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Futureproofing Canada
by IRPP
Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the people who are thinking boldly about how to solve these challenges. Each biweekly episode features a frank, in-depth discussion between IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn and the leaders who envision a Canada that’s confident and ready to seize opportunities.
Episodes
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The Economic Opportunity Beneath Canada’s Defence Push
Canada’s growing defence ambitions come with an economic opportunity. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE, about Canada’s defence and ocean technology sector and what it will take to turn new investment into lasting industrial...
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Influencers and the Political Information Ecosystem
The political information landscape is being reshaped as social media influencers are increasingly at the heart of changes in how news is produced, how campaigns are run, and how citizens engage with politics. But how much do we know about their roles, and what should journalists, policymakers…
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What Governments Get Wrong About Implementation
What Governments Get Wrong About Implementation by IRPP
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“We Have the Resources the World Wants”: Susan Holt on New Brunswick’s Economic Future
New Brunswick is rethinking how it grows its economy in a more uncertain global environment. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick, about how the province is positioning itself for long-term resilience, from developing...
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Rethinking Canada’s Defence Strategy for a Changing World
Canada is preparing for a major shift in defence policy, one that could reshape not only its military capabilities, but also its economy and global partnerships. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Jeff Collins, a defence policy expert at the University…
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Breaking Down Canada’s Internal Trade Barriers
For decades, economists and policymakers have argued that internal trade barriers are holding Canada back. But tariff threats from the United States and global uncertainty have prompted governments across the country to act on lowering those barriers. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada…
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Canada’s Immigration Backlash: What’s Really Happening?
In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Mireille Paquet, director of the Institute for Research on Migration and Society and research chair on the politics of immigration at Concordia University, about how Canada’s immigration landscape has changed over the...
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What Broke Housing in Canada, and How to Fix It
In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Carolyn Whitzman, one of the country’s leading housing experts, about how decades of policy choices created today’s housing crisis and what it will take to fix it. Drawing on international examples and her own research,...
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How Foreign Investment Can Strengthen Canada’s Economic Future
In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, about how attracting global investment can strengthen Canada’s economic resilience, not just in major cities, but in communities across the country. Broten explains what foreign direct...
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The Age of Misinformation: What It Means for Canada’s Future
In this episode, Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Timothy Caulfield, one of North America’s leading voices on misinformation and the author of The Certainty Illusion: What You Don’t Know and Why It Matters. Caulfield unpacks how today’s chaotic information environment…
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Why the Arts Matter to Canada’s Future
In this episode, Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, about how the arts build national resilience. Deacon reflects on nearly four decades inside one of Canada’s cultural institutions and explains why the...
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Why Leadership and Trust Matter for Democracy
How do leaders earn and keep the public’s trust in an era of polarization, misinformation, and political fatigue? In this episode, we share with you the recording of an Acadia University event where Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn moderated a frank discussion on leadership…
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Why Canada’s Workforce Strategy Must Include Colleges
In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, about why the country’s workforce strategy must include its colleges. Johnston shares how colleges are powering applied research and training across the...
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Strengthening Canada’s Trading Relationships: Is Diversifying Away From the U.S. Realistic?
This week’s episode is a recording of a panel Jennifer moderated at the IRPP’s recent conference on industrial policy. The panel featured Patricia Goff, professor in the Department of Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and at the Balsillie School of International Affairs; Matthew...
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The Future of Canada’s North: Critical Minerals and the Arctic Security Corridor
In this episode, RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, joins us for a conversation about how the North can help shape Canada’s economic and security future. Simpson highlights the region’s wealth of critical minerals and the importance of projects like the proposed Arctic Security...
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Tariffs, Trade, and Transformation: The Future of Atlantic Canada’s Economy
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by David Chaundy, President and CEO of the Atlantic Economic Council, for a conversation about the economic transformation of Atlantic Canada and what lies ahead for the region. Chaundy reflects on more than two decades of industrial change, from the decline of...
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Why Canada Needs a Rural Lens in Decision-Making
Why Canada Needs a Rural Lens in Decision-Making by IRPP
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What is “mission-driven” government, and can it work in Canada
What is “mission-driven” government, and can it work in Canada by IRPP
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Why Community-Led Growth Is Key to Canada’s Economic Future
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Zita Cobb, the CEO of Shorefast, an organisation that promotes economic self-determination and strategies for strengthening local economies in sustainable ways. Drawing on her experience revitalizing Fogo Island, Cobb shares her vision for asset-based...
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Leveling the Playing Field: What Holds Back Indigenous Businesses
Indigenous businesses are now being launched at up to nine times the rate of non-Indigenous businesses. In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, Jennifer is joined by Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, for a conversation about the growing momentum of...
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Why Inuit Self-Determination Is Key to Canada's Future
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, for a wide-ranging conversation on Inuit self-determination, infrastructure, and Canada’s future in the Arctic. Originally from Nunatsiavut, Obed has become one of the leading voices advocating for Inuit…
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Canada’s Cities Are Doing Too Much With Too Little — Here’s Why That Matters
Canada’s Cities Are Doing Too Much With Too Little — Here’s Why That Matters by IRPP
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Tariffs, Steel, and the Future of Canada's Economy, a Conversation with Matthew Shoemaker
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is an important industrial centre best known for its steel industry. But that industry is currently being threatened by the tariffs on steel and aluminium announced by the Trump administration. Our guest today is Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. Mayor...
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Ranj Pillai on Sovereignty and Strategy in the Arctic - Futureproofing Canada 01
In our first episode, Jennifer is joined by Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, for a conversation about what it means to build economic resilience in the North. Premier Pillai speaks about Yukon’s response to global tensions and economic uncertainty, emphasizing infrastructure investment to support...
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PO Podcast 169 - What is the strategic long game for Canada-U.S. relations?
This week, we’re once again brining you the audio from one of our most recent event. This time it’s from a webinar on Canada-U.S. relations that we held on March 5, 2025. The second Trump administration is turning into an unsettling roller-coaster ride, and Canadians can’t seem to get off. Every...
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PO Podcast 168 - Affordability and Climate: Addressing Intertwined Challenges in Politics Today
As a new U.S. administration keeps threatening to impose tariffs on Canadian exports, the IRPP hosted a panel discussion on how to address the intersecting affordability and climate crises. Hosted in partnership with the Affordability Action Council, the panel featured Tyler Meredith, a former...
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The Future of Community Housing - Demystifying Community Housing 05
On this last episode in this series, our co-hosts Hanan Ali and Natasha Mhuriro talked to four guests. Djaka Blais, Executive Director of Hogan’s Alley Society; Robert Byers, President & C-E-O of Namerind Housing Corporation; Joshua Evans, Associate Professor at the University of Alberta. and…
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Resilience and Challenges of the Community Housing Sector - Demystifying Community Housing 04
In this episode of Demystifying Community Housing, we hear from Alex Hemingway, Christina Maes Nino and Steve Pomeroy, on the various challenges facing the community housing sector and how to bolster its resilience. Additional resources: • Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative (CHEC), a network...
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Why Do We Need Community Housing? - Demystifying Community Housing 03
In this episode of Demystifying Community Housing, Hanan Ali and Natasha speak with Damian Collins, Professor of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta and Director of the Community Housing Canada Research Partnership, Marika Albert, the Policy Director of B.C. Non-Profit…
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Life in Community Housing - Demystifying Community Housing 02
In this episode of Demystifying Community Housing we hear from AnaLori Smith, Pam Gill and Rita Wong about what it’s like to live in community housing. We’ll also talk to non-profit housing practitioners Marika Albert and William Azaroff about the challenges of operating community housing and...
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What is Community Housing? - Demystifying Community Housing 01
In this episode of Demystifying Community Housing, co-hosts Hanan Ali and Natasha Mhuriro speak with Rebecca Schiff, dean of the Faculty of Human Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia; Ray Sullivan, executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association; and...
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Welcome to Demystifying Community Housing
Welcome to Demystifying Community Housing, a special series from the IRPP’s Policy Options Podcast, which explores the different facets of community housing and its role in addressing Canada’s housing crisis. In this episode, we speak with Yushu Zhu and Meg Holden, professors of urban studies at...
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PO Podcast 167 - Addressing Ecological Risks (Institutions for Effective Climate Action conference)
PO Podcast 167 - Addressing Ecological Risks (Institutions for Effective Climate Action conference) by IRPP
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PO Podcast 166 - Climate Change in the North
PO Podcast 166 - Climate Change in the North by IRPP
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PO Podcast 165 - An Interview between Jennifer Ditchburn and Kim Pate
It is undeniable that poverty and income inequality are two of Canada’s most pressing issues. But it is less clear what policy solutions need to be enacted to address these problems. In response to these challenges, some policy practitioners have called for the implementation of an unconditional...
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PO Podcast 164 - An all-in approach to solving Canada’s affordability and climate crises
Affordability and climate are compounding, overlapping crises — and people are struggling through them both at the same time. Individuals across Canada are tired of making trade-offs because, when it comes to life’s necessities — housing, food, transportation and a sustainable climate — there...
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The history of colonialism and slavery still impacts Black people in Canada by Fauzya Moore
To move beyond this long legacy, federal and provincial governments need to focus on educating Canadians about Black history.
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Le Québec encore seul dans sa défense des pouvoirs provinciaux par Charles Breton
En se privant d’un milliard cette année pour défendre sa compétence en santé, le Québec se retrouve une fois de plus dans le rôle de gardien du fédéralisme.
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Quebec’s move to force teaching French at McGill and Concordia could have dire consequences
Without additional funds, the move could lead to reduced course choice and the replacement of specialists with French teachers, harming the quality of education.
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Social Inequality, with Joe Soss - In/Equality 15
Social inequalities have shown no sign of receding in Canada or worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the persistence of deep-seated inequalities along racialized and gendered lines. Meanwhile, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice has called into question…
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Financial Inequality, with John Peters - In/Equality 14
Well over a decade after the Occupy Wall Street protests, costs of living are still dramatically outpacing wages. The gap between the 99% and the 1% is wider than ever. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, but why? In this episode of In/Equality, host Debra Thompson speaks...
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Inequality and Anti-Black Racism, with Craig Wellington - In/Equality 13
Following the 2020 uprisings after the murder of George Floyd, many institutions committed to major changes to address systemic racism. In response to this mass movement for racial justice, a suite of policies and initiatives were announced to address the historical legacy and ongoing impact of...
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Inequality and Housing Access, with Yushu Zhu - In/Equality 12
Housing affordability has become one of the most talked-about problems of Canadian life. Housing prices have been rapidly rising ,and rent – per many renters – is too damn high. In this episode of In/Equality, host Debra Thompson speaks with Yushu Zhu, assistant professor at Simon Fraser...
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Inequality and Rural Communities, with William Reimer - In/Equality 11
Seventy-four per cent of Canadians live in cities of over 100,000 people, according to the 2021 census. What does that mean for those living in rural and remote areas? How do we ensure rural Canadians have access to high-quality services? In this episode of In/Equality, host Debra Thompson speaks...
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Inequality and Food Insecurity, with Valerie Tarasuk - In/Equality 10
In Canada, 1.4 million children live in food-insecure households. Despite being an affluent country, Canada has chronic food insecurity, and the problem is worsening. In this episode of In/Equality, host Debra Thompson speaks with Valerie Tarasuk professor in the Department of Nutritional…
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Inequality and Health-Care Bias, with Javeed Sukhera - In/Equality 09
Addressing bias in health-care provision is difficult because the professionals are extremely defensive when confronted with the reality of bias. In this episode of In/Equality, host Debra Thompson speaks with psychiatrist and researcher Javeed Sukhera of the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT,...
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Inequality and Environmental Racism, with Ingrid Waldron - In/Equality 08
Discussions around climate change sometimes portray the climate crisis as a phenomenon that impacts all people equally. But this framing neglects the fact that accelerating climate change disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable communities, in particular Black and Indigenous...
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PO Podcast 163 - Basic Income and a Just Society: Policy Choices for Canada’s Social Safety Net
Calls for a guaranteed basic income have strengthened during the pandemic, as proponents of the policy have argued that a basic income is a simple and effective way to reduce poverty. A new IRPP book, Basic Income and a Just Society: Policy Choices for Canada’s Social Safety Net, analyzes the...
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PO Podcast 162 - Building an adaptable country
From June 12 to 14, 2023, the Institute on Governance (IOG) and the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation at the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) partenered to convene Resilient Institutions: Learning from Canada’s COVID-19 Pandemic – a conference on making public...
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PO Podcast 161 - What the Alberta election means for Canada
What do the results of the 2023 Alberta election mean for the future of the province? What consequences will the election have for the province’s relations with Ottawa, with other provinces, and with First Nations? Tune into this panel discussion, moderated by the IRPP’s Charles Breton, executive...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the people who are thinking boldly about how to solve these challenges. Each biweekly episode features a frank, in-depth discussion between IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn and the leaders who envision a Canada that’s confident and ready to seize opportunities.
HOSTED BY
IRPP
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Futureproofing Canada have?
Futureproofing Canada currently has 227 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Futureproofing Canada about?
Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the...
How often does Futureproofing Canada release new episodes?
Futureproofing Canada publishes regularly with 227 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Futureproofing Canada?
You can listen to Futureproofing Canada on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Futureproofing Canada?
Futureproofing Canada is created and hosted by IRPP.
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