Latest news with #SchoolofPublicPolicy
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Leading Experts Convene in Halifax for Economic Forum on Trade, Competition, and Growth
HALIFAX, NS, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Halifax Partnership, the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, and the Public Policy Forum (PPF) co-hosted a dynamic economic forum, bringing together top policymakers, economists, and industry leaders from across the region to tackle one of Canada's most pressing economic challenges: unlocking growth by reducing internal trade and regulatory barriers. The event sparked lively discussions and fresh ideas on how greater interprovincial cooperation and smarter regulation can boost productivity and competition and fuel long-term prosperity across the country. Trevor Tombe, Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy with the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and a Fellow at PPF, delivered the keynote address, sharing findings from a new report, Unlocking Regional Growth: The Role of Internal Trade Costs in Atlantic Canada, released today by PPF. "The cost of doing business across provincial borders is quietly placing strain on our economy," said Tombe, whose research has shown that the Atlantic provinces are the most profoundly affected by internal trade barriers in Canada. "The Province of Nova Scotia, along with Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, is taking steps to improve trade and investment opportunities between provinces." According to his new research, the cost of moving goods between the Atlantic provinces is equivalent to a six per cent tariff, while the cost of trading services is nearly 39 per cent. "To put that in perspective," said Tombe, "the national averages are much lower—around 1.4 per cent for goods and 16.8 per cent for services. "Reducing internal trade barriers in Atlantic Canada is a low-cost, high-impact policy lever with the potential to significantly boost wages, productivity, and economic growth. This is not just good policy for Atlantic Canada, it benefits the entire country." The forum also featured insightful discussions with government and private sector leaders who shared real-world insights and perspectives on opportunities and challenges related to breaking down trade, competition, and regulatory barriers in Canada. Key public sector voices included Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr, Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, Jeannine Ritchot, Assistant Deputy Minister, Multilateral Relations & Internal Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Canada, and Angela Houston, Executive Director, Trade and Economic Policy, Nova Scotia Department of Intergovernmental Affairs. To find out how reducing trade barriers between provinces can drive economic growth across Canada find Trevor Tombe's full report here: Quotes "Nova Scotia is showing the country how to move forward in removing productivity barriers related to trade, regulation, and competition. Provincial trade agreements between Nova Scotia and a growing number of other provinces are leading the charge, making it easier for workers, businesses, and services to move freely across borders." - Ian Munro, Chief Economist at Halifax Partnership "Provinces hold the key to unlocking Canada's economic potential. By strengthening internal trade and labour mobility, we can reduce our reliance on volatile international markets and build greater resilience against external shocks like tariffs. It's time for provinces to step up and drive Canada's long-term prosperity."-Trevor Tombe, Professor, Department of Economics & Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy School of Public Policy, University of Calgary and Fellow, Public Policy Forum "PPF has had a long-standing interest in Atlantic Canada's economic prosperity, including the creation of our Atlantic Momentum index to track growth indicators over time. We look forward to documenting the positive impact of removing trade barriers, increasing productivity, and attracting investment throughout the region, as well as stories of change that will be a consequence of these actions."-Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum About the School of Public PolicyThe School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary is undertaking Canada's Productivity Initiative, a year-long national project that explores key drivers of Canada's lagging productivity and growth. The Halifax forum follows successful sessions in Calgary and Ottawa and will be followed by events in Vancouver, Montreal, Saskatoon, and Toronto, culminating in a comprehensive policy recommendations report to be released in late 2025. About Halifax PartnershipThe Halifax Partnership is Halifax's public-private economic development organization, dedicated to building an inclusive, thriving, and prosperous Halifax in collaboration with its Investors and partners. The Partnership is leading The Productivity Puzzle initiative, a series of events, discussions, and research designed to spark a broader conversation around Nova Scotia's critical productivity crisis and solutions that could improve economic growth, living standards, and future prosperity. Learn more at About Public Policy ForumThe Public Policy Forum (PPF) brings together leaders from across sectors to improve policy outcomes for Canadians. A non-partisan organization with a 30-year history, PPF fosters inclusive dialogue, delivers impactful research, and champions innovative approaches to policy development. SOURCE Halifax Partnership View original content:
Cision Canada
18 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Leading Experts Convene in Halifax for Economic Forum on Trade, Competition, and Growth
HALIFAX, NS, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Halifax Partnership, the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, and the Public Policy Forum (PPF) co-hosted a dynamic economic forum, bringing together top policymakers, economists, and industry leaders from across the region to tackle one of Canada's most pressing economic challenges: unlocking growth by reducing internal trade and regulatory barriers. The event sparked lively discussions and fresh ideas on how greater interprovincial cooperation and smarter regulation can boost productivity and competition and fuel long-term prosperity across the country. Trevor Tombe, Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy with the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and a Fellow at PPF, delivered the keynote address, sharing findings from a new report, Unlocking Regional Growth: The Role of Internal Trade Costs in Atlantic Canada, released today by PPF. "The cost of doing business across provincial borders is quietly placing strain on our economy," said Tombe, whose research has shown that the Atlantic provinces are the most profoundly affected by internal trade barriers in Canada. "The Province of Nova Scotia, along with Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, is taking steps to improve trade and investment opportunities between provinces." According to his new research, the cost of moving goods between the Atlantic provinces is equivalent to a six per cent tariff, while the cost of trading services is nearly 39 per cent. "To put that in perspective," said Tombe, "the national averages are much lower—around 1.4 per cent for goods and 16.8 per cent for services. "Reducing internal trade barriers in Atlantic Canada is a low-cost, high-impact policy lever with the potential to significantly boost wages, productivity, and economic growth. This is not just good policy for Atlantic Canada, it benefits the entire country." The forum also featured insightful discussions with government and private sector leaders who shared real-world insights and perspectives on opportunities and challenges related to breaking down trade, competition, and regulatory barriers in Canada. Key public sector voices included Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr, Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, Jeannine Ritchot, Assistant Deputy Minister, Multilateral Relations & Internal Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Canada, and Angela Houston, Executive Director, Trade and Economic Policy, Nova Scotia Department of Intergovernmental Affairs. To find out how reducing trade barriers between provinces can drive economic growth across Canada find Trevor Tombe's full report here: / Quotes "Nova Scotia is showing the country how to move forward in removing productivity barriers related to trade, regulation, and competition. Provincial trade agreements between Nova Scotia and a growing number of other provinces are leading the charge, making it easier for workers, businesses, and services to move freely across borders." - Ian Munro, Chief Economist at Halifax Partnership "Provinces hold the key to unlocking Canada's economic potential. By strengthening internal trade and labour mobility, we can reduce our reliance on volatile international markets and build greater resilience against external shocks like tariffs. It's time for provinces to step up and drive Canada's long-term prosperity." -Trevor Tombe, Professor, Department of Economics & Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy School of Public Policy, University of Calgary and Fellow, Public Policy Forum "PPF has had a long-standing interest in Atlantic Canada's economic prosperity, including the creation of our Atlantic Momentum index to track growth indicators over time. We look forward to documenting the positive impact of removing trade barriers, increasing productivity, and attracting investment throughout the region, as well as stories of change that will be a consequence of these actions." -Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum About the School of Public Policy The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary is undertaking Canada's Productivity Initiative, a year-long national project that explores key drivers of Canada's lagging productivity and growth. The Halifax forum follows successful sessions in Calgary and Ottawa and will be followed by events in Vancouver, Montreal, Saskatoon, and Toronto, culminating in a comprehensive policy recommendations report to be released in late 2025. About Halifax Partnership The Halifax Partnership is Halifax's public-private economic development organization, dedicated to building an inclusive, thriving, and prosperous Halifax in collaboration with its Investors and partners. The Partnership is leading The Productivity Puzzle initiative, a series of events, discussions, and research designed to spark a broader conversation around Nova Scotia's critical productivity crisis and solutions that could improve economic growth, living standards, and future prosperity. Learn more at About Public Policy Forum The Public Policy Forum (PPF) brings together leaders from across sectors to improve policy outcomes for Canadians. A non-partisan organization with a 30-year history, PPF fosters inclusive dialogue, delivers impactful research, and champions innovative approaches to policy development. SOURCE Halifax Partnership
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
School of Public Policy appoints Robert (RJ) Johnston Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy
CALGARY, AB, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert (RJ) Johnston as the new Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy. Johnston is a recognized leader in global energy and natural resources policy, geopolitics, and corporate strategy. He was most recently Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He previously served for 15 years as founding director of the Eurasia Group's Energy, Climate and Resources practice and was the firm's CEO from 2013 to 2018. "Joining the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy is a great opportunity to contribute research and education at a critical moment for Canadian energy and natural resources. We face geopolitical uncertainty and fierce global competition but also unparalleled opportunities for prosperity, innovation, and stronger international partnerships," said Johnston, who will also be part of the faculty at the Haskayne's School of Business. Prior to the Eurasia Group, Johnston worked as managing director of equity research at Medley Global Advisors, was a research director at UBS Warburg Energy, directed internal research at Enron Global Markets, and directed political risk research at ArmorGroup. He is an independent advisor to the First Nations Climate Initiative in Canada. He also serves as a counselor for the Canada-U.S. Trade Council and is a member of the Trilateral Commission. From 2017-2021, he was a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. He was project director for the Aspen Institute's task force on US critical minerals policy in 2023. Johnston holds a doctorate in international relations from American University, a master's degree in political science from McMaster University, and an undergraduate degree in political studies from Bishop's University. The Energy and Natural Resources Policy area of focus at the School works to develop practical, independent, evidence-based advice for policymakers for responsible development of energy and mineral resources. We work with leading experts from industry, regulators, scientific councils and governments for expertise and insight to address policy and industry issues, including access to markets and capital, managing global geopolitical and technology risks, and creating strong community partnerships and environmental protections. "We are thrilled RJ is joining the School of Public Policy with his unrivaled expertise in global and North American energy systems and track record of working with leaders from industry and governments across the political spectrum worldwide to advance energy and natural resource policy," said Martha Hall Findlay, Director of the School of Public Policy and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair of Public Policy. Since fall 2024, the School has appointed Dr. Anthony Sayers as Director of Canadian Governance, Dr. Jennifer Zwicker as Director of Health and Social Policy, Carlo Dade as Director of International Policy and Dr. Trevor Tombe as Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy. "RJ completes our team of five distinguished Directors for our areas of focus, and their evidence-based research will elevate the School to a new level of impact in the advancing public policy in Canada," Hall Findlay said. ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY The School of Public Policy is a key part of one of Canada's foremost research universities and a leader in advancing policies for more effective government while educating a new generation of change-makers to solve complex societal challenges. Founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz, the school's mission is to provide a practical approach to public policy research and train students to solve real-world problems through a rigorous, hands-on program. The purpose-driven research aims to advance policy capacity in government; enhance the policy discourse nationally and bring a global perspective to Canadian policy theory and practice. The School provides an elite education through an intense Master of Public Policy (MPP) program or Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) with core curriculums and experiential learning that give students the tools to make an impact at the local, provincial, national and global levels. SOURCE University of Calgary, The School of Public Policy
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
School of Public Policy appoints Robert (RJ) Johnston Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy
CALGARY, AB, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert (RJ) Johnston as the new Director of Energy and Natural Resources Policy. Johnston is a recognized leader in global energy and natural resources policy, geopolitics, and corporate strategy. He was most recently Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He previously served for 15 years as founding director of the Eurasia Group's Energy, Climate and Resources practice and was the firm's CEO from 2013 to 2018. "Joining the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy is a great opportunity to contribute research and education at a critical moment for Canadian energy and natural resources. We face geopolitical uncertainty and fierce global competition but also unparalleled opportunities for prosperity, innovation, and stronger international partnerships," said Johnston, who will also be part of the faculty at the Haskayne's School of Business. Prior to the Eurasia Group, Johnston worked as managing director of equity research at Medley Global Advisors, was a research director at UBS Warburg Energy, directed internal research at Enron Global Markets, and directed political risk research at ArmorGroup. He is an independent advisor to the First Nations Climate Initiative in Canada. He also serves as a counselor for the Canada-U.S. Trade Council and is a member of the Trilateral Commission. From 2017-2021, he was a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. He was project director for the Aspen Institute's task force on US critical minerals policy in 2023. Johnston holds a doctorate in international relations from American University, a master's degree in political science from McMaster University, and an undergraduate degree in political studies from Bishop's University. The Energy and Natural Resources Policy area of focus at the School works to develop practical, independent, evidence-based advice for policymakers for responsible development of energy and mineral resources. We work with leading experts from industry, regulators, scientific councils and governments for expertise and insight to address policy and industry issues, including access to markets and capital, managing global geopolitical and technology risks, and creating strong community partnerships and environmental protections. "We are thrilled RJ is joining the School of Public Policy with his unrivaled expertise in global and North American energy systems and track record of working with leaders from industry and governments across the political spectrum worldwide to advance energy and natural resource policy," said Martha Hall Findlay, Director of the School of Public Policy and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair of Public Policy. Since fall 2024, the School has appointed Dr. Anthony Sayers as Director of Canadian Governance, Dr. Jennifer Zwicker as Director of Health and Social Policy, Carlo Dade as Director of International Policy and Dr. Trevor Tombe as Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy. "RJ completes our team of five distinguished Directors for our areas of focus, and their evidence-based research will elevate the School to a new level of impact in the advancing public policy in Canada," Hall Findlay said. ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY The School of Public Policy is a key part of one of Canada's foremost research universities and a leader in advancing policies for more effective government while educating a new generation of change-makers to solve complex societal challenges. Founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz, the school's mission is to provide a practical approach to public policy research and train students to solve real-world problems through a rigorous, hands-on program. The purpose-driven research aims to advance policy capacity in government; enhance the policy discourse nationally and bring a global perspective to Canadian policy theory and practice. The School provides an elite education through an intense Master of Public Policy (MPP) program or Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) with core curriculums and experiential learning that give students the tools to make an impact at the local, provincial, national and global levels. SOURCE University of Calgary, The School of Public Policy View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Calgary Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
'It surprises us': European ambassadors question Canada's internal trade barriers
European ambassadors discussing the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis on Friday took issue with Canada's interprovincial trade barriers and its shortcomings in export infrastructure. Article content Article content In a panel discussion in downtown Calgary, Germany's ambassador to Canada and his European Union counterpart noted the free flow of trade between their countries and said it contrasted with internal roadblocks in Canada. Article content Article content 'It surprises us you have all these interprovincial barriers,' Matthius Luttenberg, Germany's ambassador to Canada told the forum organized by the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy and the Canada West Foundation. Article content Article content 'In Canada it seems sometimes these borders seem much higher than they need to be and of course it's not up to me to give good advice about how to deal with them,' he said. Article content 'I understand the reasons these barriers are there but I wish the prime minister (Carney) and his government the best of luck to overcome these barriers because I see there are a lot of transactional costs which are still there and maybe (eased internal trade) would even enable the export from Alberta to the Atlantic in a much easier and faster way.' Article content Article content Article content 'Alberta is a rich province, you have everything here, what's missing is pipelines,' said Genevieve Tuts. Article content 'We need to diversify to reduce our dependence on Russian natural gas.' Article content Canada's export and internal trade limitations have gained renewed focus with U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and his talk of annexing Canada.
