Policy Speaking with Edward Greenspon
By Public Policy Forum
Policy Speaking with Edward GreensponJun 10, 2021
Ep. 78: Growing Canada's Infrastructure with John Casola
In this episode of Policy Speaking, John Casola, Chief Investment officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, joins host Edward Greenspon to break down what the Infrastructure Bank does, why we need it and what projects are in the pipeline.
Ep. 77: Trade and Tough Decisions with Steve Verheul
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Steve Verheul, Canada's former Chief Trade Negotiator, joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss negotiating the new NAFTA, the strength of middle powers, and Canada's potential leadership in creating a new trading system.
Ep. 76: Unpacking the Clean Energy Puzzle with Scott Balfour
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Scott Balfour, CEO of Emera joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss the many puzzle pieces inherent in Canada’s energy transition.
Balfour and Greenspon discuss how to reach renewable energy goals, the need for honest conversations and the question that’s on everyone’s mind: affordability.
Ep. 75: The Future of Healthcare with Dr. Victoria Lee & Dr. Danielle Martin
Paired with the release of the Public Policy Forum’s Taking Back Health Care report, this special edition of Policy Speaking features report authors Dr. Victoria Lee and Dr. Danielle Martin. Dr. Lee, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University, and Dr. Martin, Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine with Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, join host Edward Greenspon to discuss what it will take to mend the health-care system – and why money is only a part of that solution.
Ep. 74: Toward Economic Reconciliation, with Harold Calla and Geordie Hungerford
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Harold Calla, executive chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and CEO Geordie Hungerford join host Edward Greenspon to discuss a roadmap for achieving economic reconciliation.
Calla and Hungerford call for the creation of new Indigenous-led institutions, including a First Nations Infrastructure Institute, an Indigenous Development Bank and an Indigenous Economic Council to create capacity and get capital flowing, ultimately fueling the Indigenous ownership movement and building a robust Indigenous economy.
Ep. 73: The Future of Work with Stéphan Déry
Stéphan Déry, Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Edward Greenspon, PPF President and CEO, discussed the future of work and workspaces during a recent PPF Member Event. Their conversation ranged from how to modernize the federal government's workspaces to ways to attract and retain workers – including beautiful places to work.
This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Manulife for being recognized as one of the World’s Best Employers by Forbes in 2022 for the third year in a row.
Ep. 72: An exit interview with B.C. Premier John Horgan
In this special edition of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon, PPF president and CEO, is joined by outgoing B.C. Premier John Horgan.
On one of his last days as premier of British Columbia, Mr. Horgan gives a no-holds-barred interview on challenges in energy policy, healthcare and climate change, as well as his bubbling frustration with the federal-provincial relationship.
This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for offering more than $85 million in grants to support colleges and partner organizations through the College and Community Innovation program.
Ep. 71: Monetary Policy Report with Tiff Macklem
In this special edition of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon, PPF president and CEO, is joined by Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, to discuss the latest Monetary Policy Report.
Against a backdrop of the sixth interest rate hike this year, Dr. Macklem discusses economic green shoots, maximum sustainable employment, the weight of expectations, historic inflationary lessons — and why he wishes he'd paid more attention in high school science classes.
Ep. 70: Technology, work and safeguarding the internet
This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) is joined by Chris Barry (President of Microsoft Canada) to discuss all things technology. This episode was recorded at Microsoft’s Toronto Offices.
Barry and Greenspon chat about the workspace Microsoft has created and the workforce changes that came out of the pandemic. They discuss collaboration, productivity, sustainability and how Microsoft’s space contributes to all three of those things. Looking at Russia’s war against Ukraine, Barry discusses the role cyberattacks have played during the war and what work is being done to combat these attacks.
Ep. 69: Electrification: What is it and what can it do?
This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses Electrification with Bruce Lourie (President of the Ivey Foundation) and Janet Annesley (Chief Sustainability Officer for Kiwetinohk Energy).
They discuss what Electrification is and what role it can play in Canada’s path to net zero. Lourie and Annesley look at supply, demand and the overall question of efficiency to help paint a picture of what this part of the energy transition can look like. They discuss what’s available now and what future technologies may include. Finally, they touch on what other forms of energy can do for us now and in the long term.
This episode includes #PPFproud shoutout to the University of Victoria for their launch of the world’s first MBA in Indigenous Reconciliation, starting in Spring 2023.
Ep. 68: The Future of Conservatism with Ginny Roth and Sean Speer
This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses the results of the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race with Ginny Roth (Vice President and National Practice Lead for Government Relations at Crestview Strategy) and Sean Speer (PPF Scotiabank Fellow in Strategic Competitiveness and a Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy).
After a historic leadership election and clear victory for Pierre Poilievre, Roth (a strategist on Poilievre's campaign) and Speer (past senior economic advisor for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper) explore what that win means for the conservative movement and for future policy goals. They examine the taxonomy of conservatism, Poilievre’s messaging and peel back some of the layers of the campaign to look toward the what now and what next of Canadian policy and conservatism.
This episode includes #PPFproud shoutout to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport for the launch of their 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
Ep. 67: LNG, Geopolitics and Canada's Choice
This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses LNG and geopolitics with Karen Ogen-Toews (CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance), Bryan Cox (President & CEO of the Canadian LNG Alliance), and Janice Stein (Professor and founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy).
Following the German Chancellor's visit to Canada, they discuss what role Canada's natural gas can play in lowering global carbon emissions and in helping other countries through their energy transition. The group looks at Canada's responsibility and considers a path forward in this energy stability crisis.
This episode included a #PPFProud shoutout to University of Ottawa for appointing the first Indigenous leader as Chancellor in their 174-year history, Claudette Commanda.
Ep. 66: Canada, COVID-19 and the G10
This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) discusses Canada’s COVID-19 response with Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto) and Dr. Fahad Razak (Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table).
Nearly two and a half years later, we're taking stock of how Canada fared compared to its peers during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report published on June 27th in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), authors: Dr. Fahad Razak, Saeha Shin, Dr. David Naylor and Dr. Arthur S. Slutsky review the COVID-19 response from G10 nations and share how Canada fared in comparison to its counterparts.
This episode includes a #PPFProud shoutout to Enbridge for having received the Catalyst Award, which recognizes organizational diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women.
Ep. 65: The Hydrogen Advantage with Nancy Southern
This week, PPF’s President and CEO and our host of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon sits down with Nancy Southern (Chair and CEO of ATCO Ltd. and Canadian Utilities Limited) at the Canadian High-Level Gas Summit to discuss the opportunity for Canada to invest in hydrogen production on our path to net-zero. They discuss international examples such as Australia, geopolitical security considerations and the need for greater collaboration among government and business. Southern also notes the benefits of investing in hydrogen including how it can be a unifying principle across Canada, can position Canada as a global leader and can improve the prosperity and sustainability of people across Canada. Finally, Southern answers questions from the audience related to regulatory and industrial policy as well as Indigenous economic reconciliation.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Government of Manitoba, for offering grants of up to $50,000 from the Manitoba Accessibility Fund for organisations that will promote accessibility and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
Ep. 64: Managing Carbon to Achieve Net-zero
In this episode of Policy Speaking, our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon chats with the co-chairs of the Energy Future Forum’s Carbon Management Work Group, Janet Annesley (Chief Sustainability Officer at Kiwetinohk Energy) and Michael Bernstein (executive director of Clean Prosperity). They discuss small and large pathways to net-zero as Canada tries to reach our 2030 and 2050 targets through carbon capture and storage as well as other carbon management technologies. Annesley and Bernstein also examine the role different industries can play, from the oil and gas sector to agriculture, risk management strategies in decarbonization efforts and the importance of investing in the commercialization and domestic production of new technologies. Finally, they look to examples from other nations and how Canada can collaborate to manage carbon in the economy.
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discuss the Convoy’s presence in Ottawa over the past few weeks and the protests and blockades across the nation. They also reflect on understanding the rise in populism, the motivations behind the actions of protestors and how to rebuild cohesion across Canada.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the YWCA for launching Canada's first National Emergency Survivor's Support Fund which will be used to help women and gender diverse people experiencing intimate partner and domestic abuse escape and rebuild their lives.
Ep. 63: Investing in Black Futures with Dahabo Ahmed-Omer
In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host Edward Greenspon (President and CEO of PPF) chats with Dahabo Ahmed-Omer (Executive Director of the BlackNorth Initiative) about systemic racism, economic inclusion and the disproportionate impacts the pandemic has illuminated among different communities across Canada. They reflect on the progress made towards combatting discrimination and examine the path of rhetoric to results in strategizing for impactful change. Finally, they discuss the BlackNorth pledge and the Racial Equity Playbook in how businesses can become more equitable corporate citizens.
This episode included a #PPFProud shoutout to the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and the University of Calgary for ranking in the top five research information sources and latest Top 50 universities.
Ep. 62: The Shattered Mirror Revisited
In marking the fifth anniversary of PPF’s The Shattered Mirror report, the host of Policy Speaking and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon sits down with three of the principal researchers on The Shattered Mirror project, Colette Brin (Professor in the Department of Information and Communications at the Université Laval), Chris Dornan (former Director of both the School of Journalism and Communication and the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs at Carleton University) and Elizabeth Dubois (Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa). They discuss what’s changed in the past five years regarding the role of journalism in democracy, the various shifts in the media ecosystem and how policy can address challenges facing the news media industry. Brin, Dornan and Dubois also examine the relationship between technology companies, media, government and citizens, the prevalence of disinformation and the debate around the limitations of free speech. They conclude with reflections on innovations within the journalism sector and what Canada can learn from other nations.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to Via Rail for being a leader and reimagining how Canadians travel.
Ep. 61: The Indigenous Economy with Jeff Cyr and Alicia Dubois
This week our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon discusses Indigenous ownership and economic self-determination with Jeff Cyr (CEO of Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation and Managing Partner of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners) and Alicia Dubois (Founder of Nish Synergies Advisory Group and former CEO of Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation). They examine the role of reconciliation in driving a more inclusive economy, Indigenous access to equity and capital and the importance of engaging in meaningful partnerships on projects and ventures. Cyr and Dubois also provide examples of successful Indigenous partnerships including the coalition of Mi'kmaq First Nations and Clearwater Seafoods, and Wataynikaneyap Power and Fortis, and the upstart Virtual Gurus. Finally, they look at the role of ESG and the competitive advantage Indigenous businesses have on the path to a net-zero economy.
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward talk about the evolution of news media in light of PPF’s fifth anniversary since releasing The Shattered Mirror, a report that detailed the troubling diagnostic of accelerating revenue declines among producers of original journalism. They also touch on the Report by the Canadian Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression, released just last week.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business for its commitment to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada's economy.
Ep. 60: Hacking Cities: Living Through a Ransomware Attack
This week our host Edward Greenspon (President and CEO of PPF) chats with Aron Feuer (Managing Director of Cybersecurity at Valencia) and Brad Brookman (former Director of Finance and Treasurer at the Municipality of North Grenville) about the landscape of cyberattacks and ransomware attacks in Canada. They discuss the cyberattack in North Grenville, the targeting of public sector institutions across Canada and the role of cryptocurrency in ransomware attacks. The discussion concluded by stressing the importance of preparedness as a policy response. Check out Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's Ransomware Playbook to learn more.
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discuss the ongoing debates surrounding repairing the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive and Premier Legault’s proposed “Vax Tax”, a measure to increase vaccination rates in the province of Quebec. They also touch on two reports PPF recently released including New North Star 3 which looks at innovation policy in Canada and Debating the Right Balances for Privacy Law in Canada which reflects on discussions around modernizing national privacy law.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to the Business Development Bank of Canada for incorporating diversity, equality and inclusion values into its programming and providing better financial support and financing opportunities to underrepresented entrepreneurs in Ontario.
Ep. 59: COVID-19: Where Do We Go From Here?
In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host and PPF’s President and CEO Edward Greenspon sits down with Dr. David Naylor (past Dean of Medicine and President Emeritus at the University of Toronto) and Jodi Butts (lawyer, entrepreneur and self-described healthcare nerd) to discuss the new Omicron variant. They compare public health measures taken with Omicron and previous variants, and discuss reactions from Canadians as we approach a second holiday season in this pandemic. Dr. Naylor and Ms. Butts also examine lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and building domestic supply capacity. Finally, they look at policy considerations, such as global vaccine equity, the effectiveness of travel bans and improving Canada’s healthcare system.
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward chatted about Canada’s progress on gender equality and the representation of women in politics including the contrast between the 100th anniversary of the election of the first female member of Parliament and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out Ability New Brunswick. PPF believes that diversity and inclusion are essential ingredients of good policy in a better Canada. And we thank Ability New Brunswick for their role in developing public policy that builds towards more inclusive communities for persons with a mobility disability.
Ep. 58: Making Space Work for Canada
This week’s episode of Policy Speaking is literally out of this world and focused on the space economy. Our host Edward Greenspon (PPF’s President and CEO) chats with Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. They cover the importance of investing in space technology along with strategic changes in the industry and the difference between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. Dan Goldberg and the Hon. Navdeep Bains also examine the importance of public-private partnerships, Canada’s contributions in the industry, and competition with other nations and corporations. Lastly, they debate policy implications, such as broadband connectivity, and even discuss whether they would explore space themselves!
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward discussed the new Omicron variant, vaccinating children in Canada, and space exploration.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how important strong and resilient healthcare is to all Canadians, and just how stressed our system is in many parts of the country. The Public Policy Forum is the think tank about tomorrow which is why we are keen to touch on timely issues of relevance to Canadians. Our podcast sponsor, Johnson and Johnson also knows how critical it is to provide strong healthcare services to Canadians and we thank them for their support of Policy Speaking.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out to EY for their Ripple’s program, which aims to positively impact the lives of one billion people by 2030. Through this program, EY has provided consulting services with Habitat Canada to help them build equity and increase accessibility to safe and stable housing through stakeholder consultations, collaborations and an intensive review of their operations. So thank you EY, who has been a proud and active member of the Public Policy Forum for many years.
Ep. 57: Putting up Guardrails on the Internet
In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host – and PPF’s President & CEO – Edward Greenspon chats with the co-chair of the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression, Taylor Owen, Commissioner Nathalie Des Rosiers and Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression, Peter MacLeod. They discuss what the Commission and Citizens’ Assembly has been working on and what it hopes to accomplish in the next year. Taylor Owen, Nathalie Des Rosiers and Peter MacLeod also examine the harms of technology and disinformation, and the need for mechanisms in the digital ecosystem to ensure transparency and accountability. The conversation includes the right to information and expression, the increased polarization of ideas online and the role social media plays when participating in public life. They look at policy considerations, such as increased public education, more user control online, as well as better privacy and data protection.
During Today in Policy, Katie and Edward covered the return of the House of Commons, what ministers have a tall order, and regulating the internet.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how important strong and resilient healthcare is to all Canadians, and just how stressed our system is in many parts of the country. The Public Policy Forum is the think tank about tomorrow which is why we are keen to touch on timely issues of relevance to Canadians. Our podcast sponsor, Johnson and Johnson also knows how critical it is to provide strong healthcare services to Canadians and we thank them for their support of Policy Speaking.
This episode included a #PPFProud shout out: Here at the Public Policy Forum, we have the pleasure of working with Canada’s leading organizations to work on policy recommendations for a better Canada. Several of our members have partnered on the This Is Our Shot campaign which is an initiative and a platform which provides easy-to-understand COVID-19 information, and vaccine FAQs including booking information and resources to help Canadians get vaccinated faster. PPF Members who we are #PPFproud of include: Bell Media, CN, Facebook, Hydro One, McCarthy Tetrault, Seneca, Rogers Communications, Telus, University of Calgary, Accenture, ArcelorMitall Dofasco, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Deloitte, Enbridge, Innovative Medicines Canada, University of Toronto, Atco, BCG, Manulife, Amazon, Business Council of Canada, CIBC, EY, KPMG, TD, York University.
Ep. 56: How can Canada win the race to net zero?
In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, our host Edward Greenspon (PPF President & CEO) chats with the Honourable Jean Charest and Amanda Affonso looking at Canada’s efforts to balance national interests while decarbonizing. They discuss leveraging Canada’s energy advantages and becoming policy shapers in the global race to net-zero carbon emissions. Hon. Jean Charest and Amanda Affonso also examine COP26, the implementation of the Paris Agreement, carbon border adjustments, and rising energy prices. In answering questions from the audience, they stress policy considerations such as Indigenous engagement, incentives for small businesses, and the political traits needed to move forward with the green energy transition. This episode also corresponds with the release of PPF’s latest report, CLIMATETIVENESS: What it takes for Canada to thrive in a net zero exporting world.
In Today in Policy, Edward chats with Editor of PPF Media, Katie Davey. They discuss the COP26 convening in Glasgow, Scotland and Canada’s energy transition policy.
This episode includes a #PPFProud Member Shoutout: Amazon Web Services is bringing the power of the cloud to advance climate science, supporting the first ever full production climate model simulations on the cloud with potential to accelerate climate research and democratize access to climate research capabilities. We are PPF Proud of our member Amazon Web Services for their commitment to a net-zero future!
Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Johnson & Johnson.
Ep. 55: Building Consensus in a Post-Pandemic Canada
In our first episode this fall, Ed Greenspon (host of Policy Speaking and PPF President & CEO) is joined by the Right Honourable Joe Clark and the Honourable Christy Clark. They discuss the recent report by the Senate Prosperity Action Group, called Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities, and focus on the 'how' of achieving its outcomes. Some of the conversation points include building consensus in a post-pandemic Canada, contemplating historical events like the Charlottetown Accord and looking forward on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Hon. Joe Clark and Hon. Christy Clark also examine challenges in our policies and institutions – such as federalism, the Senate, partisanship, and the importance of leadership and interest groups – in forging common ground amongst Canadians. Finally, in answering questions from the audience, they reflect on the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on racialized Canadians, the rise of populism, and strategies to unite Canadians around a common cause.
Plus, in Today in Policy, Ed chats with Editor of PPF Media, Katie Davey. They cover a summary of Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities, the forthcoming COP26 and what Canada should consider, and the tall order in front of a shuffled federal Cabinet.
This episode includes a #PPFProud Member Shoutout:
On October 15, BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank and TD announced their collective pledge to join the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) as part of a global, industry-led initiative to accelerate and support efforts to address climate change. We are PPF proud of our members, CIBC, RBC and Scotiabank for their commitment to a net-zero future.
Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Johnson & Johnson.
Ep. 54: Critical casualties? The dichotomy & discrepancy of essential work and emerging industries.
In this week’s episode of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon connects with Jerry Dias, President of Unifor Canada. They reflect on the state of the ‘union’, the impact of the pandemic on Canada’s auto, manufacturing & service industries and the constant transition to new & different work. Jerry shares thoughts on industrial policy based on U.S. protectionism, the roles government, business and consumers play and how technology is not the workers’ enemy.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.53: Brave New Data
Brave New Work special | Episode 3 of 3
Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on new data policymakers can use in this digital era. Joining the podcast is Paul Cowan, Chief Marketing Officer at FreshBooks who talks about the birds-eye-view insights his accounting company gleaned during the COVID economic crisis, and how sharing those trends helped Canada's policymakers. We also have Caitlin Stanley, Regional Manager at GoFundMe who talks about the early data points her company sees like rises in GoFundMes for medical expenses – even in Canada – and for other basic necessities like food through the pandemic. Finally we sit down with Murad Hemmadi, the Ottawa correspondent at The Logic to talk about the shift in public opinion on data sharing, from controversies of the past to the historic credit and debit card debt info sharing agreement begun by VISA and Interac with Canada's government.
Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.52: When Your Boss is an Algorithm
Brave New Work special | Episode 2 of 3
Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on algorithms that pit workers – especially precarious workers – against the clock. Joining the podcast is Emily Guendelsberger, author of 'On the Clock', who wonders: how do you measure misery at work and what do political solutions for misery look like when policymakers are insulated from the dehumanising daily experience of low-wage work. Later in the podcast, labour relations expert Sean O’Brady talks about how technology is driving workers out of work, rather than improving their work. And he touches on union solidarity-from-home.
Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.51: Skills and Surveillance
Brave New Work special | Episode 1 of 3
Vass Bednar takes over as host of Policy Speaking, for a special Brave New Work discussion on how to think more fully about technological change. This week's focus is on skills and surveillance, with special guests: Unifor economist and policy analyst Kaylie Tiessen who talks trends in workplace training and how truck driving has been transformed; Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Brenda McPhail who talks about the right and very wrong ways surveillance can be used in the workplace; and author of 'The Secret Life of Groceries' Benjamin Lorr who talks about how minimum wage grocery work is no longer the care-free job we nostalgically remember.
Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to Public Policy Forum updates and be first to know about new events, reports and projects.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep. 50: Can Canada Build Better Infrastructure?
Canada's track record with infrastructure is world renowned, yet as Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada's Infrastructure Bank says, nationwide the country is in a persistent infrastructure gap – especially in Northern or remote communities. Cory joins Policy Speaking host Edward Greenspon to talk about the infrastructure bank system, how to leverage investment in Canada's infrastructure and innovative projects. In a wide ranging conversation from battery storage to satellites, they explore what role CIB might play in emerging technologies like carbon capture and agriculture revitalization.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.49: Does Canada Have a Plan for Economic Growth?
Manulife Financial's Chief Economist Frances Donald and former governor of the Bank of Canada David Dodge face off for a productive conversation about supporting our economy at home. From housing prices pushing a generation out of the market, to a debate on a national childcare program, these two eminent Canadian financial minds discuss the historic spending Canada has unleashed to address the pandemic and where that may land us in a few years.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.48: Taking Note of Mental Healthcare
Canadians have made step-wise advancements in treating mental health in the past two decades. 15 years ago the stigma made it hard to even talk about. Today, COVID has accelerated the use of telehealth technology to make mental health support easier to access than before. Dr. David Goldbloom, senior medical advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) joins us to talk next steps on mental healthcare in Canada, and the crisis the COVID-19 pandemic has both revealed and amplified. Dr. Goldbloom and Policy Speaking host Edward Greenspon talk about the NHS's stepped care approach that's seeing big success in the UK, how we can get a new cadre of mental health practitioners, the opioid crisis, and more.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.47: The Cutting Edge of Carbon
Canada is presented with a smorgasbord of solutions to reduce, reuse, or better use the carbon that's heating up the Earth. Policy Speaking is joined by Bruce Lourie, President of the Ivey Foundation and Janet Annesley, Senior Director, Energy and ESG at Invest Alberta Corporation for a wide ranging discussion on what Canada's provincial and federal governments can focus on – in terms of policy and technology – to drive Canada to becoming low carbon experts, relative to the U.S. and the rest of the world.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.46: Caring for Canada's Seniors
Canadians have seen the inadequacies of Canada's senior home system in this pandemic. What's less clear – how do we solve these? Policy Speaking is joined by Deloitte Canada's Georgina Black to talk about what good senior support looks like around the world, and where Canada can start to innovate. Should we be looking for better housing solutions, for new social care solutions, or is there a need for better medical solutions?
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.45: Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Pandemic Edition
The pandemic presents an opportunity to breathe new life into the story of rail in Canada. Former Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Yves Desjardins Siciliano, CEO at Siemens Mobility Canada and former VIA Rail CEO join Policy Speaking to talk the ghost of divestment past, Canada's present inter-city train network, why Quebec's system seems different, and how the current commuter crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could be leveraged to innovate metro systems and major city links.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.44: More than an Economic Recovery
Vaccines are rolling out and many Canadians are hoping for an economic upswing in the summer and fall. Is that what we should expect? David Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, joins us to talk about the economic factors he's following and the impact of the economic stimulus so far in Canada versus the U.S. and Europe. He also puts on his healthcare hat, as a former deputy health minister, to talk about outlooks for provinces like Ontario and Quebec relative to their healthcare spending - and the impact healthcare and social spending can have on our economies.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.43: Keep Calm and Supply Vaccines
Canada has four COVID-19 vaccines ready for distribution in half (if not 1/3) the time many predicted. Yet none are homegrown. Dr. Alan Bernstein, CEO of the global research organization CIFAR, and Dr. Vivek Goel, soon-to-be President of the University of Waterloo and a public health physician on the federal government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, join Policy Speaking to talk about the logistics of delivering the large number of vaccines landing on Canadian shores, why we're importing them, and how to tackle the looming 3rd wave of COVID-19 variants.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.42: Our Forced Telework Experiment
When the pandemic ends, do we return to the office of 2019? Over half of surveyed workers would like to continue working from home, even just a bit. Managers, employees, commuters, and families have lived new options and Tania Saba, professor and expert on workforce and digital transformation, explores how back-to-office may – or may not – play out. Regardless, says Murtaza Haider, Research Director of the Urban Analytics Institute, many Canadians have left urban centres bringing their work needs – whether infrastructure or work habits – with them.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.41: She-cession – Unprecedented and Uneven
Women are the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. From nurses to doctors, school teachers to orderlies, women represent 50% (or much more) of many front-line professions. Yet employment outcomes for women, particularly young women and racialized women, are the most troubling. Lynn Barr-Telford, Assistant Chief Statistician at Statistics Canada, joins Policy Speaking to share these numbers and Anjum Sultana, National Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications at YWCA Canada, shares how the pandemic has transformed hidden trends in the labour market and offers solutions from the YWCA's 8-point feminist economic recovery plan.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.40: Realities for Black Canadians in COVID-times
Nadine Spencer, President of the Black Business and Professional Association, and Mohamed Elmi, Director of Research at the Diversity Institute discuss walking the talk when it comes to addressing systemic racism. Nadine and Mohamed share the challenges black business people have long faced, and society has only recently begun to acknowledge. From financing in the COVID-19 pandemic, to the fact that only 13 black individuals were identified from over 900 corporate boards positions in major cities in Canada, this wide reaching conversation really puts the challenges and hopes for a better Canada in perspective.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.39: Are Rural Areas Being Left Behind?
U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent inauguration speech spoke of the “uncivil war” that polarizes American society across different fault lines including the urban-rural divide. But Canadians shouldn’t assume that these are merely American problems. PPF's Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow Sean Speer and Peter Loewen share their recent research, and sketch a blueprint for how we can go about building empathy and ultimately precluding the kind of polarization that we've witnessed elsewhere, with renewed economic activity in some of these places on the periphery.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep. 38: Renewal – A Growth Plan for Canadian Industry
From clean energy, to digital tech Canada is a world leader in entrepreneurship. Yet as Monique Leroux, Chair of the Industry Strategy Council of Canada, and Karimah Es Sabar and Karen Hamberg, members of the Council point out – many of those companies start out but find no home here. Joining host Edward Greenspon, these industry leaders share what they've heard from business leaders across Canada, in reports like New North Star I & II, and share findings from the Council's December report on how Canada can make strategic changes to stay on the path of prosperity.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.37: Putting Indigenous in ESG
Billions of dollars will flow into Indigenous nations to make major impacts on Canadian infrastructure and industry, but will those impacts benefit those Indigenous communities? Globally, 40 trillion investor dollars go through an environment, social and governance (ESG) risk assessment process. Yet Mark Podlasly, economic director at The First Nation's Major Project Coalition says no part of ESG includes Indigenous people as anything more than a checkbox, instead of invested partners. He says that needs to change.
Hear Mark at the Indigenous Sustainable Investment Conference March 18 and 19.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
We’d like to thank the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre for partnering with us to bring you Policy Speaking in February and March. Both Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre are valued partners of PPF, and their work contributes greatly to the conversation around innovation, skills, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. PPF is currently working with these partners on a project called Skills for the Post-Pandemic World. Papers in this series will be released in March and April.
Ep.36: Measures to Help the Internet Fulfill its Democratizing Potential
In the season three opener, Policy Speaking sits down with two Commissioners from the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression Amira Elghawaby & The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin. Public opinion and these experts agree: the time to regulate social media has arrived. They discuss findings of a new report "Harms Reduction: A Six-Step Program to Protect Democratic Expression Online", released by the Commission in parallel with findings from the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression. They tackle harmful behaviour and online hate speech, and what we can do to address these on online platforms while still defending Canadian's rights to free speech.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.35: Isolated and Anxious, but Not Alone
If there's a silver lining to COVID, it may be the acceleration of the availability of virtual mental health services. Provinces and institutions had moved very quickly to digitize services, speeding up a transition that needed to happen anyway. Two-thirds of Canadians are reporting their mental health is good, and are feeling confident in their ability to cope with COVID. Research is showing that employers – in particular – can play a big part in buoying the mental health of workers. But for some, things have gotten much worse. Policy Speaking is joined by Paula Allen, VP at Morneau Shepell and co-chair of the Civic Action's Champions Council on workplace mental health and Ed Mantler, VP at the Mental Health Commission of Canada for an analysis of Canadians' mental health status, where things have gone right, wrong, and what to expect for the holidays.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.34: Carbon Capturing Canada's Future
Carbon capture is a promising new technology, and there's big projects in Canada, the U.S. and Europe showing that it could be an economical way to remove fuel from the fire of the Earth's climate crisis. Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Ilana Hosios at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)'s Centre for Canada's Future, and Alex Dewar, Senior Director at BCG's Center for Energy Impact in Washington for an exploration of the industrial and policy implications of this emerging technology, and its potential for supporting Canada's industries and fostering R&D.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.33: 5G on the Horizon with Mirko Bibic
With a Canadian workforce of 50,000, Bell Canada is a major player in Canada's telecom industry and the cornerstone of so many of our work-from-home setups during the pandemic. President & CEO Mirko Bibic is at the helm of this historic company, and he joins Policy Speaking to discuss what's on the horizon with key milestones for 5G coming up in the next year. He and host Edward Greenspon also discuss Internet access for all, digital skills in small and medium-sized businesses, Canada's telecom competitiveness and more.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.32: The Rise and Fall of Trust in Government on COVID-19
Trust in the government response to COVID-19 started high and, overall, has dwindled in Canada. While Canadians accepted the need for big travel restrictions at the start, mobile apps for contact tracing and other targeted responses have not been universally met with open arms. As Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy professor Peter Loewen explains, this lack of trust could impact the way a vaccine is rolled out in Canada. With the pandemic growing, will Canadians have faith government can respond to the full complexity of issues ahead?
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.31: Will the U.S. See a Normal Transition from One Government to Another?
Nixon conceded to John F. Kennedy. Al Gore conceded to George W. Bush. Will Trump concede to Biden? Anxieties are increasing as a transition becomes increasingly contentious and politicized. Host Edward Greenspon is joined by Maryscott “Scotty” Greenwood and PPF Fellow Sean Speer to discuss how the Democrats and Republicans did, the polarization of this U.S. election and what that means for Canada. Could a Biden presidency be a return to "normal" or is Trump a herald that there's no going back?
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
U.S. Election Special – Narrow Defeat and a Divided Country with Frank McKenna
With final results potentially still days away, the U.S. election has turned out to be a cliffhanger and not a landslide. Frank McKenna is a former Ambassador to the U.S. and 27th Premier of New Brunswick, and he joins Policy Speaking to share his initial reactions as Trump's results in key states have blown polling out of the water. McKenna shares his insights on where polls went wrong and possible court challenges ahead. Whatever the result, the U.S. will find itself a divided country and McKenna explores what this polarization means for government gridlock, what a Biden or Trump presidency means for Canada's relationship with the U.S., and how Canada can navigate the uncertainty of this moment.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license
Ep.29: More Runway for Airports and Canada's Aviation Industry
Billion dollar infrastructure investments are on hold and airport passenger volumes are down 90% at two of Canada's biggest airports. The CEOs of Toronto and Vancouver airports – Deborah Flint and Tamara Vrooman respectively – join Policy Speaking to talk about the tensions airports face in the pandemic. Facing stiff competition from airports in the US and no clear runway for recovery, our guests explore how their industry can pivot to get cleaner, greener, leaner and keener about innovation – in this special Rebuild Canada Growth Summit episode of the podcast.
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Music: Raro Bueno by Chuzausen under a creative commons license