Economics Matters Ep. 18: A Plan for Immigration and Growth with Lisa Lalande and Pedro Antunes

Growth is a central concept in economics.  Economies must continue to grow to generate more capital, improve labour productivity and create higher standards of living for populations. But, in 2024, the experiment in growing through a dramatic increase in our immigration levels has called into question whether too much, too fast is actually decreasing our standard of living.  At what point does rapid population growth shift from fueling prosperity to eroding the quality of life for those already living here?

In this episode, we examine how a lack of planning for growth is holding Canada back.  We also hear how neither the post-pandemic experiment in drastically increasing immigration numbers or the more recent equally drastic reductions in immigration will serve our country and its economy.  Along the way, we discuss whether Canada can effectively grow to a population of 100 million without sacrificing the life and lifestyles of all Canadians.

Our guests

• Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist from the Conference Board of Canada 
• Lisa Lalande, Chief Executive Officer of the Century Initiative.

Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist and primary spokesperson at The Conference Board of Canada. He provides insights and general direction for the Board’s economic products, including reports and economic indicators that relate to Canada and its regions and sectors. Pedro provides media interviews in English and French as well as expert testimony before parliamentary and senate committees. He is widely sought for speaking engagements and presentations to industry leaders and decision-makers on a broad range of issues and topics that impact Canadians.

Lisa Lalande is the CEO of Century Initiative, leading efforts to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity through responsible population growth. She has shaped national conversations on immigration, housing, and childcare, and spearheaded the National Scorecard on Growth and Prosperity. Lisa previously led transformative projects at the Munk School’s Mowat Centre’s Not-for-Profit Research Hub and held leadership roles at Habitat for Humanity Canada, advancing affordable housing across the country and around the world. Her work has driven policy change, empowered decision-makers, and earned numerous accolades, including the King’s Coronation Medal for her contributions to community service and social impact.
 
Additional links:

• The Century Initiative: [https://www.centuryinitiative.ca/scorecard/home]; 
•  The Century Initiative: Growing Smarter—The case for a national smart growth strategy
• The Conference Board of Canada: Shift in Immigration Policy Goes Too Far