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Wonk

Public Policy Forum

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Wonk is a podcast about policy and policymakers in Canada — but you don’t need to be a policy wonk to enjoy it. Hosted by PPF President and CEO Edward Greenspon, we talk to leaders, thinkers and doers who are setting the agenda and driving change for the better in Canada. We also probe the passionate personalities behind the policies. After all, good policy at its core is about people. Listen to Wonk, and be in the knoW. New episodes on Thursdays. This feed also hosts the archive for Public ...
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Canada has a very short time to act before Donald Trump's 30-day tariff reprieve ends. It's a tall order given the stakes and magnitude of the challenge ahead. Our panel of experts, host Edward Greenspon, Janice Stein and Riaz Kara, talk about the need for a disciplined response, the time-intensive task of diversification, and why the smart move no…
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President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have forced Canadians to take a long, hard look at our economy and how it needs to evolve. This is especially true for the oil and gas industry which is deeply linked with the United States. Our panel of top energy wonks — Jackie Forrest, Janet Annesley and Bryan Cox — discuss the impacts and real costs of U.…
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The moment Canadians have been waiting for, and in some cases dreading, is here. President Donald Trump is continuing to threaten us with massive tariffs, but now with all the levers of a president who controls both houses of Congress. What does Trump's so-called "Golden Age for America" mean for the world and for Canada? Our expert panel — Luiza S…
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In the lead-up to President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, he has escalated his taunts and economic threats against Canada. How can we prepare for the potential upending of a trade relationship that is the backbone of the Canadian economy? To help sort through this we've gathered one of our all-star panels: Marta Morgan, former deputy mi…
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The former leader of the Conservative party was almost the Prime Minister of Canada. In the 2021 election, his party won more votes than the Liberals, but not more seats. O’Toole, now the president and managing director of ADIT North America, is out of politics, but he remains a wonk at heart. He joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss how he’d deal…
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British Columbia gave the green light this week to nine wind energy projects intended to meet the insatiable demand for clean electricity. In the words of B.C. Premier David Eby, "we need a lot more juice." Eight of these projects are majority owned by First Nations communities and all are set to proceed without the regular environmental assessment…
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We convened an expert panel for an emergency WONK session to talk about President-elect Donald Trump's latest tariff threats and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Host Edward Greenspon talks with Janice Stein, the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Steve Verheul, Canada's former chie…
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How do we hit Canada's climate goals without harming consumers and the overall economy, especially if that harm hits some regions particularly hard? To untangle this, host Edward Greenspon talks to Andrew Leach, a professor at the University of Alberta's Department of Economics and Faculty of Law. He's also an architect of Alberta's climate change …
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Although President Donald Trump swept the table in the U.S. election, the vote still showed an America sharply divided. Recent events represent a high watermark of the polarization that has come to dominate politics in much of the Western world. Host Edward Greenspon talks to Peter Loewen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell Univers…
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From tariffs to tax cuts, Americans, Canadians and people around the world are thinking through the implications of Donald Trump’s proposed economic plans. Wonk host Edward Greenspon talks to Brett House, a professor at Columbia Business School and a former deputy chief economist at Scotiabank about the major flaws in Trumponomics, why CUSMA sowed …
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After one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history, we've gathered a trio of consequential policy wonks to help us understand what went down in this election and what the result means to Canada and the world. PPF Fellows Don Wright, Janet Annesley and Sean Speer join WONK host Edward Greenspon to talk about President Trump’s decisive vic…
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Alex Himelfarb served as Canada’s top public servant, Clerk of the Privy Council, under three Prime Ministers: Jean Chretien, Paul Martin and, briefly, Stephen Harper. He knows a thing or two about the immense challenges of governing at the highest levels. He's also been fascinated by the big trends that policymakers must come to terms with, such a…
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The question on everyone's mind these days: What happens if tariff-loving Donald Trump wins the U.S. election in November? Specifically, what does it mean for Canada, our side of the world's biggest trading relationship? Host Edward Greenspon talks to Canada’s chief NAFTA negotiator, Steve Verheul, about the ‘ugly choices’ we face in dealing with a…
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The biggest turnaround since the Second World War is underway in Atlantic Canada. But it comes with a bit of a cautionary flag. As PPF’s Atlantic Canada Momentum Index shows, growth is occurring at a more tentative pace than the year before. WONK host Edward Greenspon talks to all-star economist David Campbell — the wonk of the East — about what’s …
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As the climate warms and geopolitical tensions heat up, Canada’s eyes, and the appetites of the world, are increasingly turning north. An area renowned for its stark beauty is now also viewed as an untapped resource for rare earth and critical minerals. It is also feeling the impacts of global warming more acutely than almost anywhere on Earth. Hos…
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There are few people in Canada who understand the ins-and-outs, the strengths and the undeniable weaknesses of our healthcare system as well Dr. Jane Philpott. She recently poured her decades of invaluable experience into a new book called Health for All: A Doctor’s Prescription for a Healthier Canada. A core prescription in her book? That primary …
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Over 13 years, the organization Raven Lacerte co-founded with her dad has distributed seven million little squares of moose hide that people wear on their lapels. The Moose Hide Campaign has sparked an estimated 30 million conversations about ending violence toward women and children in Canada. She speak with host Edward Greenspon about how it all …
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On lists of influential people to watch, Sean Speer is often described as a guide, an influencer and a conservative who is committed to policy. He was senior economic adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Today, he's an editor-at-large at The Hub, the conservative leaning news and opinion website. And he's a leading thinker on the ideas behind …
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If you are a Canadian who's interested in the world, then you are almost certainly a Canadian who has encountered Professor Janice Stein. She’s Canada’s preeminent interpreter of global issues through her teaching, academic research and regular media appearances. She is the founding director at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at…
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John Risley is best known for his by-the-bootstraps creation of global seafood giant Clearwater — and for orchestrating its sale to a coalition of First Nations. The self-made billionaire’s next big project is as chairman of World Energy GH2, which plans to build a massive green hydrogen project on Newfoundland’s west coast. He talks to host Edward…
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The University of Calgary economics professor’s views on the intersection of policy and economics are in high demand because, well, his cool empirical perspective makes them so compelling. Trevor Tombe talks to host Edward Greenspon about why the now-operational Trans Mountain pipeline isn’t the boondoggle critics think, why Canada’s economy lags t…
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As chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada for the past 23 years, Craig Wright has offered essential insight through booms and busts, from the great financial crisis to the pandemic. Everyone from CEOs to prime ministers, to news reporters have relied on his prognostications. When he retires in June, he’ll relinquish his title as longest servin…
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Tucked into this year’s federal budget document was something a little out of the ordinary and of great consequence: Indigenous Loan Guarantees. The program has the potential to open massive energy and resource developments that will benefit both Canada and Indigenous communities. Mark Podlasly is the chief sustainability officer of the First Natio…
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Canada’s lagging productivity has become what the Bank of Canada calls a national ‘emergency’. The OECD’s incoming chief economist, Álvaro Santos Pereira, a dual citizen of Portugal and Canada, is one of the foremost experts on the subject. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about why Canada lags other countries, the opportunities it’s missing, and …
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Scott Balfour is the CEO of Emera, the owner of Nova Scotia Power and a major player in energy in the United States. He is central to the efforts to wean Canada off carbon and build a clean electricity system – all at a time when demand for power is soaring. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about investments, promising technologies and the so-call…
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After 12 years leading one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage recently announced he’ll be stepping down. In his time as mayor, Halifax went from worrying about its declining, aging population to becoming a magnet for newcomers and residents from other provinces. Savage joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about his success…
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David Shoemaker is the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the organization tasked with promoting Olympic values and helping get Canadian athletes onto the podium. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about why he expects big things in Paris, the challenge of making sport safer in Canada, and the delicate balance of international competition in a t…
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Canada is perhaps the most successful immigration nation in the world. But its system is showing some cracks, as immigration is twinned in the public mind with housing shortages and high rental costs. Rupa Banerjee, Canada Research Chair in Economic inclusion, Employment and Entrepreneurship of Canada’s Immigrants, talks to host Edward Greenspon ab…
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The longest-serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the first woman to hold the position, weighs in on the good and the bad of the federal government’s long-awaited online harms bill. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about anti-hate laws, freedom of expression and why some provisions in the new bill will likely end up before the…
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JP Gladu is one of Canada's visionary leaders in the national dialogue around Indigenous ownership in the economy. He has decades of experience bringing Indigenous communities together with industry and governments in pursuit of their economic sovereignty. He joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about the rise of Indigenous business, getting the gov…
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John Hannaford is the Clerk of the Privy Council, the most senior job in the public service. It is really three jobs rolled into one: deputy minister to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the cabinet and head of the public service. Hannaford talks to host Edward Greenspon about the historic challenges facing the public service, the renewed focus on e…
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Paul Wells is the dean of political reporting in Canada. For 30 years he wrote for national news outlets before recently launching his own little media empire. He has a buzzing Substack and podcast. His brand name is now, well, his name. He joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about his life in a fast-changing media landscape, the future of journali…
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Shingai Manjengwa is one of the leading AI educators and thinkers. She is the head of AI education at chainML, the founder of Fireside Analytics, and the director of professional development at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about how AI actually works, its challenges and why we shouldn’t fear t…
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Dr. Vivek Goel was an ace up Canada’s sleeve when the pandemic hit. He’s a physician and top public health researcher. He was on COVID-19’s Immunity Task Force and advised the national body for COVID-19 research. He’s also the president of the University of Waterloo. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the unrest in higher education institution…
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Anne McLellan is known as ‘Landslide Annie’ for her nail biting wins as a Liberal MP in Alberta. She served as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Health and deputy Prime minister. Today, she’s a co-chair, along with former conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, of the c…
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Crystal Smith is the elected chief of the Haisla National Council and the guiding force behind a multi-billion-dollar LNG project on Haisla territory that is fast becoming a model for Indigenous led and owned development. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about the dramatic changes occurring in her home town of Kitimaat Village, overcoming environ…
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Marc Garneau has been a naval officer, an astronaut and a cabinet minister. He’s led the Canadian Space Agency and served as ‘Capcom’ at NASA – that is, the voice of Houston on shuttle missions. For his remarkable career(s), his name is etched in the history books, on two highschools and a postage stamp. Garneau talks to host Edward Greenspon about…
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Peter Nicholson has advised leaders of the OECD, major corporations and was instrumental in Canada's deficit busting 1995 budget. Today, the dean of public policy thinking in Canada has turned his efforts to the topic of wind power, and its potential to make Atlantic Canada the next energy superpower. He talks to Edward Greenspon about the urgent e…
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Jayna Hefford is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, having won four straight gold medals. She’s also one of the top goal scorers ever to play the game of hockey. Now she’s turning her considerable talents to the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a six-team league of elite players that hits the ice next month, on Jan. 1, 2024. She talks to …
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At a time when news outlets are falling into decline and disappearing from the map, Jeff Elgie has been steadily growing Village Media from his base in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. In the process he has wound up at the centre of one of the most important debates of the digital news era: how to effectively sustain journalism and, by extension, the strength…
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As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae has taken on what may be his most consequential role in a 45-year career largely in public service. From the invasion of Ukraine to the war between Israel and Hamas, he speaks for Canada with a rare and often critical clarity. Ambassador Rae talks to host Edward Greenspon about the emotional toll…
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Sounding out smart policy and the passionate people behind it. Wonk is a weekly conversation with the leaders and policymakers who are shaping our democracy, driving the economy, and tackling the issues that matter to Canadians. Hosted by author, former journalist and president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum, Edward Greenspon, Wonk is rooted in…
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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.…
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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 th…
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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 I…
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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 work…
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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-…
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