Futureproofing Canada

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.