The 2025 federal budget arrives at a defining moment in Canada’s history. Amid sluggish growth, lagging productivity, and mounting fiscal pressures, the Carney government is setting its sights on an ambitious economic agenda.
Positioned as a blueprint to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7 – and to reset its economic and security relationship with the United States – Budget 2025 promises generational investments in nation-building infrastructure and resource development, fueled by private capital. It also expects to emphasize the large-scale deployment of AI technologies, strengthen Canada’s defense capabilities, and introduce measures to ease the rising cost of living for Canadians.
But what will this budget mean for Canadian business and will it set the right direction?
Following the tabling of Budget 2025, Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw will convene a panel of Canada’s leading experts to share their reactions and analysis on the Budget and whether it sets the right course for the country. Together, they’ll explore its implications for Canadian businesses, the broader economy, and communities navigating in a time of uncertainty and change.
Complimentary and open to the public, this virtual Impact Live event offers timely insights for business leaders seeking clarity on Canada’s evolving fiscal priorities and what they signal for the future of business and the nation.
Meet the panelists
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.
Meet the 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.