Canada's Productivity Initiative: Vancouver

Canada's ability to transport goods efficiently to domestic and international markets is increasingly hindered by aging infrastructure, regulatory delays, and trade disruptions. These challenges are exacerbated by recent U.S. tariffs and a lack of long-term investment planning, which collectively constrain trade and dampen national productivity growth.

Business and public policy leaders came together in Vancouver on Monday, June 23, 2025, for a half-day event that was part of a national initiative to bring together industry, government and academia to implement solutions addressing long-standing issues undermining Canada’s prosperity.

Hosted at Deloitte Summit and open to the public, this session was a part of Canada’s Productivity Initiative led by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy in collaboration with the Business Council of British Columbia.

The event featured a keynote speech around the importance of trade-enabling infrastructure, and a panel discussion led by prominent business leaders that focused on challenges related to Canada’s seaports, railways, highways, energy pipelines, electricity transmission lines and other critical infrastructure. 

Insights from the Session

As the country’s gateway to Asia-Pacific markets, British Columbia's trade-oriented economy is heavily dependent on modern, efficient transportation infrastructure, which is a key element in improving Canada’s lacklustre productivity. Rising productivity drives a robust economy, underpins improvements in living standards, and shapes better public policy outcomes.

Since 2015, real disposable income growth for Canadian families has been slower than any similar period other than the Great Depression or the 1990s recession. Explanations range from a lack of business innovation, underwhelming capital investment and interprovincial trade barriers, to inefficient tax and regulatory systems.

This event examined how the country can address bottlenecks around infrastructure, transportation and productivity to invigorate growth and improve living standards for Canadians. It concluded with a networking reception to continue the conversation.

"Infrastructure is a cornerstone of productivity as it facilitates efficient transportation, trade and economic growth while playing a critical role in Canada’s global competitiveness. Its effectiveness significantly influences Canada’s ability to meet its economic goals."

-- Excerpt from the What We Heard Report from Canada’s Productivity Summit.

"The immediate priority is creating a national strategy to prioritize infrastructure development and address productivity. Establishing a dedicated federal champion or ministry focused on infrastructure could streamline decision-making and ensure alignment across government levels."

-- Excerpt from the What We Heard Report from Canada’s Productivity Summit.