Futureproofing Canada

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 of Prince Edward Island, about what’s driving Canada’s push toward significantly higher military spending and a new defence strategy . They discuss how renewed pressure from the United States, growing geopolitical competition, and the war in Ukraine have forced a rethink of Canada’s security assumptions. The conversation explores the challenges of defence procurement, the ambition to build a stronger domestic defence industry, and the realities of operating alongside, and increasingly independently from, the United States.

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, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Ryan Manucha, one of Canada’s leading experts on interprovincial trade and the author of Booze, Cigarettes and Constitutional Dust-Ups, about the recent wave of legislation aimed at mutual recognition and internal trade reform. They discuss what mutual recognition really means, why implementation is harder than it sounds, and whether new federal and provincial momentum can translate into lasting economic gains.

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 past decade, and why public opinion has shifted. They explore the growing role of temporary migration, the policy choices that shaped the system, and the challenges of maintaining public confidence while responding to economic and regional needs.

Carolyn Whitzman, senior housing researcher at U of T and author of Home Truths, unpacks how policy shifts hollowed out affordable and non-market housing. She explores zoning, finance, and legal barriers that block co-housing and large-scale solutions. International contrasts and practical pathways like financing reform, municipal tools, and scaling non-market providers are highlighted.

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 investment is, why it matters to Canadian workers, and how global companies can help in areas such as critical minerals, clean energy, agri-food processing, life sciences, and the EV battery supply chain. Drawing on her pan-Canadian experience, she discusses how smaller and rural communities can position themselves to attract and retain long-term investment, why predictability and regulatory clarity matter to investors, and how a “Team Canada” approach is helping the country compete in an increasingly crowded global market.

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, from wellness products to fake online reviews, is shaping our beliefs, eroding trust, and influencing public policy. Drawing on decades of research, he explains why misinformation spreads so easily, how political identity fuels distorted beliefs, and what Canada can do to strengthen critical thinking, media literacy, and evidence-informed policymaking.

Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, shares insights from his decades-long journey in Canada's performing arts scene. He emphasizes that the arts are crucial for national resilience and cultural cohesion. Deacon discusses how the NAC fosters empathy and supports diverse voices, including newcomers and Indigenous stories. He highlights the transformative power of memorable performances in shaping Canadian identity and how cultural initiatives bolster social policy and community engagement.

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, democracy, and trust with former Nova Scotia premier Daryl Dexter, journalist Steve Murphy, former cabinet minister Kelly Regan, and former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick. The panel explored what transparency, empathy, and accountability look like in practice, from governing through crises to rebuilding confidence in institutions and the media. The conversation also examined how Canada can strengthen media literacy, counter disinformation, and support local journalism as foundations of a healthy democracy.

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 country, from AI labs to smart farms, while advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation and helping communities navigate economic transition. She also discusses the ripple effects of recent international-student policy changes and what they reveal about Canada’s broader labour and demographic challenges. Tune in to hear Johnston’s insights on how colleges can power Canada’s future prosperity.

Join former chief trade negotiator Steve Verheul, Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Matthew Holmes, and political science professor Patricia Goff as they explore Canada's trade landscape. They discuss the current deadlock in Canada-U.S. negotiations and the challenges of diversifying trade relationships beyond the U.S. The panel highlights potential growth sectors like critical minerals and energy, while addressing the complexities of navigating geopolitical tensions with China. Their insights reveal how strategic policy can reshape Canada's trading future.