake online reviews, is shaping our beliefs, eroding trust, and influencing public policy. Drawing on decades of research, he explains why misinformation spreads so easily, how political identity fuels distorted beliefs, and what Canada can do to strengthen critical thinking, media literacy, and evidence-informed policymaking.

In this episode, Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, about how the arts build national resilience. Deacon reflects on nearly four decades inside one of Canada’s cultural institutions and explains why the performing arts are not a luxury, but essential to the country’s democratic and social cohesion. From the creation of the NAC’s Indigenous Theatre department to efforts to make the Centre more welcoming to all communities, this conversation explores how culture can help Canadians imagine, and share, a stronger future together.

How do leaders earn and keep the public’s trust in an era of polarization, misinformation, and political fatigue? In this episode, we share with you the recording of an Acadia University event where Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn moderated a frank discussion on leadership, democracy, and trust with former Nova Scotia premier Daryl Dexter, journalist Steve Murphy, former cabinet minister Kelly Regan, and former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick. The panel explored what transparency, empathy, and accountability look like in practice, from governing through crises to rebuilding confidence in institutions and the media. The conversation also examined how Canada can strengthen media literacy, counter disinformation, and support local journalism as foundations of a healthy democracy.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, about why the country’s workforce strategy must include its colleges. Johnston shares how colleges are powering applied research and training across the country, from AI labs to smart farms, while advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation and helping communities navigate economic transition. She also discusses the ripple effects of recent international-student policy changes and what they reveal about Canada’s broader labour and demographic challenges. Tune in to hear Johnston’s insights on how colleges can power Canada’s future prosperity.

This week’s episode is a recording of a panel Jennifer moderated at the IRPP’s recent conference on industrial policy. The panel featured Patricia Goff, professor in the Department of Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and at the Balsillie School of International Affairs; Matthew Holmes, executive vice-president (international) and chief of public policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and Steve Verheul, a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. relations and Canada’s former chief trade negotiator. Their conversation touched on topics including the state of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, opportunities for enhancing trade in Europe, Latin America and other regions, and how to help Canadian businesses expand their horizons outside the hemisphere. Tune in to hear how strategic industrial policy can help Canada diversify both its trading partners and its exports.

In this episode, RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, joins us for a conversation about how the North can help shape Canada’s economic and security future. Simpson highlights the region’s wealth of critical minerals and the importance of projects like the proposed Arctic Security Corridor to unlock new opportunities. He underscores the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, local workforce training, and strong partnerships with Indigenous governments to ensure development is both sustainable and inclusive. Tune in to hear his vision for the North and what it means for the future of the country.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by David Chaundy, President and CEO of the Atlantic Economic Council, for a conversation about the economic transformation of Atlantic Canada and what lies ahead for the region. Chaundy reflects on more than two decades of industrial change, from the decline of traditional sectors to the rise of bioscience, aerospace, and offshore energy. He highlights the challenges posed by tariffs and labour shortages, as well as the opportunities presented by immigration, interprovincial trade, and strategic investments in energy, transportation, and defence. Chaundy outlines a vision for Atlantic Canada that links economic resilience to national priorities, showing how the region can play a critical role in Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Why Canada Needs a Rural Lens in Decision-Making by IRPP

What is “mission-driven” government, and can it work in Canada by IRPP

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Zita Cobb, the CEO of Shorefast, an organisation that promotes economic self-determination and strategies for strengthening local economies in sustainable ways. Drawing on her experience revitalizing Fogo Island, Cobb shares her vision for asset-based community development, an approach that puts local knowledge, culture, and infrastructure at the heart of sustainable growth. She argues that Canada needs a more balanced model of development, one that aligns government, market forces, and community action to serve the long-term public good. Together they explore the role of banking, tourism, and regional connectivity in building economic resilience. Cobb calls for a national strategy rooted in place, purpose, and long-term thinking to ensure no community is left behind in the country’s economic future.

Indigenous businesses are now being launched at up to nine times the rate of non-Indigenous businesses. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer is joined by Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, for a conversation about the growing momentum of Indigenous-led businesses in Canada. Together they talk about the unique challenges these businesses face, including barriers to capital, the impact of federal policies like the Indian Act, and the disproportionate effects of tariffs. Bull outlines how Canada can better support Indigenous business growth and economic reconciliation by removing systemic obstacles and making space for Indigenous leadership at every level of decision-making.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, for a wide-ranging conversation on Inuit self-determination, infrastructure, and Canada’s future in the Arctic. Originally from Nunatsiavut, Obed has become one of the leading voices advocating for Inuit rights and equity within Canadian society. He shares his journey from studying at Tufts University to leading national efforts for policy change, and highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investments, from deep-water ports to clean energy projects. With a focus on practical solutions and long-term collaboration, he calls for Canada to move beyond symbolic gestures and into an era of respectful, results-driven partnership with Inuit communities.

Canada’s Cities Are Doing Too Much With Too Little — Here’s Why That Matters by IRPP

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is an important industrial centre best known for its steel industry. But that industry is currently being threatened by the tariffs on steel and aluminium announced by the Trump administration. Our guest today is Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. Mayor Shoemaker is lobbying hard across the border to change a situation he can't make any sense of, but he also has ideas for what Canadian governments can do to help the city weather the storm and come out even stronger. Together we discuss the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and global trade tensions. He outlines a vision for the city’s future that includes transitioning to greener steel production, expanding immigration to address labour needs, investing in infrastructure and greater support from federal and provincial partners.

In our first episode, Jennifer is joined by Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, for a conversation about what it means to build economic resilience in the North. Premier Pillai speaks about Yukon’s response to global tensions and economic uncertainty, emphasizing infrastructure investment to support major investments in critical mineral projects. He underscores the importance of long-term planning, strong partnerships with Indigenous peoples and maintaining Arctic sovereignty. And, with Yukon’s economy performing well, he also highlights the creation of the Canadian Institute for Arctic Security to counter foreign interference and strengthen defence in the North.