Following the release of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget on November 4, 2025, Ivey’s Impact Live hosted Budget 2025: Insights for Business—a panel discussion examining whether this “generational shift” in fiscal policy will set the stage for stronger, more resilient growth.
Moderated by Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw, the conversation featured Arlene Dickinson, Founder & General Partner, District Ventures Capital; Perrin Beatty, Former President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and LNC Advisory Council Member; and Mahmood Nanji, Power Corporation of Canada Policy Fellow, Lawrence National Centre, who offered perspectives shaped by extensive experience across Canada’s public, private, and academic sectors.
The wide-ranging discussion explored trade, defence spending, talent attraction, and how Canadian businesses can diversify beyond traditional markets. Panelists reflected on the balance between bold nation-building investments and fiscal discipline—and how these priorities must be managed amid global uncertainty and mounting geopolitical risk.
At its core, the discussion centered on a defining question: Will Budget 2025 create the right conditions for sustained economic growth?
Learn more in the Ivey Impact article on Budget 2025’s response to Canada’s economic pressures: Does Budget 2025 address Canada’s existential moment?
Arlene Dickinson
Founder & General Partner, District Ventures Capital
Member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors.
Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.
Dickinson's leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an honorary captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years, visiting our troops overseas numerous times.
Perrin Beatty
Former President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Former Federal Cabinet Minister
Perrin Beatty is the Former President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. During his 17-year tenure (2007-2024), he led Canada’s largest and most representative national business association, serving over 200,000 members across the country. Prior to this, he held a similar leadership role with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).
Perrin was elected to the House of Commons in 1972, and spent 21 years in Parliament, serving as Minister in seven different portfolios, including Treasury Board, National Revenue, Solicitor General, Defense, National Health and Welfare, Communications, and External Affairs.
A graduate of Western University in 1971, he was an Honorary Visiting Professor at the School’s Department of Political Science. From 1995-1999, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Perrin received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Western in 2013. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018.
Mahmood Nanji
Power Corporation of Canada Policy Fellow, Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, Ivey Business School
Former Associate Deputy Minister of Finance
Mahmood Nanji is currently the Power Corporation of Canada Policy Fellow and former Director at the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management at the Ivey Business School.
Prior to joining Ivey, Mahmood held senior roles in both the governments of Ontario and Canada. Most recently, he was the Associate Deputy Minister of Finance where he was involved in developing budgets and providing advice on tax, fiscal, pension, and infrastructure policy and initiatives. He has also negotiated major inter-governmental and commercial agreements, including the restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler in 2008-09.
In 2021, Mahmood served as Research Director and Special Advisor to the Senate of Canada Prosperity Action Group and co-authored a report examining the path to Canada’s future economic prosperity.
Moderator
Julian Birkinshaw
Dean, Ivey Business School
Julian Birkinshaw, MBA ’91, PhD ’95, became Dean of Ivey on August 1, 2024. He is a globally recognized expert in innovation, digital transformation, and strategic agility. Previously, he spent 25 years at London Business School, serving as Vice Dean (2022–2024) and leading major innovations in graduate and executive education.
A Fellow of the British Academy, the Strategic Management Society and the (American) Academy of Management, Julian also holds honorary degrees from Copenhagen Business School and the Stockholm School of Economics.
Julian is a Thinkers50-ranked thought leader and has authored 16 books, including Resurgent and Becoming a Better Boss, over 90 articles, and 40 cases. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Julian advises companies like Pepsico, RBC, and Ericsson and is frequently cited in global media, including CNN, BBC, The Economist, and Sloan Management Review.