As Canada enters a pivotal year, economic uncertainty is rising. Trade tensions with the United States, the upcoming review of CUSMA, and persistent productivity challenges are forcing difficult questions about Canada’s economic future.

In this episode of Dialogue with the Dean, Julian Birkinshaw is joined by Romel Mostafa, Ivey Assistant Professor of Business, Economics and Public Policy and Director of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, to explore what lies ahead for Canada in 2026.

Their conversation examines the outlook for Canada-U.S. trade relations, the implications of renewed tariffs, and how Canada can position itself more effectively in a fragmented global economy. They also discuss why productivity growth is so critical, where Canada continues to lag, and what governments and businesses can do to improve competitiveness and scale innovation.

Timely and grounded in policy and practice, this episode offers insight into the choices Canada faces and the actions needed to build a stronger economic foundation for the years ahead.

In this episode:

0:00: Setting the stage for 2026

4:51: State of affairs between Canada and the United States

14:58: Productivity stagnation and future solutions

26:42: Finding optimism