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.

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Pedro Antunes

Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada

Lisa Lalande

Chief Executive Officer, Century Initiative