Overview
Reorienting Canada’s economy in a changing world
The latest tensions with the U.S. should jolt Canadians into seeking an economic and trade reboot. While relations with Washington may recover, the scars should be a reminder that Canada must remain agile in a world of shifting alliances.
That does not mean moving away from the U.S.; a strong Canadian-American partnership is a source of strength for both economies. But it’s prudent for Canada to seek more allies, trade partners and customers across the Atlantic and Pacific.
Trade Hub, a new digital platform, aims to highlight opportunities for Canada in this new economic order. In this effort, we will examine several key areas where Canada can leverage our strengths, including agriculture, energy, critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains, and the regulations and policies that drive investments into the country.
Sparking a new energy boom. Canada’s oil, gas, and power resources are hot commodities in a world seeking energy security. A renewed focus on energy can drive economic growth, strengthen Indigenous partnerships, and bolster climate policy and investments. It can also be sustainable. Canada’s next commodity boom need not be an old “strip-and-ship” strategy, but rather focus on value-added goods and materials, and investments in our natural assets.
Becoming an international “rock” star. Canada is home to other resource riches—potash, uranium and critical minerals—that are all in short supply globally. As the U.S. and other allies look to reduce their dependence on China for materials vital to aerospace, defence, high-end manufacturing and an energy transition, Canada can step up.
Placing Canadian foods on the world’s plate. From canola to canned goods, Canadian food items are a common sight on kitchen tables across the world. Meanwhile, our considerable potash reserves can boost food security for the U.S. and the wider world.
Building up the manufacturing value chain. Commodities can serve as a springboard for a new wave of value-added industrial development. In addition, Canada’s highly integrated manufacturing ecosystem with the U.S., spanning auto parts to aerospace to agrifoods, can unlock economic value on both sides of the border.
Initiating deep economic reforms. Attracting global investment is necessary for Canada’s economic prosperity. But our tax competitiveness could weaken amid a U.S. tax-cutting spree. Canadian regulations, interprovincial barriers, and lengthy permitting processes add to a formidable thicket that’s not conducive to investments, growth and new job creation. It’s time for a new look at what we have, what we make and how to create the most value from it.
Insights and Analysis
Food Fight: China’s tariffs adds to exporters’ woes
The tariffs mark an escalation in trade tensions between Canada and China, with risk tilted to the upside.
Turning the Tables: How Canada can shake off the U.S. softwood lumber dispute and grow the sector
Three ways Canada can look beyond the softwood lumber tariff dispute with the U.S. and build up the forestry sector.
Power play: Assessing Canada’s electricity advantage in U.S. trade talks
Is electricity a card worth playing in Ottawa’s negotiations with Washington?
The New Great Game: How the race for critical minerals is shaping tech supremacy
In-depth analysis on the race to develop and process these minerals and what’s at stake.
Food first: How agriculture can lead a new era for Canadian exports
Introducing a national roadmap that can unlock Canada’s potential as an agriculture powerhouse.
Metal Wars: Five things to watch for as U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs roll out
Five themes to watch for as the two economies brace for fallout.
Commentary
What to expect from Trump’s unprecedented, unpredictable and contradictory trade war
Why Canada and the U.S. are headed towards a greater trade conflict.
Ottawa’s letter to Washington: Let’s tackle trade, tariffs and China—together
Key themes that emerged from Canada’s filing in response to USTR’s request for comments.
Global trade is being unsettled. Here’s how Canada can thrive in the new economic order
Ideas for navigating this new age of disruptive economics.
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- Heavy Lifting: How Canadian manufacturers can decarbonize despite trade turmoil
- ‘Yellow flags’: The cracks forming in the U.S. economy that we’re watching
- What is the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy?
- U.S. tariff give and take
- U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect: What is the state of play?
- How U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs would impact Canada’s economy
- Six questions about the significance of interprovincial trade barriers in Canada
- A playbook for how to measure a tariff shock in Canada
- 50 ways to leave your lover: Sizing the impact of a trade breakup
- Five things we learned this week about U.S.-Canada trade
- A U.S.-Canada trade shock now in play: first economic takeaways
Business Resources
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