Canada's Place in the World
Impact Live – Beyond the ballot: From promises to policy
What happens when campaign promises confront the practical realities of governing? On May 12, Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw led a conversation with three experienced policy voices to explore what the new political environment means for Canadian business and economic growth.
Following Canada’s recent federal election - where both major parties received more than 40% of the vote, yet neither secured a majority - Ivey Impact Live brought together a distinguished panel to discuss how the current political context could shape the country’s economic direction. In Beyond the ballot: From promises to policy, Dean Birkinshaw moderated an in-depth conversation with Stephen Poloz, Janet Ecker, and Bill Morneau, each offering extensive public- and private-sector experience.
The discussion touched on issues such as long-standing interprovincial trade barriers, lagging business investment, persistent productivity challenges, and strained Canada–U.S. trade relations. Panelists spoke candidly about the factors holding Canada back and emphasized the need for more coordinated action between government and the business community to support long-term growth and competitiveness.
One message clearly emerged: economic success in this new era will require more than bold promises. It will demand policy clarity, cross-sector collaboration, and the courage to confront difficult trade-offs. Forging a stronger economy is not just a political task—it’s a shared responsibility between government and business.
