POPULARITY
Benjamin Reitzes is BMO Economics managing director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Following a negative performance for economic growth in the first quarter of 2026, the Canadian economy fell into what's been described as a "technical recession". While the headline was pounced on for political debate, with such a small decline (just a 0.1% contraction) and some parts of the economy still doing quite well, economists are downplaying the significance of all this recession talk. Nevertheless, under the weight of the trade war with the U.S., there are a lot of questions around the recent signals by the Bank of Canada even talking about hiking interest rates and whether the central bank will be changing its message to the markets next week with it's policy announcement on June 10th. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, the managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, about this so-called "recession", and what the consequences of reading too much into it might be. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky
In just a few months, Alberta voters may weigh a referendum on separation as a coalition pushes the case for staying in Canada. What's driving the renewed separatist push, and how strong is the argument against it? Jen Gerson of The Line and Lead Not Leave joins us. Then, Ottawa's climate agenda under scrutiny after the Carney government scrapped the consumer carbon price, EV mandate, and oil and gas cap. Is this a retreat from climate action or a policy reset? Martha Hall Findlay and Caroline Brouillette weigh in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Canada enters a "technical" recession. The curious case of the Bank of Canada's gold reserves. The Bitcoin bear market deepens. Canada has the second largest Natural Gas reserves in the world. Start an investment portfolio that's built to perform with Neighbourhood Holdings! For Mortgage Brokers: https://www.neighbourhood.com/looniehour-brokersFor Investors and Advisors: https://www.neighbourhood.com/looniehourJoin Seeking Alpha Premium And Get 25% Off Today!: https://link.seekingalpha.com/52636H6/4G6SHH/✉️ Media & Real Estate Inquiries: steve@stevesaretsky.comStay up to date with our information -
Following a negative performance for economic growth in the first quarter of 2026, the Canadian economy fell into what's been described as a "technical recession". While the headline was pounced on for political debate, with such a small decline (just a 0.1% contraction) and some parts of the economy still doing quite well, economists are downplaying the significance of all this recession talk. Nevertheless, under the weight of the trade war with the U.S., there are a lot of questions around the recent signals by the Bank of Canada even talking about hiking interest rates and whether the central bank will be changing its message to the markets next week with it's policy announcement on June 10th. Today on In this economy?!, host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, the managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, about this so-called "recession", and what the consequences of reading too much into it might be. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodcastnetwork@rci.rogers.com. Thank you for listening!
0:11 - Alberta is considering 3 oil pipeline routes through northern B.C. 9:17 - Alberta partially rolls out new surgery funding model for public hospitals. 19:21 - Does a ‘peace deal' fuel Middle Eastern war. 31:46 - We take you calls and texts on the Iran War. 37:16 - House Speaker denies Poilievre's request for emergency debate on Canada's economy. 46:15 - Danielle addresses some of the costs of separation. 57:17 - We take your calls and texts on separation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's May 20 press conference attacking Prime Minister Mark Carney's economic policies following Canada's economic contraction, plus the government's $5 billion Saab Global Eye surveillance aircraft purchase for Arctic defense.Canada was the only G7 country to see economic contraction in the last quarter despite similar global headwinds faced by peers 1Global Eye is hybrid system combining advanced radar surveillance technology from Sweden's Saab with Bombardier Global 6500 airframe manufactured in Canada Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.
Plus: The health minister defends Ebola travel restrictions, a man accused of selling deadly substances online to people at risk of self-harm pleads guilty, a rocket explosion, and Danielle Smith's referendum gamble. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky
What's behind the growing challenges facing young job seekers, and could global oil disruptions add further pressure to the economy? As youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, questions are building about what is driving the slowdown in hiring and what it means for those entering the workforce. We examine the factors shaping the job market for young people, from business conditions to structural barriers, and what might change in the months ahead. Dan Kelly, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Ilona Dougherty, managing director of the Youth and Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, break down the trends and possible paths forward. We then turn to global energy markets. After major disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran war, what risks do shifting oil flows pose for prices and economic stability? Rory Johnston, oil market researcher and founder of the Commodity Context newsletter, explains what has changed, what remains uncertain, and how these developments could ripple beyond the energy sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just Good Business Digest: May 2026 Edition Chapter 1: Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness Join Al in conversation with Michael Beckerman (Canada Soccer Media & Entertainment) as they explore the growth and impact of the Canadian Premier League (CPL). Michael breaks down how the CPL is: Building credibility in a competitive global soccer landscape Strengthening community engagement across Canada Creating a sustainable model for sports and business success Whether you're in sports leadership, media, or business strategy, this conversation offers practical insights into how your business can scale, differentiate, and thrive.
Canada's economy may appear stable on the surface, but beneath the headlines, a far more concerning story is unfolding — one built on record debt, rising financial pressure, and a housing market increasingly dependent on conditions staying just right. In this episode of The Vancouver Life Podcast, we unpack one of the biggest economic questions facing Canadians today: what happens when a country becomes so indebted that more income goes toward repayments than future growth?At the center of this conversation is a staggering statistic: Canadian household debt has reached an all-time high of $3.24 trillion — effectively equal to the country's annual economic output. Mortgage debt alone now sits at a record $2.42 trillion, growing faster than consumer debt and increasingly dominating household balance sheets. The result? Canadians are becoming increasingly “house rich and cash poor,” with less disposable income, reduced spending flexibility, and growing dependence on low interest rates to maintain financial stability.But debt rarely becomes a problem in isolation.Inflation remains an ongoing challenge, rising to 2.8% in April and pushing against the upper limits of the Bank of Canada's comfort zone. While headline inflation was driven largely by energy costs — with gas prices surging nearly 29% year-over-year — the implications for housing are significant. Bond yields continue climbing, fixed mortgage rates are facing upward pressure, and markets are increasingly pricing in the possibility of future rate hikes. Although core inflation appears contained for now, uncertainty surrounding global conflict and energy markets could quickly change the outlook.As financial strain builds, insolvencies continue to rise. Canada recorded more than 13,400 insolvency filings in March, the highest level since 2009, with liabilities growing dramatically year-over-year. For lenders and policymakers alike, this trend serves as an early warning sign of households reaching their financial limits.Yet amid these pressures, there are early signs of stabilization within housing itself.Affordability — when measured by mortgage payments relative to income — has improved meaningfully over the past year, returning closer to ranges seen between 2016 and 2022. Real estate sentiment is also showing signs of life, with outlook indexes improving and detached home prices nationally inching slightly higher month-over-month. Condos continue to soften, but some segments of the market may be approaching firmer footing. Importantly, this is not yet evidence of a bottom — but perhaps the earliest signs that conditions are becoming less challenging than they were just months ago.Meanwhile, Canada's development pipeline tells a very different story.Housing starts unexpectedly surged in April, led almost entirely by purpose-built rental projects, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of all new starts — a record share. Yet this surge comes at a curious moment: population growth has turned negative, rental rates have been declining for years, and many developers are now forced to build projects under rental assumptions far weaker than when those projects were conceived. At the same time, new homeowner-focused developments are slowing dramatically, with ownership housing starts falling to levels not seen since 2009.The pre-sale market paints an even more sobering picture. Across Canada, newly completed but unsold inventory — often called “shadow inventory” — has climbed to record highs. In Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, only three projects totaling 35 units launched in April, with May expected to be even quieter. Historically, spring markets would bring hundreds, if not thousands, of new units to market. Today, developers are increasingly choosing to wait rather than risk launching into uncertain demand.The broader takeaway from this episode is clear: Canada's housing market is no longer being shaped by prices alone. Debt burdens, inflation risks, insolvencies, affordability, shrinking consumer resilience, and constrained future supply are all colliding at once. The question now is whether today's pressures represent the painful reset before stability — or simply the beginning of a much larger economic reckoning._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:
One of the dangerous things about constantly talking about the challenges that our economy faces is losing the sense of urgency that it needs. With the new fiscal update under our belts, and plenty of uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead, host Amanda Lang checks in with one of Canada's top economists, Frances Donald, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at RBC.
This week on The Food Professor Podcast, recorded live from the West Coast, Syvain in Chilliwack, Michael in L.A., begin with a fast-moving roundup of the biggest food, grocery, and agriculture headlines shaping Canada. First, the hosts unpack Dunkin's return to Canada and debate where the iconic brand could fit in a market dominated by Tim Hortons and McDonald's. They also explore major developments in Canada's greenhouse sector, dairy production policy, and the growing demand for dairy proteins as producers respond to changing consumer habits. The conversation then turns to some of the most consequential policy issues impacting food prices and agriculture today, including climate science, industrial carbon pricing, Canadian counter-tariffs, and what new signals from the Bank of Canada could mean for grocery inflation, farm economics, and consumer affordability. Michael and Sylvain offer their unfiltered analysis on government policy, food security, and how unintended consequences continue to ripple across Canadian households. Then, the episode shifts into a compelling long-form interview with Kim Furlong, CEO of Retail Council of Canada. In one of her first major podcast interviews since assuming the role, Kim provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern retail in Canada. She discusses stepping into the leadership role previously held by industry icon Diane Brisebois, and explains why the grocery business remains one of the most misunderstood sectors in the country. Kim breaks down why Canadians often “see the shelf, but not the supply chain,” revealing the upstream pressures—from transportation and labour costs to energy prices and currency fluctuations—that shape food prices long before products ever reach store shelves. She also tackles some of retail's hottest issues, including algorithmic pricing, surveillance pricing concerns, the Grocery Code of Conduct, AI-driven supply chains, domestic sourcing, Buy Canadian momentum, and how retailers are preparing for a future defined by geopolitical disruption, economic volatility, and changing consumer expectations. We also hear about Michael's visit to Laurel Supply, a new bespoke grocery store in West Hollywood that could be the most beautiful grocery store in America, thanks to the amazing work of Kevin Kelley's Shook Kelley retail design firm. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
Canada's housing market is undergoing a profound shift — one that increasingly reflects the broader vulnerabilities developing within the Canadian economy itself. What was once viewed as a seemingly unstoppable engine of national growth is now revealing the risks of a country that has become deeply dependent on real estate activity to drive wealth creation, economic stability, and consumer confidence.Through the first four months of 2026, home sales across the Lower Mainland are down 10% compared to last year, despite 2025 already being the slowest market this century. Prices have now fallen to nearly five-year lows, inventory remains elevated, and foreclosure activity continues climbing at an increasingly concerning pace. Yet beneath the headline market statistics lies a much larger story — one about productivity, capital allocation, wealth inequality, and the growing fragility of Canada's economic model.At the same time, investment into productive sectors such as machinery, equipment, innovation, and business development has steadily weakened. Canadian workers now receive dramatically less capital investment than their American counterparts, while productivity growth continues to stagnate. The result is an economy increasingly reliant on debt expansion and rising asset values rather than true economic output.The consequences of that imbalance are becoming more visible. Wealth inequality continues widening as higher-income households with greater exposure to financial markets benefit from rising stock portfolios, while middle-class Canadians — whose wealth is often concentrated in housing — face softer home values, higher debt burdens, and worsening affordability challenges. The top 20% of Canadians now control nearly two-thirds of the nation's wealth, highlighting a growing divide between those benefiting from capital appreciation and those being left behind.Nowhere is the strain more evident than in the pre-sale housing market. New project launches have collapsed far below historical norms, major towers have largely disappeared from the pipeline, and developers are increasingly unable or unwilling to bring large-scale projects to market amid weak demand, financing pressure, and uncertain economic conditions. Low-rise wood-frame projects and townhomes are among the few developments still attempting to move forward.Outside of real estate, additional warning signs are emerging throughout the broader economy. Business closures are accelerating nationwide, with tens of thousands of companies shutting down in a single month. While new businesses continue to open, the growing instability signals weakening confidence, softer employment conditions, and mounting pressure on both commercial and residential real estate demand moving forward.The broader message is clear: Canada's challenge is no longer simply about home prices. It is about productivity, economic diversification, and whether the country can rebalance itself away from an overreliance on housing-driven growth. Temporary policy measures, buyer incentives, and debt expansion may provide short-term relief, but they do little to address the structural issues beneath the surface. Long-term stability will require faster housing delivery, streamlined development processes, stronger business investment, and a renewed focus on productive economic growth rather than asset inflation alone._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:
Markets are rallying. Oil is rising. War is ongoing. And yet, investors seem to be moving on. In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong Lead Portfolio Manager David Kletz to unpack the biggest question facing markets today. Is this resilience — or complacency? While headlines focus on conflict in the Middle East, the real story is unfolding beneath the surface. Oil shocks are feeding into inflation, central banks are losing flexibility, and market leadership is beginning to shift in ways that could redefine this cycle. But history offers a warning. Most geopolitical crises feel like turning points. Very few actually are. Rob and David break down what matters and what doesn't: Why this isn't the 1970s How oil shocks really impact markets Why global growth may be stronger than it looks The risks hiding in valuations and market concentration And where investors should be looking for opportunity Because in markets, the biggest mistakes often come from focusing on what feels urgent — instead of what actually drives returns. Chapters 00:10 - Introduction to Global Thinking 01:07 - Market Overview: Iran Shock and Oil Prices 02:23 - Discussion with David Klutz: Market Resilience vs. Complacency 03:52 - Impact of Oil Prices on Global Growth 05:19 - Inflation and Interest Rates Outlook 07:43 - Global Market Trends and Canadian Economy 14:01 - Focus on Japan and China 33:56 - Four Strong's Global Investment Perspective 38:44 - Closing Remarks and Book Recommendation Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/ Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/ Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/ Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/ Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/ Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/ Thank for you listening, please considering leaving a review and subscribing for future episodes. For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com
Is Canada's housing market in a correction? One economist thinks so – for a variety of reasons. Our housing market posted its weakest quarter in three years, with home sales down nearly 10 per cent compared to the previous period - according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. And rates are not likely to change anytime soon but that's only part of the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to David-Alexandre Brassard, Chief Economist at the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, for his take on what's contributing to the stall and why come government programs won't really help. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodcastnetwork@rci.rogers.com. Thank you for listening!
Just Good Business Digest: April 2026 Edition Chapter 1: How Economic Development Organizations Help Canadian Small Businesses Grow, Export, and Attract Investment Al speaks with Traci Simmons, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), a provincial economic development agency, about how economic development organizations across Canada support small and mid-sized businesses. They explore how these agencies help companies scale and grow, navigate permits and regulations, expand into export markets, and attract domestic and international investment. They also discuss common success measures like job creation, productivity, GDP growth, and export wins, as well as challenges facing Canadian businesses today—including labour shortages, affordability pressures, and changing immigration dynamics. Chapter 2: Energy Efficiency Made Easy for Small Business Owners In the latest Just Good Business episode, Al explores how Ontario's Save on Energy program helps small businesses cut costs and operate more sustainably. He is joined by Tam Wagner, Director of Demand Side Management at the IESO, to break down practical ways energy efficiency can make a real impact on your bottom line — and the planet.
The Rebel News podcasts features free audio-only versions of select RebelNews+ content and other Rebel News long-form videos, livestreams, and interviews. Monday to Friday enjoy the audio version of Ezra Levant's daily TV-style show, The Ezra Levant Show, where Ezra gives you his contrarian and conservative take on free speech, politics, and foreign policy through in-depth commentary and interviews. Wednesday evenings you can listen to the audio version of The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid the Chief Reporter of Rebel News. Sheila brings a western sensibility to Canadian news. With one foot in the oil patch and one foot in agriculture, Sheila challenges mainstream media narratives and stands up for Albertans. If you want to watch the video versions of these podcasts, make sure to begin your free RebelNewsPlus trial by subscribing at http://www.RebelNewsPlus.com
Next week, the Bank of Canada will set a new interest rate. And this past week, an inflation report from Statistics Canada has captured much of what has hit your wallet in cost of living. So today, host Mike Eppel is joined by Doug Porter, the chief economist at the Bank of Montreal to dissect the new data, and take a look at how it might influence that national bank's decision. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodcastnetwork@rci.rogers.com. Thank you for listening!
Why does a narrow stretch of water halfway around the world matter so much? TVO Today producer Lucas Meeuse breaks down the Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint, and why even the threat of disruption can rattle markets far beyond the Middle East. Then, back in Canada, we turn to food prices. Grocery inflation has eased slightly, but prices are still more than 30 per cent higher than in 2021. With pressure on households and uncertainty ahead, we look at what comes next with Feed Ontario CEO Carolyn Stewart, grocery industry advocate Gary Sands, and food economist Mike von Massow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to our new weekly series, ICYMI, where we start off the week with a quick game-changing tip from one of our guests that you might have missed. Tune in every Monday for an expert dose of life advice in under 10 minutes. Today, we're throwing it back to one of our most valuable 2022 finance interviews with Nicole Victoria to help guide us through recession fears, market volatility, and economic uncertainty. If you've been wondering whether you should buy the dip, sell your stocks, or pause investing when the market crashes, this episode is packed with advice on how to recession-proof your money and make smarter long-term financial decisions. Nicole breaks down why so many people lose money in recessions and the biggest investing mistakes to avoid when panic sets in. Whether you're a beginner investor trying to understand recession investing strategies like dollar cost averaging, or feeling anxious about these uncertain times... this ICYMI is a great starting point. Nicole is a CEO, money coach and financial literacy advocate Nicole Victoria AKA No Budget Babe, who specializes in helping millennial and gen-z women effortlessly manage their money and build bank accounts that never stop growing. Listen to our full episode with Nicole Victoria here! Follow Nicole: No Budget Babe Instagram: @Nobudgetbabe TikTok: @nobudgetbabe Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube
The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, and Fidelity Investments Canada.Alright, you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites! We've got a special show lined up for you today. A little different in format. Much longer in running time. But a subject matter that merits both of those adjustments.This is our “What's actually going on in the Canadian Economy?” mega pod.As you know, there is so much change afoot and so many stresses: revenue generation, tariffs, shifting trade alliances, provincial deficits, growing inequality, unprecedented high tech innovation, nation-building projects, and my goal here is to do a show that tries to wrap its arms around all of it and make some sense. But this isn't a panel show. I want to interrogate their perspectives 1 on 1, each according to their specific area of expertise.To level set and give us a macro view of it all, we'll start with Kevin Carmichael. Economics columnist and Editor at Large at The Logic. Then we'll go sector by sector:Tariffs and trade with Randall Bartlett. Deputy Chief Economist with Desjardins, specializing in federal and provincial economies, government budgets and fiscal policy.Energy and Natural Resources with Heather Exner-Pirot. Senior fellow and director of energy, natural resources and environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Capital Infrastructure financing and Canada's balance sheet with Tim Murphy. EVP and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer at AECON. (And esteemed member of our Chiefs Panel.)And The Inequality of the K-shaped Economy with Heather Scoffield. CEO of the Canadian Tax Observatory and former Ottawa Bureau Chief at The Toronto Star and The Canadian Press.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.The sponsored ads contained in the podcast are the expressed views of the sponsor and not those of the publisher.
The world has lived through oil shocks before - from the Suez Crisis of the 1950s to the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s - but today's turmoil raises new questions about how vulnerable global energy markets really are. What would it mean if Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz closed, and how does this moment compare to past crises that reshaped the global economy? For Canada - the world's fourth-largest producer of crude oil and fifth-largest producer of natural gas - the stakes are especially high. When energy markets are shaken, Canada isn't just affected; it's implicated. So what political and economic choices should be on the table right now, and could the fallout push us toward a recession? To unpack the risks and the realities, we're joined by Bob Yawger, commodity specialist at Mizuho Americas, oil-market researcher Rory Johnston, founder of the Commodity Context newsletter, and Heather Exner-Pirot, director of energy, natural resources and environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Calls for tax reform have echoed across party lines for years, but as global trade relationships shift, the pressure to act is intensifying. What, beyond political slogans, would meaningful tax reform actually look like in practice? To examine that question, we turn to Allison Christians, professor and H. Heward Stikeman Chair in the Law of Taxation at McGill University, and Geoffrey Turner, adjunct professor and Tax Counsel-in-Residence at the University of Toronto, to unpack the structural challenges facing Canada's tax system. Then, moving from theory to the real-world consequences for taxpayers, we zoom in on what matters most this filing season, with Ali Spinner, tax partner at Crowe Soberman Chartered Accountants, breaking down the key issues Canadians need to keep in mind as they file their returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Few places in Canada have been as threatened by Trump's tariff war as New Brunswick, with an economy built around forestry, seafood and energy. But there's opportunity arising too. New Brunswick's maritime port is booming with Canadian cargo looking to avoid U.S. tariffs. And the Premier has a strategy to develop new mines in the province. Premier Susan Holt talks to host Amanda Lang about selling Canada to the world, rebooting mining and why 400 km of pipeline could change the country.
A chief economist panel with Jimmy Jean, Desjardins; Avery Shenfeld, CIBC; Israel’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sharren Haskel; The Front Bench with Sabrina Grover, Melanie Paradis, Karl Bélanger & Rachel Aiello.
Does it cost more to be single? Renée Sylvestre-Williams, author of "The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners," takes us through the ways 30 per cent of Canadian households pay more for everything from housing costs, to groceries, and even travel. Then, while the cost of living rises, we look into how people are faring in their everyday lives in the current economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new poll in the United States has Americans being told that there's a real chill from Canadians about their southern neighbours, and the word "hate" is used. Feelings are strong, but that strong? Bruce and Chantal on that, plus Alberta calls for a referendum on October 19th, but no question yet on separation. Plus more on leadership challenges for the Conservatives and the NDP. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer discuss reports that the Trump administration plans to negotiate separately with Canada and Mexico on CUSMA, rather than trilaterally. They examine how this strategy maximizes U.S. leverage, the implications of prolonged trade uncertainty for Canadian investment and manufacturing, and why Mexico appears better positioned in its relationship with Washington. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer Elia Gross - Editor Sean Speer and Rudyard Griffiths - Hosts Stephanie Scarbrough/Pool AP Photo - Photo Credit To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca
Affordability in Vancouver has improved by roughly 37% from its 2023 peak. Monthly mortgage payments on an average home have fallen by about $1,500, dropping from roughly $5,600 to $4,100. That's a material shift, bringing affordability back to early-2022 levels. Historically, when affordability sat here, transaction volumes were meaningfully higher. While payments remain well above pre-pandemic norms, the direction of travel matters—and for buyers watching the market closely, this is the most constructive affordability backdrop in years.But beneath that surface improvement, cracks are forming. Developers—arguably the most forward-looking participants in housing—are pulling back sharply. Land sales, an early indicator of future housing supply, have collapsed well below historical norms. When developers stop buying land, it's rarely about today's headlines; it's a judgment call on whether prices, financing, and demand will justify risk years down the road. The implication is uncomfortable: fewer projects today guarantees tighter supply later, particularly as population growth and confidence eventually normalize.Employment data adds another layer of complexity. Canada's labor market is cooling, but not in the way past downturns looked. Job losses are emerging in traditional sectors, yet unemployment hasn't spiked because the workforce itself is shrinking—driven by retirements and slower population growth. That structural shift matters. Slower labor growth caps wage growth, which in turn limits housing demand over the long run. At the same time, uneven job creation across provinces may quietly redirect housing and rental demand to where employment is strongest.On the rental front, the story is finally turning for tenants. Asking rents have fallen for more than a year and recently hit multi-year lows, with Vancouver among the steepest declines. Yet even here, the rate of decline is slowing—hinting that rental markets may be approaching stabilization.Governments, facing slowing activity, are stepping in with incentives. Programs like Nova Scotia's ultra-low down payment initiative underscore a key theme of the episode: these policies are less a sign of strength than a response to economic fragility. They don't solve affordability at its root; they increase leverage in an already indebted system.Add rising home insurance costs—driven by aging housing stock and extreme weather—and the cost pressures on ownership and rental housing continue to build, even as headline prices soften.The takeaway is clear: today's market is defined by contradictions. Affordability is improving, but demand remains hesitant. Supply is being quietly choked off. Costs are shifting rather than disappearing. And interest rates, once the dominant force, may now be the least volatile variable.This episode isn't about calling a top or a bottom. It's about understanding where the next pressure points are forming—and why the decisions being made today may shape Canada's housing landscape for the next decade. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:
Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'The Bank of Canada has described what happened to the economy in 2025 as a shift away from normal trade relations with the United States and elevated uncertainty for households and businesses.While Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said what happens with the economy this year—and for interest rates—will be determined by the upcoming USMCA trade talks, today's guest argues there are much larger structural issues where you could argue the economy is already in a recession and needs dramatic policy changes by the federal government.Host Mike Eppel speaks to David Rosenberg, President and Founder, Rosenberg Research to discuss their predictions on the Canadian dollar and interest rates. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky
John Sneisen joins us again, this time to chat about launching the OUTERRNET and global banking and state of our economy. We chat about this peer to peer file sharing, podcasting, video calling, scalable Outerrnet that eventually we can mesh up together and get parallel to the internet. You can be part of this early access and even help others by holding a hub. We also chat about bit torrent, regulations, Canada, Starlink, using ports and a router, the new highway, and taking data back. In the second half of show we get deeper into global banking, the medium of exchanges, YGL whistleblowers, the liquidity crisis, the great financial reset, derivatives, the debt that can't and wont be paid, financial scams and ponzi scheme, the digital dollar foundation and the IMF. Founder of The Economic Truth, author The End of Freedom, a world bestseller in the category of Financial Risk Management. Canada, The Greatest Economy In The World? And Senior Partner at
It's been a tumultuous year for the economy to say the least, especially in the interest of real estate and housing.The Bank of Canada cut interest rates nine times, yet buyers are still erring on the side of caution, waiting for some sort of stability before diving head-first into the market.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Shawn Zigelstein, broker and team leader for Royal Lepage to see what Canadians could expect heading into 2026. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
How did we as a country fare during a tumultuous year?Plus – The meaning of human connection over the holidays GUESTS: Moshe Lander - economics professor at Concordia University Pete Bombaci - Founder and CEO of GenWell Mubin Shaikh - former undercover for CSIS and the RCMP in terrorism related investigations
Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. 0:18 - Get ready for a troubling new era for the Canadian economy, by Trevor Tombe 8:38 - Doctors see promise in Alberta's dual-practice health-care proposal, by Falice Chin 20:04 - Health-care wait times in Canada hit 28.6 weeks median in 2025 as Ontario has lowest waits: Study, by Graeme Gordon This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/ Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Get a FREE 30-day trial membership for our premium content: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca
The world is investing billions in data centres and compute. Canada's edge isn't bigger boxes—it's Trust: rules enforced at home, private information secured under Canadian jurisdiction, and a clear path for enterprise data handling in the age of AI.That's how “Canadian trust” becomes a competitive advantage.This week on Disruptors: The Canada Project, John Stackhouse takes us to Waterloo to map how policy as code, Canadian residency, and lineage + audit turn trust into a speed advantage. Guests: Tom Jenkins & Shannon Bell (OpenText), with Janice Stein (Munk School).Build it here—export it with confidence.Takeaways:OpenText's new bookEnterprise Artificial Intelligence: Building Trusted AI with Secure Data:RBC Thought Leadership's Bridging the Imagination Gap: How Canadian companies can become global leaders in AI adoption: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Which takes precedent right now? Plus - Is it a bad idea to ‘follow your passion’ in your career? GUESTS: Keith Brooks - Programs Director with Environmental Defence Moshe Lander - economics professor at Concordia University
Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. 0:18 - One Canadian economy? Not quite yet, by Trevor Tombe 7:11 - Corporate Canada has a gerontocracy, by Rudyard Griffiths 13:51 - Literacy, reason, and childhood matter—and we're losing all three, by Mark Milke This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/ Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Get a FREE 3-month trial membership for our premium podcast content: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca
Recorded live at the Coffee Association of Canada Annual Conference, this special edition of The Food Professor Podcast with Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois brews up a rich conversation on the state of Canada's food economy, the coffee industry's shifting landscape, and the global forces shaping what Canadians eat and drink live on the stage.The episode opens with Michael and Sylvain diving into the latest geopolitical tensions influencing trade and agriculture. From Washington to Mexico City, Sylvain shares insights from his travels and firsthand discussions with U.S. policy insiders and Latin American producers. The conversation highlights how Canada's trading partners are adapting quickly, especially Mexico's resilience and growing potential as a key agri-food ally in the hemisphere.The professors then turn to an annual highlight — an early look at the 2026 Canada Food Price Report, compiled by a network of ten universities using AI-powered forecasting. Sylvain hints at tough times ahead for consumers, forecasting that meat and poultry prices could rise by as much as 25% in the months ahead, putting pressure on Canadian households. He connects this to the emerging “protein play” trend, where consumers are seeking protein in unconventional forms — including fortified beverages like coffee. While acknowledging the opportunity, he cautions that nutritionists are warning against over-fortification, signaling that balance and consumer education will be key.The discussion then flows into GLP-1 drugs and their growing impact on food demand. As consumers change their eating patterns, Sylvain warns that Big Pharma's gains may translate into Big Food's challenges — though innovation and reformulation could open new opportunities. From AI-enabled efficiency to personalized nutrition, the professors explore how food and beverage brands must adapt to new consumption realities.Rounding out the first half, they discuss the “Battle for the Third Place” — how coffee shops are redefining the space between home and work post-COVID. Sylvain urges operators to double down on human connection and service excellence, even as automation and rising wages push toward efficiency.In the second half, guest Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, unpacks Canada's economic outlook. Porter delivers a grounded view of growth, inflation, immigration, and consumer spending, labeling the new federal budget “boring — and that's a good thing.” He weighs in on labour shortages, immigration reform, the “K-shaped” economy, and AI's role in reshaping productivity, closing with optimism that innovation and adaptation — not fear — will guide Canada's next decade. The Food Professor #podcast is presented by Caddle. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. Before joining Dalhousie, he was affiliated with the University of Guelph's Arrell Food Institute, which he co-founded. Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. Google Scholar ranks him as one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability.He has authored five books on global food systems, his most recent one published in 2017 by Wiley-Blackwell entitled “Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking”. He has also published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles in several academic publications. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, including The Lancet, The Economist, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, BBC, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Foreign Affairs, the Globe & Mail, the National Post and the Toronto Star.Dr. Charlebois sits on a few company boards, and supports many organizations as a special advisor, including some publicly traded companies. Charlebois is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Business Scientific Institute, based in Luxemburg. Dr. Charlebois is a member of the Global Food Traceability Centre's Advisory Board based in Washington DC, and a member of the National Scientific Committee of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Mentor Sessions Ep. 033: Richard Dias on US vs Canadian Economy, Marco Outlook, Fiscal Problems, and implications for Bitcoin. Is the Canada economy on the brink of collapse amid US economy divergence, currency debasement, and stagnant productivity growth in Canada? In this eye-opening Bitcoin interview on BTC Sessions, global macro strategist Richard Dias from IceCap Asset Management and co-host of The Loonie Hours reveals the harsh realities facing the Canada economy versus the thriving US economy. Discover why economic divergence between Canada and US is widening due to reckless fiscal policy in Canada, failed productivity growth strategies, and anti-energy policies crippling natural resources. Richard breaks down currency debasement trends, the real estate market in Canada teetering on instability, skyrocketing gold prices as a red flag for global instability, and how Bitcoin as money offers a hedge against fiat failures. This episode delivers unfiltered macro wisdom. Don't miss why Richard sees more pain ahead for Canada, why it serves as a warning to the US, and how Bitcoin fits into the solution—watch now!Chapters:00:00:00 Intro Teaser: Economic Warnings & Bitcoin Outlook00:01:27 Hockey Banter: Why No Canadian Stanley Cup Wins00:03:33 US vs Canada: Point of Economic Divergence00:04:23 Macro Outlook: US Dynamics vs Canada Struggles00:07:06 Canada's Policy Failures: Energy & Organization00:08:40 Inter-Provincial Trade Barriers Explained00:12:13 Recession Risks: US Mixed Signals vs Canada Reality00:13:56 Public Sector Employment & Productivity Crisis00:18:23 Why Canada Has Been in Recession for Years00:22:11 Historical Roots of Canada's Fragmentation00:23:31 Unleashing Productivity: Natural Resources & Manufacturing00:31:14 Fiscal Policy Canada: Parliamentary Budget Officer Scolding00:40:00 Currency Debasement: Loonie at All-Time Lows00:44:08 Protecting Wealth: Why Bitcoin Matters00:54:49 Real Estate Market Canada & Gold Prices Concerns00:55:54 Bitcoin as Money: Survival & Early Use CaseAbout Richard DiasGlobal Strategist at IceCap Asset Management, co-host of The Loonie Hours podcast, and host of IceCap Canadian Market WrapX.com: @richard_diasCFAPodcast: The Loonie Hour - https://thelooniehour.ca/IceCap YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IceCapAssetManagementWebsite: icecapassetmanagement.com
The Canadian government's messaging about economic resilience appears to have done little to temper anxiety about day-to-day costs. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/poll-62-percent-still-see-canadian-economy-as-poor-inflation-fears-persist PODCAST INFO:
In this episode of the Canadian Investor Podcast, we break down Canada’s latest inflation read and the Bank of Canada’s rate cut, framing what “sticky core” means for investors. We then turn to earnings and look at Adobe’s AI narrative vs. a maturing growth profile, Affirm’s BNPL momentum alongside credit risk, and Dollar Tree’s value push contrasted with Dollarama’s margin machine. Tickers of stocks discussed: ADBE, AFRM, DLTR, GSY.TO Check out our portfolio by going to Jointci.com Our Website Our New Youtube Channel! Canadian Investor Podcast Network Twitter: @cdn_investing Simon’s twitter: @Fiat_Iceberg Braden’s twitter: @BradoCapital Dan’s Twitter: @stocktrades_ca Want to learn more about Real Estate Investing? Check out the Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast! Apple Podcast - The Canadian Real Estate Investor Spotify - The Canadian Real Estate Investor Web player - The Canadian Real Estate Investor Asset Allocation ETFs | BMO Global Asset Management Sign up for Fiscal.ai for free to get easy access to global stock coverage and powerful AI investing tools. Register for EQ Bank, the seamless digital banking experience with better rates and no nonsense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does the Bank of Canada cut to its key interest rate mean for you - and for Canada's economy? CBC's Senior Business Correspondent Peter Armstrong joins us to walk through the bad and the slightly less bad economic news. We'll also talk to Avery Shenfeld, Managing Director and Chief Economist of CIBC, and Pedro Antunes, the Chief Economist at The Conference Board of Canada to look at what the coming months could bring.
The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, and Fidelity Investments Canada.Alright, you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites, today on the show, the unofficial Herle Burly in-house economist ... Frances Donald is here! As I referred to her last time out, she's the Economist Explainer in Chief. The person who puts the FUN in economic fundamentals. The Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist at The Royal Bank of Canada. I'm super happy Frances is here because it feels like everything is changing with regard to our economic relationship with the United States. So today, I'd like her to explain this to me: What is the state of the Canadian economy in the context that new reality. Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.The sponsored ads contained in the podcast are the expressed views of the sponsor and not those of the publisher.
As we approach the end of the summer, how is the economy actually doing and what can we expect for the rest of 2025? What does the data tell us about the impact of tariffs and what's really going on for Canadian businesses and households? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Don Drummond, economist and Staufford-Dunning Fellow at Queen's University and fellow in residence at the C.D. Howe Institute. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Steven MacKinnon, Government House Leader; Damien Kurek, Former Conservative MP; The Front Bench with: Sharan Kaur, Jamie Ellerton, Karl Bélanger & Hannah Thibedeau; National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations.
After declaring victory in yesterday's Canadian election, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “old relationship” with the United States is over. Over the past few months, President Donald Trump's on-and-off tariffs and repeated annexation threats have caused Canadians to reconsider the United States as its leading trading partner and ally. But Patricia Goff, professor of political science at Wilfrid Laurier University, said the idea of disentangling the two economies is unrealistic. On the show today, Goff explains how Trump's tariffs and annexation threats influenced the Canadian election, how Canadian industries are navigating the trade war, and what this all could mean for the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.Plus, we'll hear a pitch for a new “Make Me Smart”-themed rear window sticker. And, what one psychologist got wrong about burnout. Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump knows exactly what he just triggered in Canada" from CBC News"Liberal Bruce Fanjoy topples Pierre Poilievre in Carleton" from CBC News"Canada-U.S. Relations Continue to Reach Lows Over Tariffs and Annexation Threats" from The New York Times"Mike Myers Is Ready to Defend Canada" from The New York Times"Canada says its friendship with the US is ‘over.' Now what?" From Politico "The future of the USMCA" from the Peterson Institute for International EconomicsWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
After declaring victory in yesterday's Canadian election, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “old relationship” with the United States is over. Over the past few months, President Donald Trump's on-and-off tariffs and repeated annexation threats have caused Canadians to reconsider the United States as its leading trading partner and ally. But Patricia Goff, professor of political science at Wilfrid Laurier University, said the idea of disentangling the two economies is unrealistic. On the show today, Goff explains how Trump's tariffs and annexation threats influenced the Canadian election, how Canadian industries are navigating the trade war, and what this all could mean for the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.Plus, we'll hear a pitch for a new “Make Me Smart”-themed rear window sticker. And, what one psychologist got wrong about burnout. Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump knows exactly what he just triggered in Canada" from CBC News"Liberal Bruce Fanjoy topples Pierre Poilievre in Carleton" from CBC News"Canada-U.S. Relations Continue to Reach Lows Over Tariffs and Annexation Threats" from The New York Times"Mike Myers Is Ready to Defend Canada" from The New York Times"Canada says its friendship with the US is ‘over.' Now what?" From Politico "The future of the USMCA" from the Peterson Institute for International EconomicsWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.