PPF Media
The Canadian economy and the surprising case for optimism
On this episode of WONK, RBC Chief Economist Frances Donald talks to Amanda Lang about the ‘fragmentation’ of the economy and why Canada is at a ‘turning point’
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Published:September 10, 2025
Canada just recorded a quarter of negative growth. It sits on the edge of a potential recession. U.S. tariffs continue to hit the economy hard. Meanwhile, the country is plowing ahead with plans to build mega projects and diversify trade. We are, to put it mildly, at a pretty consequential fork in the road. Host Amanda Lang talks to one of Canada’s top economists, Frances Donald, about the challenges ahead and the surprising case for optimism. As the chief economist at Canada’s biggest bank, RBC, Donald’s insights and pronouncements on both the Canadian and the U.S. economies are vital. And in this climate of unprecedented uncertainty, needed more than ever.
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Listen to more episodes from Season 2 of WONK:
“ Bigger tables, better narratives, broader impact”
Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum
By bringing together established leaders and emerging voices, our work produces resilient, practical policy ideas that serve all Canadians.
