C.D. Howe Institute

10/08/2026

The Alberta Referendum is approaching. The issues at stake stretch far beyond the ballot.

Our Alberta Referendum series brings that bigger picture into focus, with analysis from our experts including, Charles St-Arnaud, Edy Wong, Rhys Mendes, Brian Lewis on the economic and policy issues surrounding potential separation.

The Alberta Referendum: What’s at Stake On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions, including whether Alberta should begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum to separate from Canada. In the lead up to the Alberta referendum, the C.D. Howe Institute is bringing togeth...

10/07/2026

Canada has the highest household debt levels in the G7. But how worried should you actually be?

We’re asking our economists to answer the burning questions Canadians have about mortgages, debt, interest rates, insolvencies and financial stress.

What do you want to know? Drop your question below. 👇

10/07/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Crystal Smith, former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, as one of our four debaters set for the 2026 Regent Debate.

Crystal will be arguing for the motion, "Be it Resolved: The Crown’s Indigenous Consultation Framework Has Become an Unintended Impediment to the Country’s Economic Prosperity."

One of Canada’s most recognized First Nations leaders in natural resource and economic policy, Smith served as Chief Councillor for eight years, playing a central role in LNG Canada, Coastal GasLink, and the Cedar LNG Project. She has held leadership roles with Indigenous energy and natural resource boards and currently serves on TC Energy’s advisory council.

Crystal was named BC Business Woman of the Year and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Join Crystal in Toronto on October 28.

10/06/2026

Canada’s economic potential is constrained not only by global forces, but by barriers within our own borders.

We were pleased to welcome Martha Hall Findlay, Ryan Manucha and David Short for a timely roundtable on interprovincial trade, labour mobility and the internal barriers holding back Canada’s productivity, investment and competitiveness.

Thank you to Fastfrate Group for sponsoring the luncheon and supporting this important conversation.

10/05/2026

Rising US bond yields are pushing up Canadian borrowing costs, even as the Bank of Canada holds its policy rate unchanged.

For households renewing mortgages, that means higher payments and growing financial stability concerns. https://cdhowe.org/publication/higher-bond-yields-set-to-raise-mortgage-payments-for-canadians/

10/02/2026

Canada is moving faster on major projects, but which ones should make the cut? Our report looks at how projects are prioritized and where government involvement can make the biggest difference.

https://cdhowe.org/publication/making-the-cut-how-canada-can-optimize-major-project-prioritization-and-add-real-value-2/

10/02/2026

We were pleased to welcome Robert Fife, former Ottawa Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail to the C.D. Howe Institute for an engaging Patrons Circle Dinner discussion.

With decades of experience, Fife shared his perspective on the state of Canadian democracy, the vital role of a free press, the challenges facing Canadian journalism and the inspiring innovations media organizations are developing to adapt to a rapidly changing technology landscape.

We appreciate Robert Fife and our Patrons Circle members for joining this important conversation about democracy, accountability and the future of Canadian journalism.

10/01/2026

The Alberta Referendum is about more than just one decision.

Currency, trade, energy, taxes and labour are just some of the issues that could shape what comes next.

Our new Alberta Referendum series breaks down the economic and policy considerations, one issue at a time.

Explore the series:

The Alberta Referendum: What’s at Stake On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions, including whether Alberta should begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum to separate from Canada. In the lead up to the Alberta referendum, the C.D. Howe Institute is bringing togeth...

10/01/2026

Canada must uphold its legal and constitutional duty to consult Indigenous Peoples while providing the investment certainty needed to support economic growth for everyone.

The challenge is how best to achieve both. It's time to debate this question openly, rigorously, and constructively.

THE REGENT DEBATES Days Hours Minutes Seconds The Eighth Regent Debate Be it Resolved: The Crown’s Indigenous Consultation Framework Has Become an Unintended Impediment to the Country’s Economic Prosperity Fairmont Royal York | Concert Hall Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. E...

10/01/2026

Agriculture and agri-food are core to Canada’s enduring economic foundation and national identity. On October 22, 2026, join us in Saskatoon for our conference Growing Canada’s Agri-food Superpower.

Hear critical perspectives from:

Al Mussell, Fellow-in-Residence, C.D. Howe Institute

George Lafond, former Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan

Jeff Scott, Vice President, Operations and Supply Chains, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Louis Brown, Director of Investments, Farm Credit Canada

Dr. Farhad Maleki, Director, Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability, University of Calgary

Yuan Shi, General Partner, NYA Ventures

Michelle Sandercock, Director of Business Development, National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Dr. Peter Phillips, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan Register now: https://cdhowe.org/events/c-d-howe-institute-agri-food-conference-growing-canadas-agri-food-superpower/