Intended Consequences
Intended Consequences is the official podcast of the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. The podcast discusses practical provincial and Canadian policy ideas that achieve the actual goals they are designed to achieve with interesting guests and experts. The Institute aims to combine political acuity with policy recommendations to provide a one-stop shop for expert policy advice that is politically practical and possible to implement. StrategyCorp is a consulting firm based out of Toronto, Canada that prides itself on being at the nexus of government connectivity and smart policy thought.
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Episode 83 - Navigating Government Procurement in Canada
04/24/2024
Episode 83 - Navigating Government Procurement in Canada
Governments spend large sums of money on procurement every year. According to Global Affairs Canada, estimates show that government procurement represents between 13 and 20 per cent of a country’s gross domestic product. Given the size of the budgets and the wide array of goods and services governments need, procurement is a big opportunity for potential suppliers. However, procurement processes are often complex and hard to navigate. To explore the topic of federal procurement, we are joined by the President of AES Inc., Annie Randell, and Martin Rust, a Senior Advisor and a member of the StrategyCorp Procurement Solutions team. We explore why government procurement matters, the lifecycle of a process and how it could be improved. A member of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, Annie Randell also discusses the obstacles Indigenous-led organizations face when they partake in government procurement processes. Later in the show, Julie Gonyou explains what makes municipal procurement unique and debunks common misconceptions. A former Chief Administrative Officer, Julie Gonyou is a Director at StrategyCorp and a member of the firm’s Procurement Solutions team.
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Episode 82 - Artificial Intelligence in the Municipal Context
04/11/2024
Episode 82 - Artificial Intelligence in the Municipal Context
The StrategyCorp Institute concludes its miniseries on artificial intelligence with an episode on AI in the municipal context. From building permit approvals to smart infrastructure to answering residents’ questions, there are many opportunities for municipalities to integrate AI-based solutions. However, with all the hype around AI, it can be difficult for local governments to cut through the noise and adequately consider the risks and challenges associated with the technology. Ensuring the social acceptability of AI among City Council, staff and residents is also essential. The City of Burlington is at the forefront of safe and effective AI adoption. It provides a model for municipalities across Canada. Chad MacDonald, the Executive Director, Digital Service, and Chief Information Officer of Burlington joins us to discuss the City’s experience with artificial intelligence and what comes next in the municipal context. You can catch up on the first two episodes of our miniseries on AI by clicking the links below:
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Episode 81 - Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Innovation in Canada
03/22/2024
Episode 81 - Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Innovation in Canada
The StrategyCorp Institute continues its miniseries on artificial intelligence by looking at the Canadian context. We discuss the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act in bill C-27 and the federal government’s overall approach to regulating AI. We also explore Canada’s leadership in AI, how companies are adopting the technology and whether it will lead to greater productivity. Christelle Tessono and Viet Vu from The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University join us for this timely conversation. Curious to also learn about how other countries are regulating AI? Listen to the of our miniseries with the Director of the Center for Data Innovation Daniel Castro.
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Episode 80 - The Transition to a Circular Economy
03/06/2024
Episode 80 - The Transition to a Circular Economy
Canada is undergoing a transformation in how we manage our waste. Transitioning to a circular economy that extends the life cycle of products and reduces waste can have significant environmental benefits. To be successful, this transition requires the right policies, investments and infrastructures. Individuals, businesses and governments ultimately all have a role to play. In this episode, StrategyCorp’s Elena Mantagaris and Fraser MacDonald provide their insight on the key dimensions of the circular economy. Read StrategyCorp's circular economy newsletter for more information on this topic:
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Episode 79 - Artificial Intelligence Regulation Around the World
02/21/2024
Episode 79 - Artificial Intelligence Regulation Around the World
The launch of ChatGPT has forced organizations and institutions across the economy to ask themselves what generative AI means for them in terms of risks and opportunities. Governments and regulators find themselves asking similar questions. Artificial intelligence “going mainstream” because of ChatGPT accelerated regulatory efforts and shaped the policy and political conversation on AI. The Director of the Center for Data Innovation Daniel Castro joins us on the podcast to discuss how countries around the world are going about regulating artificial intelligence and stimulating innovation. He provides his insight on the different approaches to AI in Europe, Asia and North America.
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Episode 78 - Mobilité et infrastructures de transport en commun
02/07/2024
Episode 78 - Mobilité et infrastructures de transport en commun
Le transport en commun est essentiel pour permettre aux gens de se déplacer d'un point A à un point B. Il joue aussi un rôle crucial dans la lutte contre les changements climatiques. Dans cet épisode, l'Institut de StrategyCorp aborde le sujet de la mobilité et des infrastructures de transport en commun. Catherine Morency, professeure à Polytechnique Montréal, et Philippe Couillard, conseiller principal à StrategyCorp, partagent leurs points de vue sur les bénéfices du transport en commun, l'acceptabilité sociale des projets et comment éviter les retards et les dépassements de coûts. Ils discutent également des facteurs nécessaires pour créer des communautés axées sur le transport en commun.
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Episode 77 - Mobility and Public Transit Infrastructures
02/07/2024
Episode 77 - Mobility and Public Transit Infrastructures
Public transportation is essential to enable people to move from point A to point B. It also plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change. In this episode, the StrategyCorp Institute looks at the topic of mobility and public transit infrastructures. University of Toronto Professor Shoshanna Saxe and StrategyCorp Senior Advisor Philippe Couillard provide their insights on the benefits of public transportation, the social acceptability of projects, transit-oriented communities and how to finance new infrastructures in an era of fiscal restraint. They also share their thoughts on what can be done to limit project delays and budget overruns.
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Episode 76 - The State of Entrepreneurship in Canada
01/24/2024
Episode 76 - The State of Entrepreneurship in Canada
The StrategyCorp Institute begins the ninth season of Intended Consequences with an extensive conversation on the state of entrepreneurship in Canada. The CEO of Startup Canada, Kayla Isabelle, joins us to discuss the opportunities and challenges entrepreneurs face amid significant uncertainty. She highlights the important role women-identifying and Indigenous entrepreneurs play in the economy. The episode also looks at a variety of top-of-mind issues for business leaders including talent, digital adoption and international trade.
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Episode 75 - StrategyCorp's Year-in-Review & 2024 Look-Ahead
12/13/2023
Episode 75 - StrategyCorp's Year-in-Review & 2024 Look-Ahead
Our year-in-review and look-ahead episode is back to close out this season of Intended Consequences. Our StrategyCorp guests discuss the most important developments of 2023 at all levels of government and their significance for Canadian politics and economics. They also share with us what they will be keeping an eye on in 2024 and why.
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Episode 74 - Preparing for COP28
11/29/2023
Episode 74 - Preparing for COP28
Convened under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP28 will take place in Dubai between November 30th and December 12th. The event is expected to bring together over 70,000 delegates from all over the world. Delegates will include politicians, civil servants, non-government organizations, industry, Indigenous stakeholders and many others. A wide array of issues will be discussed at COP28. To help us get ready for the event, we were joined by Lorraine Audsley, Senior Vice-President and Chief Risk and Sustainability Officer at Export Development Canada, and Patricia Fuller, Senior Advisor at StrategyCorp and Canada’s former ambassador for climate change. Our guests shared their thoughts on why COPs still matter, climate finance, what to watch for and how delegates can make the most of the conference.
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Episode 73 - Canada's Energy Transition Journey
11/24/2023
Episode 73 - Canada's Energy Transition Journey
Enjoy a special episode of Intended Consequences. On November 23, the StrategyCorp Institute hosted a live webinar on Canada’s energy transition journey. Our panel of experts looked at how Canada can achieve its energy and climate goals and thrive. Panelists provided their insight into what this transition and the broader electrification of the economy means from the perspective of power generation, distribution, demand and social acceptability.
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Episode 72 - Opportunities and challenges faced by Ontario’s non-profit housing sector
11/14/2023
Episode 72 - Opportunities and challenges faced by Ontario’s non-profit housing sector
Ontario faces severe housing affordability challenges on both the homeownership and the rental sides. The current conditions have significant impacts across the entire housing sector, including non-profit housing. StrategyCorp released in October its first which brought to light the most pressing challenges and opportunities faced by the sector. Intended Consequences welcomed three experts to talk about the report and non-profit housing. Marlene Coffey is the CEO of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association. Lori-Anne Gagne is the CEO of Victoria Park Community Homes and Stéphane Giguère is the CEO of Ottawa Community Housing.
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Episode 71 - Analyzing the Alberta Throne Speech and what comes next
10/31/2023
Episode 71 - Analyzing the Alberta Throne Speech and what comes next
After winning a majority on May 29th, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP returned to the provincial legislature for the fall sitting. The session began with a Throne Speech that outlined the priorities of the Premier and the tense relationship between Alberta and the federal government. From energy to affordability to infrastructure, the Throne Speech touched on several topics of importance to Albertans, businesses, municipalities and Indigenous communities. Three Alberta-based experts join the podcast to unpack the Speech and what comes next. Our guests include Dale Swampy, President of the National Coalition of Chiefs, Jeff Davison, a former Calgary City Councillor and the current CEO of the Prostate Cancer Centre and Elan Harper, a Vice President at StrategyCorp.
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Episode 70 - Is It Time for a Canadian Sovereign Wealth Fund?
10/25/2023
Episode 70 - Is It Time for a Canadian Sovereign Wealth Fund?
As interest rates rise, countries are increasingly worried about their debt. For commodity-producing states, the impact of the energy transition on their revenues is top of mind. How can jurisdictions navigate these challenging circumstances to ensure the long-term financial prosperity of their economy and population? Sovereign wealth funds can be part of the answer. Elena Mantagaris, a Senior Advisor at StrategyCorp, and Matthew Bianco, a former Managing Director at CPP Investments, join the podcast to discuss the key drivers and principles that should guide sovereign wealth funds. They make the case that Canada would benefit from establishing a sovereign wealth fund.
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Episode 69 - City Managers in a time of change
10/11/2023
Episode 69 - City Managers in a time of change
From extreme weather events to fiscal pressures, municipalities across Canada are facing a wide array of challenges. Having quality municipal management has never been this essential and it often begins with City Managers. Using the book The Role of Canadian City Managers: In Their Own Words as a starting point, three former City Managers and senior Ontario government executives join this episode. They provide their insight on crucial aspects of the work of City Managers, including managing the relationship with elected officials, building intergovernmental relations and dealing with emergencies related to climate change and public health. Our panelists also discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the municipal context and what it looks like in action.
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Episode 68: Uncertainty as Queen's Park Returns
09/25/2023
Episode 68: Uncertainty as Queen's Park Returns
The Ontario legislature resumes on September 25th. MPPs return to Queen’s Park after a uniquely eventful summer in Ontario politics, which sets the stage for a heated fall sitting. Alex Armanious, Fraser MacDonald and Aidan Grove-White join the podcast to analyze what happened during the summer and discuss what to expect this fall.
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Episode 67: Getting Ready for Back to Parliament
09/15/2023
Episode 67: Getting Ready for Back to Parliament
After a busy summer where housing, the cost of living and wildfires dominated headlines, Members of Parliament will return for the fall sitting on September 18th. StrategyCorp has you covered on everything you need to know about how the summer played out for each party and what to expect this fall. Andrew Steele, Garry Keller and Nasha Brownridge discuss what the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP will be focused on in the coming months and the risks they must navigate.
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Episode 66 - Housing in Atlantic Canada
07/07/2023
Episode 66 - Housing in Atlantic Canada
StrategyCorp partnered with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce to host a live webinar on housing in Atlantic Canada. Amid rising prices, this timely event looked at innovative solutions and the role of the three levels of government in tackling the housing crisis in the Atlantic provinces. Moderated by the CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Krista Ross, this special episode brought together three expert panelists: New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for Housing, Jill Green, the Mayor of Fredericton, Kate Rogers, as well as Aidan Grove-White, a Vice President at StrategyCorp.
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Episode 65 - The Aviation Sector's Push Toward a Sustainable Future
06/15/2023
Episode 65 - The Aviation Sector's Push Toward a Sustainable Future
As countries around the world strive to reduce carbon emissions, every industry must adapt. In the transportation sector, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular among consumers. However, electrifying other means of transportation is significantly more complicated and will require ambitious innovation. In this latest episode, we look at the aviation sector and how it can do its part in the fight against climate change with Professor Suzanne Kearns, the Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Aeronautics.
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Episode 64 - 2023 Alberta Election Webinar
06/01/2023
Episode 64 - 2023 Alberta Election Webinar
Following the result of the 2023 Alberta election which saw the UCP re-elected with a reduced majority, the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy was pleased to host an impressive panel that discussed the re-election of the UCP with a reduced majority and what comes next for the UCP, the NDP, Albertans and businesses. With opening remarks from StrategyCorp's Alberta practice lead Elan Harper, the panel was moderated by Joanne Chianello and included Jen Gerson, Anne McGrath, and Garry Keller. In this special episode, we're pleased to present the webinar in an audio-only format.
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Episode 63 - Innovation in Canada through the lens of policy, economics and politics
06/01/2023
Episode 63 - Innovation in Canada through the lens of policy, economics and politics
“Innovation” is a buzzword in policy and financial circles. Every business wants to be innovative and every government strives to stimulate innovation in order to support economic growth. In this episode, we look at innovation in the Canadian context with the President of the Council of Canadian Innovators, Benjamin Bergen. We discuss the state of innovation policy and some of the key tools the federal government should focus on. Benjamin also provides an industry perspective on timely issues such as tax, access to capital, talent and training.
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Episode 62 - Growth in Alberta: A look at housing & the economy
05/17/2023
Episode 62 - Growth in Alberta: A look at housing & the economy
StrategyCorp continues its coverage of the Alberta election by taking a look at the economy of the province. Ann-Marie Lurie, the Chief Economist of the Alberta Real Estate Association, joins us to talk about Alberta’s growth and what it means for the economy, the labour market and housing. We discuss the evolution of housing demand and supply in the province and its major urban centres before, during and after the pandemic.
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Episode 61 - Notley vs Smith: what you need to know about the Alberta election
05/01/2023
Episode 61 - Notley vs Smith: what you need to know about the Alberta election
The Alberta election is officially underway! The NDP and the UCP begin this election deadlocked in the polls. Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley have until May 29th to convince Albertans their respective parties should form government. To discuss what to expect in this election and why the rest of Canada should pay close attention, we are joined by Elan Harper and Garry Keller, two Vice Presidents at StrategyCorp.
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Episode 60 - Electricity and the Transition to Net Zero
04/18/2023
Episode 60 - Electricity and the Transition to Net Zero
This week’s episode looks at the role of electricity in enabling Canada’s transition to net zero by 2050. As policymakers and industry prepare for a greener economy, electrification is top of mind to reduce emissions. Demands for electricity are increasing and concerns around supply are beginning to emerge in some parts of the country. Francis Bradley, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Canada joins us on the podcast to discuss important dimensions of electricity such as the role of government, supply and capacity, the power generation mix as well as resilience in light of climate and cyber risks.
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Episode 59 - A Conversation on the Future of Healthcare in Canada
04/12/2023
Episode 59 - A Conversation on the Future of Healthcare in Canada
The StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy recently hosted a live solutions-focused webinar on the future of healthcare in Canada. Moderated by The Globe and Mail's Carly Weeks, this event brought together recognized experts with extensive experience in healthcare policy, including Christine Elliott, Jane Philpott, and Philippe Couillard. This impressive lineup of speakers shared their ideas and recommendation on how to improve several aspects of the Canadian healthcare system, including primary care, mental health and addictions and the role of the private sector.
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Episode 58 - Why ESG matters to businesses, investors, governments and municipalities
04/04/2023
Episode 58 - Why ESG matters to businesses, investors, governments and municipalities
This episode looks at ESG through the lens of finance, economics and policy. We are joined by the CEO of ESG Global Advisors, Sarah Keyes, to discuss the current state of ESG reporting in Canada and what the role of government should be in this sphere. We deep dive into what ESG means for municipalities across the country and explore how Reconciliation fit into the ESG conversation. Join us as we explore these topics and so many more to learn why ESG matters to businesses, investors, governments and municipalities!
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Episode 57 - Improving the Financial Resilience of Canadians
03/22/2023
Episode 57 - Improving the Financial Resilience of Canadians
Earlier this year, the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy released a on financial resilience. As many Canadians face challenges related to high interest rates, inflation and a potential recession, the concept of financial resilience is extremely timely from an economic and public policy standpoint. In this episode, we sit down with Tashia Batstone, the President and CEO of FP Canada to discuss the state of financial resilience and how financial planning can help improve the resilience of households.
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Episode 56 - Cyber Security: what should governments and businesses be thinking about in 2023?
03/07/2023
Episode 56 - Cyber Security: what should governments and businesses be thinking about in 2023?
This week’s episode looks at the important topic of cyber security. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools and services. Unfortunately, as our reliance on the Internet grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. Every organization can be a target: businesses, municipalities, government departments and agencies, and even hospitals. Governments around the world are working to prevent attacks and improve the cyber resilience of citizens and organizations. This comes at a time when new technologies like cloud-based solutions and the Internet of Things bring new opportunities and threats. To tackle some of the most pressing questions on cyber security and what it means for governments and businesses in 2023, we are joined by Jennifer Quaid, the Executive Director of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange, and Andrew Loschmann, Co-Founder and COO of Field Effect.
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Episode 55 - Economic and Population Growth in Atlantic Canada
02/23/2023
Episode 55 - Economic and Population Growth in Atlantic Canada
Intended Consequences begins its seventh season with a deep dive into the economic and population growth of Atlantic Canada with Patrick Brannon, Senior Researcher and Director, Major Projects, at the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. We discuss the strong population growth several Atlantic cities saw in 2021/2022 and the role of interprovincial migration and immigration. We also look at the impacts of accelerated growth on the labour market and local economic development as well as the housing affordability challenges facing Atlantic Canada.
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Episode 54 - StrategyCorp's Year-in-Review & 2023 Look-Ahead
12/19/2022
Episode 54 - StrategyCorp's Year-in-Review & 2023 Look-Ahead
To close out this season of Intended Consequences, we look back on what was an eventful 2022 and look ahead to next year. Our StrategyCorp guests discuss the most important developments of 2022 and their significance for Canadian politics and economics. Our guests also tell us what they will be keeping an eye on in 2023 and why. Some even ventured to make a few predictions!
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