Canada’s new government will assume power amid historic economic upheaval. Sweeping global tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration are disrupting the international trading system, sending shockwaves through the global economy. Even before the onset of the trade war, Canada’s economy faced strong headwinds — notably sluggish productivity and weak economic growth. Today, Canada’s future prosperity is more at risk than ever, with consumers and businesses struggling to navigate a period of profound uncertainty and instability. What should be the top economic priorities for the new government? How can these policy priorities be translated into action? And how can Canada leverage a stronger business-government relationship to secure its future?
At Beyond the ballot: From promises to policy, Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw will moderate a special post-election edition of Impact Live, focused on what it will take to stabilize and strengthen Canada’s economic position in a fractured global environment. This webinar will bring together expert voices – leaders who have played critical roles in both business and government – to share insights and perspectives on how the new government should tackle this unprecedented challenge.
For leaders looking to understand the stakes and shape the response, this is where the post-election conversation begins.
Meet the panelists
Former Governor, Bank of Canada
Stephen S. Poloz served as the 9th Governor of the Bank of Canada from June 3, 2013 to June 2, 2020. He first joined the Bank of Canada in 1981 and held positions over a 14-year span, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the Bank’s Research Department. He later joined Export Development Canada, serving as Chief Economist and President and CEO, before rejoining the Bank of Canada as Governor. Since 2013, Poloz has been a member of the Lawrence National Centre Advisory Council, and assumed the role of Chair of the council in June 2020. He is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Former Ontario Minister of Finance
Janet Ecker was Ontario’s Minister of Finance and the first woman to deliver a provincial budget. She also served as Minister of Education, Minister of Community and Social Services, and Government House Leader. As founding CEO of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance, she built an influential public-private partnership to position Toronto as a global financial hub. She also helped establish the Global Risk Institute to strengthen the sector’s global reputation. A Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, she serves on several boards and committees. She holds a Journalism degree from Western University and received the Order of Canada in 2016.
Former Federal Minister of Finance
Bill Morneau served as Canada's 39th Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2020, and was also Governor at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Between 1990 and 2015, he led the multinational human resources firm Morneau Shepell (now TELUS Health). Morneau currently serves as Chair of NovaSource Power Services, Director at CIBC and at Clairvest Group Inc., Chair of the Advisory Board of Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Member of The Wilson Center’s Canada Institute Advisory Board.
Meet the moderator
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. Before returning to Ivey, he spent 25 years at London Business School, serving as Vice Dean (2022–2024) and leading major innovations in graduate and executive education. A Thinkers50-ranked thought leader, he has authored 15 books, over 90 articles, and 40 cases. A sought-after speaker and consultant, he advises companies like Pepsico, RBC, and Ericsson and is frequently cited in global media, including CNN, BBC, The Economist, and Sloan Management Review.