Canada's Productivity Initiative
When solving the productivity challenge, Canada looks to the School of Public Policy at UCalgary.
"Productivity is at the heart of nearly every economic challenge Canada faces today — from affordability and trade competitiveness to the sustainability of our public finances. This partnership is about turning world-class research into practical insight for decision-makers on a national scale."
Dr. Trevor Tombe
Director, Economic and Fiscal Policy, School of Public Policy
Professor, Economics, University of Calgary
The Future of Canada's Productivity Initiative
When solving the productivity challenge, Canada looks to the School of Public Policy at UCalgary.
With a 15-year federal investment to support Canada’s Productivity Initiative, the School of Public Policy is bringing together a broad network of researchers and policy partners to strengthen our economic prosperity now and for decades to come.
Led by Dr. Trevor Tombe, Director of Economic and Fiscal Policy at the School of Public Policy, this initiative brings together a broad network of researchers and policy partners to strengthen our economic prosperity now and for decades to come.
“We are focused on the actionable things we can finally do to turn our productivity challenges around. For the School of Public Policy, this is an incredible opportunity to build on the great work we did in the last year, now with others across the country.”
Martha Hall Findlay
Director, School of Public Policy & James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy
About the Initiative
Canada’s Productivity Initiative was launched in Fall 2024 at a national summit in Calgary to address the alarming decline in Canada’s already low economic productivity compared with the United States and other major trading partners. To build on the momentum, better understand the challenges, and develop solutions, the Summit has spurred events across the country, Canada’s Productivity Initiative.
Throughout 2025 and into 2026, School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary has engaged with leading thinkers in business, government and academia across the country to conduct research on specific aspects of productivity that inform develop actionable and impactful recommendations for policymakers.
Toronto Session 2026
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing issues for the innovation and technology sectors.
Saskatoon Session 2026
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing issues for the resources sector, including energy, agriculture and minerals.
Montreal Session 2025
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing talent, skills and immigration.
Vancouver Session 2025
Deloitte Summit | June 23, 2025
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing issues with infrastructure and the transportation sector.
Halifax Session 2025
Halifax Convention Centre | June 5, 2025
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing interprovincial trade and regulatory efficiency.
Ottawa Session
Fairmont Château Laurier | February 27, 2025
A one-day working session with leading industry and public policy experts addressing tax, fiscal policy and competition policy.
Canada’s Productivity Summit
BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Calgary | October 16-17, 2024
Canada’s Productivity Summit hosted more than 700 delegates, including top economists and leaders from business, non-profits and governments from across Canada. Key issues addressed included tax and regulatory reform, interprovincial trade barriers, infrastructure development and labour markets.
General Information
productivity@ucalgary.ca
Media Inquiries
Gord Der Stepanian
gord.derstepanian@ucalgary.ca