Shaping Canada’s Future Since 1954
As Canada’s leading independent research organization, we’ve delivered evidence-based insights into the country’s toughest challenges for over 70 years.
Our legacy is built on impactful connections and the insights we’ve delivered across economic, social, and organizational research. Our work has empowered leaders to make informed decisions that build a more prosperous future for all Canadians.
See our history in more detail.
Legacy in action
Learn more about the milestones that have defined our influence and growth over the decades.
We drive action at all levels, from government briefings to global forums. These milestones demonstrate how our research and insights translate into real-world impact, advancing prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth at home and abroad.
1989
Influenced GST policy
We published a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), influencing the federal government’s decision to reduce the proposed rate from 9 per cent to 7 per cent.
2012
Developed AODA toolkit for employers
In partnership with Ontario’s EnAbling Change Program, we developed a toolkit to help employers adopt Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) legislation and integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce.
2020
Supported through COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered 100+ webinars and virtual meetings, maintaining business continuity and fostering connections during isolation.
2022
Shaped federal policy with healthcare research
Our Understanding the Gap 2.0 research was cited in Senate deliberations on Bill C-64, influencing federal policy on pharmacare.
2024
Shaped Senate discussions with immigration report
The Leaky Bucket gained widespread media coverage and was referenced in Senate statements and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policy consultations.
2025
Presented AI economy report at B7
Our release, Canada’s AI Economy, launched at the B7 (Business 7) meeting, which gathered G7 business leaders and was attended by Canada’s Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly.
Explore more influential milestones.
These milestones showcase key products that persist to this day, demonstrating our unparalleled track record for forecasts, indices, benchmarking tools, and publications that help decision-makers navigate Canada’s economic and social landscape.
1972
Index of Consumer Confidence
The Index of Consumer Confidence gauges consumers’ optimism on economic conditions, personal finances, the short-term employment outlook, and major purchases. It provides insights into near-term sales trends for companies in the consumer product sector.
1974
Provincial Outlook forecast
Our Provincial Outlook launched to address the gap in forecasting unique economic conditions for provinces, an area previously dominated by national assessments. It has evolved to include both short-term (five-year) and long-term (20-year) projections.
1982
Compensation Planning Outlook
The Compensation Planning Outlook offers insights into salary increases, incentives, and compensation trends from surveys with Canadian organizations. It remains a vital resource for HR professionals and organizational leaders.
2007
How Canada Performs benchmarking report
How Canada Performs assesses Canada’s performance against 16 peer countries in education, innovation, immigration, health, and more. It is a key resource for policy-makers, media, and business leaders, offering global comparisons. Since launching, the report has garnered millions of views and become one of our most searched releases.
2014
Innovation Report Card
The launch report card graded Canada’s innovation performance against 16 countries. With Canada receiving a D grade and ranking 13th, the report highlighted the need for increased investment in innovation to boost global competitiveness.
2023
GrowthNow
GrowthNow is a monthly economic report that estimates GDP growth rates for the current quarter using early data. It helps policy-makers respond quickly, improving economic policy effectiveness and fostering sustainable growth.
Learn more about our research and forecasts.
Our research centres advance knowledge and dialogue on some of Canada’s most complex challenges and promising opportunities. By bringing together cross-sectoral leaders united in their mission for progress, our centres enable us to develop and disseminate research that informs decision-making.
2010
Centre for the North
Centre for the North (CFN) focuses on sustainable development in Northern and Indigenous communities. CFN’s policy insights have gained national attention, and by 2018 influential reports had generated over 15 million media impressions.
2018
National Immigration Centre
Created to enhance Canada’s immigration system with independent research. The National Immigration Centre’s (NIC) contributions have been widely cited in media and Senate statements, influencing immigration policy in Canada.
2019
Value-Based Healthcare Canada
Established to improve Canada’s stressed healthcare system with a focus on patient care and outcomes, cost transparency, and capacity, Value-Based Healthcare Canada (VBHC) research has been presented to Senate and cited during final legislative proceedings.
2021
Workplace Mental Health Research Centre
The Workplace Mental Health Research Centre (now the Centre for Workplace Wellbeing and Effectiveness) was created to help leaders foster thriving employees and build resilient organizations.
2022
Canadian Centre for the Innovation Economy
The Canadian Centre for the Innovation Economy (CCIE) drives research and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing Canada’s innovation landscape. Centre findings were presented at the 2025 B7 meeting.
2024
Centre for Business Insights on Immigration
The Centre for Business Insights on Immigration (CBII) engages employers in immigration and immigrant talent management. Centre releases have sparked national media coverage and political debate.
2025
Centre for Canadian Growth and Prosperity
In response to a rapidly evolving global landscape, we established the Centre for Canadian Growth and Prosperity (CCGP) to help solidify Canada’s global position and future prosperity.
Learn more about our research centres.
Our executive councils highlight our enduring commitment to peer learning and sector leadership. Spanning key areas such as HR, marketing, innovation, the environment, and public affairs, these communities have united senior leaders to build capacity, surface emerging issues, and drive impactful knowledge exchange.
As of 2025, our 15 executive councils represent over 400 members, including some of Canada’s top companies, non-profits, and public institutions. This strong network continues to support our mission to drive knowledge exchange and cross-sectoral strategy
Learn more about our councils over the decades.
Through conferences, summits, forums, study tours, and award ceremonies, we unite business, government, academia, non-profits, and society to amplify diverse perspectives and dialogue. These touchpoints have shaped public discourse, strengthened networks, and sparked bold new ideas across sectors.
1955
Inaugural Canadian CEO Summit
Our first Canadian CEO Summit took place in Quebec, gathering 40 top CEOs. This invite-only event hosted influential leaders from organizations such as Molson, IBM, and the Bank of Canada.
1990s
Thought leadership in Total Quality Management
Throughout the 1990s, we led study tours across Japan, Europe, and the United States, examining total quality management (TQM) in companies such as Toyota, Starbucks, Campbell Soup, Federal Express, and Johnsonville Sausages.
2000
National Awards in Governance
Launched in partnership with executive search firm Spencer Stuart, this award recognized excellence across sectors. Honorees included Bank of Montreal and Mountain Equipment Co-op, with the program shaping governance practices even after its conclusion.
2009
Launch of Pandemic Response Working Group
In response to H1N1, we launched the Pandemic Response Working Group to strengthen emergency preparedness and business continuity planning.
2014
Better Workplace Conference
We launched our Better Workplace Conference in 2014. It has since become a cornerstone of our annual programming, dedicated to advancing organizational culture, employee well-being, and workplace safety.
2015
Canadian Immigration Summit
The Canadian Immigration Summit gathered leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing Canada’s immigration system. By 2018, it had become a major policy forum, drawing over 400 participants and featuring a keynote address from the federal Minister of Immigration.
2020
Launch of podcasts
We expanded into audio storytelling, bringing vital conversations to a broad and diverse national audience. By 2025, over 150,000 listeners had tuned in to our podcast series.
Explore more milestones.
These milestones trace the evolution of our structure, strategy, and digital transformation. These achievements reflect how we’ve adapted to remain relevant, resilient, and distinctly Canadian over time.
1954
Canadian office founded
The Conference Board Inc. (then known as the National Industrial Conference Board U.S.) opened an office in Montréal, Canada, in 1954.
1981
Incorporated as an independent Canadian not-for-profit
We became an independent organization, incorporated as AERIC Inc. This shift granted us autonomy over our strategy and research while maintaining brand continuity through a trademark licensing agreement with the U.S. based The Conference Board, Inc., allowing AERIC Inc. to use the CONFERENCE BOARD trademark in Canada and to also identify itself as The Conference Board of Canada.
2008–16
National Capital Region’s Top Employer
Reflecting our commitment to leading by example, The Conference Board of Canada was recognized seven times between 2008 and 2016 as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.
2019
Launch of Future Skills Centre
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a national initiative co-led by The Conference Board of Canada and funded by the federal government. FSC has played a critical role in preparing Canadians for the future of work through research and cross-sector partnerships.
2023
inFact platform replaces e-Library
In 2023 we launched inFact, an enhanced digital subscription platform. This transformation changed how clients interact with our insights, providing a more seamless and user-friendly experience for accessing and engaging with our research.
2025
Acquisition of Vicinity Jobs
We acquired Vicinity Jobs, Canada’s top provider of real-time national labour market data. This acquisition advanced our labour market intelligence portfolio and strengthened our ability to shape workforce policy.
Learn more about our institutional growth over the years.
Leadership through the decades
Monteath Douglas
(1957–71)
Arthur Smith
(1971–76)
Robert de Cotret
(1976–78)
James Nininger
(1978–2001)
Anne Golden
(2001–12)
Daniel Muzyka
(2012–18)
Susan Black
(2018–present)
Our commitment
Our journey reflects a steadfast commitment to independent, rigorous research and building Canada’s future. Our history as reflected here shows why we are a trusted leader in evidence-based guidance for Canadian policy and business operations. Our influence spans economic policy, workforce development, innovation benchmarking, and social progress, providing trusted insight at critical moments in Canada’s history.
With a clear vision for the future, we remain dedicated to empowering leaders with insights that drive positive, evidence-based action for all Canadians.
See our history in more detail.
