News Room

According to the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index (GSCPI), pressures in the supply chain decreased in November. This compounds the easing observed over the past four months showing positive results for the future of trade. Furthermore, freight rates fell 21 per cent in November, its lowest level since December 2020, as demand continued to slow and congestion levels decreased.

Quick take  |  2-min read
January 5, 2023
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

The Index of Business Confidence falls for the fifth-consecutive quarter, something not seen in fourteen years. During the 2007-08 financial crisis, the Index declined for six-consecutive quarters before reversing course from the first quarter of 2009. Currently, the index has been trending lower consistently since the third quarter of 2021, reflecting the persistent worry Canadian executives have had over the state of the economy.

Quick take  |  3-min read
October 19, 2022
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Investor sentiment has declined in Canada. The most recent data show that the yield curve inverted in August and declined further in September. This signals that the market outlook is negative. Historically, yield curve inversions have preceded recessionary periods. However, this does not necessarily indicate that a recession is on the cards.

Quick take  |  3-min read
October 18, 2022
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Canadian youth are facing unique challenges that threaten to define Generation Z as the COVID Kids. Almost two-thirds of youth aged 15 to 24 reported the pandemic harmed their mental health. They’re coming of age while trying to catch up on months of lost learning amidst an affordability crisis. But there is a skill solution — the great outdoors.

Op-ed  |  2-min read
September 6, 2022
Focus Area—Education & Skills

Housing price increases over the past few years severely eroded housing affordability and galvanized national attention. It is essential to remember that, in any market, prices are determined by both supply and demand. This means that while Canada certainly needs more homes, attention must be paid to demand-side questions like who is buying them, how purchasers are paying for them and what buyers are doing with them.

Op-ed  |  4-min read
June 29, 2022
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Canada has an ambitious emissions reduction agenda. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 40–45 per cent relative to 2005 levels by 2030 means a reduction of 295–330 Mt CO2e in the next eight years. How do we get there? While heavy-duty freight and other transport sectors are undergoing transition as well, technologies for those segments are not advancing fast enough to deliver on the government’s timeline.

Op-ed  |  5-min read
May 5, 2022
Focus Area—Sustainability

Canada recently announced plans to bring an unlimited number of Ukrainians to Canada on a three-year visa with the right to work while they are here. It’s an exciting and new plan for humanitarian migration. It also raises an important question. How do we deliver on the promise we make when we offer people resettlement in Canada?

Commentary  |  5-min read
June 28, 2022
Focus Area—Immigration

Canada’s immigration response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is both inspiring and unprecedented. Despite its reputation as a welcoming country, Canadian policy often makes it difficult for people needing protection to reach Canada. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) tackles one of the biggest hurdles—visa requirements. Travel to seek asylum is a human right. But the Canadian government imposes visa requirements on countries that send a high number of refugee claimants.

Commentary  |  3-min read
June 15, 2022
Focus Area—Immigration

Positive mental health allows us to cope with changes and difficult challenges in our day-to-day lives, personally as well as professionally. The pandemic blurred this boundary as employees worked from home, many simultaneously caring for children and other loved ones while living a more isolated lifestyle.

Commentary  |  3-min read
May 4, 2022
Focus Area—Human Resources