Ep 6: Tariffs Expose Canada’s Economic Weakness—Now What? (Part 1/3)

Canada’s economy is at a crossroads. U.S. tariffs have exposed deeper weaknesses—lagging productivity, sluggish investment, and over-reliance on the U.S. market. But could this be the wake-up call Canada needs? In this special episode of Let’s Talk Politics, we sit down with Don Drummond, one of Canada’s top economic minds, to unpack the risks and opportunities that lie ahead with the looming threat of US tariffs on the Canadian economy. With over two decades of experience at Finance Canada, a stint as Chief Economist at TD Bank, and now a leading voice at the C.D. Howe Institute and Stauffer-Dunning Fellow at Queen’s University, Don brings deep insight into fiscal, monetary, and tax policy. In part 1 of this 3-part series, we break down how tariffs are hitting Canadian jobs, particularly the auto sector, the lonnie, and Canada’s economic growth. Plus, we dive into the big questions: How can Canada build a stronger economy? What role do policy changes, trade diversification, and productivity investment play? We also explore ethical investing, environmental policy, and what’s next for interest rates. If you care about where Canada’s economy is headed, you won’t want to miss this episode—listen now!