Middle Power, Major Stakes - Canada in a New Global Order

The global economic landscape has shifted, as rising geopolitical tensions and economic nationalism challenge long-standing assumptions about trade, alliances, and cooperation. This churning presents a critical moment for Canada.

As a highly integrated trading nation, how can it navigate a more fragmented world while redefining its role as a “middle power”? Can Canada expand it’s partnership base? Which industries stand to gain or lose as supply chains and priorities evolve?

This well- timed panel brings together leaders from business, policy, and finance to explore how Canada can remain competitive, resilient, and relevant in a rapidly changing global order. Speakers The Honourable Bob Rae, Canada's 25th Ambassador to the United Nations Goldy Hyder, President and CEO, Business Council of Canada Carolyn Wilkins, Senior Research Scholar, Griswold Center for Economic Policy, Princeton University David Common, National News Anchor, CBC News (Moderator)

*The views expressed on the Economic Club of Canada platform are not that of the Economic Club or its affiliates but of the speakers alone and the organizations they represent.*

Audio Recap

Key Takeaways

The discussion focused on how Canada can close its investment and productivity gaps, reduce internal barriers, and build stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities and like‑minded countries. A key theme, echoed throughout, was that Canada must diversify both its partnerships and industrial base while safeguarding its long‑term, geography‑driven relationship with the United States — not as an either/or, but as a both/and strategy to support long‑term prosperity and resilience. To read further and explore the full insights from this event, download the complete Key Takeaways document below.