Video Archive

Gig Economy and Independent Workers

The nature of jobs is changing, with the growth of the gig economy and more work and in all fields being tasked to contract workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. These independent workers lack the social support net that full-time employees benefit from. What are some ways to bridge the “support gap” and ensure that people don’t fall between the cracks in these precarious job markets?

Armine Yalnizyan, October 26, 2020

Focus Area—Education & Skills

Workplace wellness chat: Psychological health and safety

Back by popular demand! Our podcast series “Carrying On: Mental Health Strategies for COVID-19” welcomes Dr. Bill Howatt back into our podcast “studio” to share some mental health insights. He’s joined by Andrew Harkness, Strategy Advisor of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), to discuss psychological health and safety.

Dr. Bill Howatt, October 13, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Long road ahead before economy finally gets back to normal

Following the release of our latest two-year economic forecast, Chief Economist Pedro Antunes speaks with the Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn about the long road ahead to get the Canadian economy back to pre-COVID levels.

Pedro Antunes, January 12, 2021

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

What to expect from the federal economic update on Monday

Our chief economist Pedro Antunes and Sahir Khan of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy interview on CBC News Network ahead of the 2020 Federal Fiscal Update. They want to get a sense of how forward-looking the update will be.

Pedro Antunes and Sahir Khan, November 27, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Working from home has helped some segments of the economy

Pedro Antunes, joins BNN Bloomberg to gives his view of how the economy has performed during the pandemic and what measures he sees being necessary on the road to recovery.

Pedro Antunes, November 16, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Strategic Risk Council Testimonial

Cathy Taylor, Vice President, Risk and Insurance of Centerra Gold, speaks about her continuting involvement in The Conference Board of Canada’s Strategic Risk Council apart.

Cathy Taylor, October 22, 2020

Focus Area—Leadership Development

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work—WIL

While a majority of education providers believe that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce, a much lower proportion of students and employers share that belief. This points to a disconnect between the education and work worlds, one that could be bridged by incorporating real-world or experiential work into students’ education.

Valerie Walker, Matthew McKean, and Kevin O’Meara, October 12, 2020

Focus Area—Education & Skills

Ask an Expert: Compensation Planning Outlook for 2021

Employers have and will continue to face a multitude of challenges in their compensation planning for 2021. Our Human Resources expert, Allison Cowan, shares insights from the latest Compensation Planning Outlook 2021.

Allison Cowan, October 1, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Strategic Risk Council Testimonial

Brian Prentice, Chief Risk Officer of Moneris Solutions, speaks about what sets The Conference Board of Canada’s Strategic Risk Council apart.

Brian Prentice, October 19, 2020

Focus Area—Leadership Development

Coping skills considerations

We’ve all had to create and discover coping-skills. The dangers with at-risk coping skills are the frequency, duration, and intensity. These will create illusions of immediate symptom-relief. Dr. Bill Howatt encourages us to discover pro-social coping skills.

Dr. Bill Howatt, July 20, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Building trust

Building trust is foundational to successful human relationships, which plays a big part in successful workplaces. What is the formula for building trust? Dr. Bill Howatt shares his insights.

Dr. Bill Howatt, July 6, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

“New normal”

Let’s start to notice the opportunities associated with a “new normal”—new work, new habits, new relationships, etc. Engaging in new skills will allow you to keep pace with innovations. Dr. Bill Howatt helps us navigate the idea of a “new normal.”

Dr. Bill Howatt, June 25, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Finding silver linings

It’s been approximately 100 days since onset of COVID-19. There have been so many hardships; what is the silver lining? Dr. Bill Howatt elaborates on his personal ups and downs during this pandemic and helps us understand how to find the silver lining in all of this.

Dr. Bill Howatt, June 19, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Potential impact of the federal public service continuing to telework after COVID-19

In our latest Ask an Economist video, we hear from our Chief Economist Pedro Antunes on the potential impact of federal public service continuing to telework after COVID-19.

Pedro Antunes, June 18, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Worry management

While many consider worry to be exclusively negative, Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us there are some positives. Worry helps us identify when something needs to be addressed or fixed. The challenge is when it becomes overwhelming. Learn how to manage worry.

Dr. Bill Howatt, June 15, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

The effect of COVID-19 on the food supply chain

In our latest Ask an Economist video, we answer: “What are the changes that have been brought on by COVID-19 to the food supply chain?”

Julie Adès, June 9, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Inclusion and diversity

Diversity and inclusion are limited by many factors, one of which being implicit biases. These are unconscious and often go unnoticed within the thoughts they occupy. Dr. Bill Howatt addresses ways to identify your own biases. Be open that you have biases. Insist on fairness and equality. Accept that you have a perspective on the world and lastly, always seek to understand.

Dr. Bill Howatt, June 10, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Parenting

Let’s face it: parenting is tough and even more so during a pandemic. Dr. Bill Howatt offers a set of 5 fundamentals he views as useful and effective when navigating everyday challenges faced by parents. Dr. Bill reminds us that above all, it’s essential to ensure a child’s safety and a parent’s ability to rest.

Dr. Bill Howatt, June 1, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Sleep disturbances and insomnia

Sleep disturbance occurs as a result of risk factors (COVID-19, financial stress, troubled relationships, professional stress, etc.). Lack of sleep will lead to irritation, uncontrolled emotions, and other undesirable outcomes.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 29, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

André Picard on emerging from lockdown

Health columnist André Picard joins us to talk about what we can expect as we move to the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis: the slow reopening.

Andre Picard, May 28, 2020

Focus Area—Health

Will the federal government recover their loss on income tax revenue?

With an estimated 2.8 million fewer tax paying workers in Canada due to this pandemic, will the federal government recover their loss on income tax revenue?

Pedro Antunes, May 26, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Reinforcing social connections with networking skills

During the COVID19 pandemic, Dr. Bill Howatt has shared with us the many benefits of creating and maintain social connections, mostly supporting good mental health. One key strategy in building social connections and reducing risk of feeling isolated and lonely is to develop networking skills.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 21, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Stéphane Hamel on contact tracing and data privacy

Stéphane Hamel is a leader in the digital marketing, analytics, and privacy world. He has been working in it and speaking about it for over 20 years now. Today, he talks to us about privacy, consent, trust, and what it will take for Canada to get ahead of COVID-19.

Stéphane Hamel, May 21, 2020

Focus Area—Innovation & Technology

More federal aid for businesses

Our Chief Economist Pedro Antunes, joins CTV News and Merella Fernandez with a look at the aid the government is providing to big business.

Pedro Antunes, May 21, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Creating intentional, non-negotiable habits and behaviours

Psychologically, it takes 6 weeks to create a habit. Improved mental health is a result of maintaining intentional, non-negotiable habits. Dr. Bill Howatt provides you with ideas you can exercise for the next 6 weeks.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 19, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Generating awareness about suicide

Something that is interesting about the mental health space, is that we don’t talk about suicide. We should not avoid tough topics, especially during a pandemic.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 13, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Government investment in childcare and early childhood education

Why does quality childcare remain so elusive to so many Canadians and how does a system of early childhood education provide economic benefit? Learn from Alicia Macdonald, Associate Director in economics, shares insights.

Alicia Macdonald, May 13, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

How might technological advances help speed up economic recovery?

We are going to see a deep recession, but we’ve been seeing decreased severity of recessions over time, one of the reasons is improving access to data.

Mike Burt, May 11, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

How does the government calculate ROI when it decides to spend money on a project or support program?

This complex question was unpacked by Senior Economist, Cory Renner. “…When government injects money into the economy, they don’t recoup the costs, so the ROI is almost always negative. The money goes towards balancing the budget and is one of many ways the investment supports the economy.”

Cory Renner, May 11, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

How many weeks can we support the federal and provincial subsidies?

You asked, we answered. Hear Senior Economist Robyn Gibbard respond to question submitted for our #AskAnEconomist series.

Robyn Gibbard, May 8, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Ways to reduce mental fatigue

Has your mind been feeling tired? You may not realize but brain fatiguing factors exist, more than ever, all around us during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 8, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Types of stigma and reducing it in the workplace

Common feelings and fear of being socially rejected often stem from stigma. Get tips on dealing with and removing barriers to reducing stigma in today’s video.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 6, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Mentally preparing for return to work

Different jobs require different skills. Some physical, some mental, some social. Dr. Bill Howatt highlights some key focus areas upon returning to work.

Dr. Bill Howatt, May 5, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Managing alcohol consumption during COVID-19

COVID-19’s effects on individual stress have added to the over 75 per cent of Canadians who consume alcohol yearly. The danger lies in habit creation.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 29, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Universal basic income

You asked, we’ve answered. Our #AskAnEconomist series prompted Chief Economist to answer: Does Universal Basic Income work and how can Canada implement it?

Pedro Antunes, April 28, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Celebrate what you have today

Overcome negative emotions by concentrating and rewarding the accomplishments. Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us all of the importance in celebrating big and small milestones during the COVID-19 pandemic, to better mental health.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 24, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Financial health management

Considering financial health was the #1 cause of stress amongst Canadians pre-COVID and leads to approximately 9 million hours a day loss of workforce productivity, it’s essential to maintain financial health.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 23, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

What will Canada’s trade relationship look like with China, Europe and US after COVID-19?

You asked, we answered. Hear our Chief Economist Pedro Antunes respond to question submitted for our #AskAnEconomist series.

Pedro Antunes, April 21, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Experiencing the stages of grief

How do you navigate grief? Loss? Regret? Canadian's are facing a time of loss—of routine, loved ones, hobbies, etc. How can you help those around you? Dr. Bill Howatt offers tips and insights on managing your mental health during COVID-19.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 21, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Is quantitative easing possible for our current situation?

You asked, we answered. Hear our Chief Economist Pedro Antunes respond to a question submitted to our #AskAnEconomist series.

Pedro Antunes, April 20, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Acts of kindness

Post-COVID19 will open up a whole new set of challenges. A new process. It’s critical for us to put our minds towards things we can influence and control.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 17, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

How will we respond to the next crisis?

You asked, we answered. Hear our Chief Economist Pedro Antunes respond to a question submitted to our #AskAnEconomist series.

Pedro Antunes, April 17, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Frustration and ANGER

Dr. Bill Howatt on managing frustration and anger: Feelings are important and good, but our reactions to those feelings are what define us as individuals.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 16, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Cognitive behaviour and anxiety

Your neural pathways are not locked; there are ways to manage anxiety.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 15, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Emotional fragility

Dr. Bill Howatt offers thoughts on protecting your emotional fragility. The COVID-19 era has challenged our mental health. Dr. Bill reminds us: you are not alone—be mindful of that and don't forget to deal yourself some empathy.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 7, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Healthcare resiliency

Wondering how to HELP the healthcare system maintain resiliency? Dr. Bill Howatt asks us to focus on honouring government restrictions, encouraging recognition, learning how to support, and promoting prevention.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 6, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Play with happiness

Did you know 50% of happiness is genetic, 10% stems from the environment and 40% from what you chose to do? Dr. Bill Howatt offers insights on crafting your happiness for better mental health during COVID-19.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 3, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Pedro Antunes on OMNI TV

Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, shares the impact of COVID-19 in the Canadian economy.

Pedro Antunes—March 31, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

BOND in your relationships during COVID-19

Break vs. bond: How is your relationship weathering the #COVID-19 test? Don’t lose sight. Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us not to make big decision while under significant stress. Get some tips on how to BOND in this video.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 2, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

GET Gratitude

It’s proven that people who practice daily gratitude benefit from increased resiliency and joy. Focusing on real-time gratitude develops a more positive overall outlook. Dr. Bill Howatt offers advice on developing your ability to be grateful.

Dr. Bill Howatt, April 1, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

PILL: Lowering anxiety if you develop symptoms

From a mental health perspective, what can you expect if diagnosed with COVID-19? Dr. Bill Howatt says one of the critical component is managing fear, in order to protect your immune system.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 31, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Before the bell

In honour of International Women’s Day, our President and CEO, Dr. Susan Black, joined an all-star lineup on “Before the Bell.” She spoke about barriers women face in the workforce, and more specifically, on the misrepresentation of women on corporate boards.

Dr. Susan Black—March 31, 2020

Focus Area—Inclusion

NEW Beginnings

“We're building this spaceship as we’re flying,” says Dr. Bill Howatt of our adaptability as Canadians. Daily, we are seeing new norms, new processes, and beginnings and much more.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 30, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Bank of Canada makes an emergency cut to interest rate

Our Chief Economist, Pedro Antunes, and Vassy Kapelos, from “Power and Politics,” discuss the new measures announced by the Bank of Canada. Notably lowering it’s interest rate to 0.25 per cent amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Pedro Antunes and Vassy Kapelos—March 27, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Charging your battery

Don’t let your work battery drain your personal battery. Dr. Bill Howatt gives tips on how to recharge efficiently, day to day, during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 27, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Economic impact of COVID-19

Our Chief Economist, Pedro Antunes, was on CTV News Network, interviewed by Angie Seth. The discussion was around the potential long-lasting effects of COVID-19 on the Canadian Economy.

Pedro Antunes and Angie Seth—March 26, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Managing anxiety and social isolation

Today’s lessons on mental health from Dr. Bill Howatt address personal anxiety from self-isolation and tackling it in a SAFE way: Self-talk, Assure, Vigilance, Engage.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 26, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Job loss

For some of us, COVID-19 may bring job loss; it’s an unfortunate and undesired reality that one may struggle to cope with. Dr. Bill Howatt shares his expertise on how to work through it. His latest video offers up to 8 pieces of advice.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 25, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

SELF: Self-compassion, empathy, love, fun

Today’s mental health video from Dr. Bill Howatt helps us understand the importance of SELF during COVID-19.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 24, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

PURE: Purpose, urgent, respect, energy

Respect has always been important—now it’s crucial. How does upping your respect affect others? Dr. Bill Howatt shares insights in COVID-19 and mental health series.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 23, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Dealing with isolation and COVID-19

Dealing with Isolation: in video 5 of series on mental health with Dr. Bill Howatt, we learn how to identify and minimize perceived isolation and it's effects. Dr. Howatt also touches on objective isolation and other ways COVID-19 may be affecting you.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 20, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Coping in the age of social distancing

Day 4 of our series on mental health with Dr. Bill Howatt covers the key elements in social distancing. In this vid, Dr. Howatt digs into what may be causing anxieties, best social practices, and more.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 19, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

COVID-19 impacts on trade

Chief Economist, Pedro Antunes, speaks with Merella Fernandez, CTV News.

Pedro Antunes—March 19, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Pedro Antunes on Power and Politics

“We’re definitely going to see a decline of GDP in the second quarter, but the real question is how long will it last?” Chief Economist, Pedro Antunes, speaks with Vassy Kapelos, host of “Power & Politics,” joined by Avery Shenfeld of CIBC.

Pedro Antunes—March 19, 2020

Focus Area—Canadian Economics

CALM and COVID-19

Day 3 of Dr. Bill Howatt’s Mental Health and COVID-19 series highlights the importance in having the ability to find inner calm during these stressful times. Learn his tricks, and work to develop your own.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 18, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

FEAR and COVID-19

Our second video from Dr. Bill Howatt is now available. This one focuses on fear and COVID-19. He explains how to deal with the benefits and drawbacks of fear.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 17, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

Mental health and COVID-19

Dr. Bill Howatt, our Chief of Research, has committed to offering daily videos with a focus on mental health to assist all employees and those at home during these stressful times.

Dr. Bill Howatt—March 16, 2020

Focus Area—Human Resources

The Conference Board of Canada’s purpose

As a country, we face greater complexity and higher stakes than ever. The way we respond to challenges will define the Canada of tomorrow.

December 4, 2019

The psychology of the workplace

Mark Henick is joined by Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity at The Conference Board of Canada to discuss the psychology of workplace mental health—mental injury, loneliness, depression, and what employers can do to help their employees dealing with these and any other issues.

Mark Henick and Dr. Bill Howatt—December 3, 2019

Focus Area—Human Resources