Economic and Fiscal Policy
“We are a trusted organization with high impact among policy makers because of the quality of our work. With support for our research, we can deliver better policy recommendations to address generational challenges for Canada.”
- Dr. Trevor Tombe, Director of Economic and Fiscal Policy
About
Economic and Fiscal Policy has been a key area of focus for the School of Public Policy since it was founded in 2008, with renowned economist Jack Mintz as its first Director. These continue to be areas of excellence for the School and the foundation of our reputation nationally.
In our work, we address current and emerging economic issues by applying rigorous research and thorough analysis to provide innovative and practical policy recommendations for the real-world problems confronting government policymakers.
Our research and focuses on the intersection of economic prosperity, trade and macroeconomics, with a focus economic productivity, tax and fiscal policy, fiscal federalism, competition policy and interprovincial trade barriers.
As part of a leading research university, we draw on top academics and partner with leading thinkers in government and the private sector to provide analysis and develop policy solutions to improve the lives of Canadians.
As business opportunities increasingly involve government policy choices, we are positioned to inform policymakers with strong data, quality research, effective engagement with experts and a well-earned reputation for our nonpartisan orientation. We are a trusted public policy organization open to partnering with governments and the business community.
Our Core Focus
Canada’s Productivity Initiative
Canada faces a generational challenge in addressing the steady decline in economic productivity in recent decades. With the national impact from Canada’s Productivity Initiative launch in 2025, we are working with partners in government and industry to develop policy recommendations to drive sustained improvement in productivity.
Tax and Fiscal Policy
Tax competitiveness is a long-standing issue for all orders of government and the School is a leader in addressing another of the generational challenges Canada is facing to remain prosperous and competitive with our trading partners. Starting with our President’s Fellow Jack Mintz, we have the expertise and the experience to deliver recommendations that impact tax policy, competition policy, industrial policy and more.
Data Sets for Canada’s Finances
Strong data is the foundation of good decisions by governments and business and the School is uniquely positioned to collect large amounts of economic and fiscal data for Canada. We are positioned to be a one-stop shop for data on government finances by enhancing data sets and providing better access critical statistics.
Interprovincial Trade
Interprovincial trade barriers have been a major issue in Canada for decades and with the abrupt change in the trade relations with the largest export market for Canadian goods and services, the United States, the issue has become more critical for Canada. The School is well positioned as a leader in providing policy direction to governments across Canada on the challenges and opportunities on interprovincial trade.
Dr. Trevor Tombe
Director, Economic and Fiscal Policy
Dr. Tombe is one of the most cited economists in Canada in leading academic journals, media and governments. His work has appeared in Canadian Journal of Economics, the American Economic Review and the Journal of Monetary Economics.
He co-authored the textbooks Public Finance in Canada and Macroeconomics. He is a Fellow of the Public Policy Forum. He earned an MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Toronto and a degree in finance from Simon Fraser University.