Canada in a Changing World

The relationship between Canada and the United States is being reset. During this time of uncertainty, Signal49 Research is examining what Canada must do to not just survive but thrive in this changing world. We will look at what is required to expand our national security capabilities, build our economic resilience, address our domestic priorities, and reimagine how we engage with the rest of the world.

With multiple updates each week, check back here to stay up to date with our latest research and analysis.

Expect in-depth discussion and analysis on …

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Tariff Impacts

U.S. tariff policies are reshaping the economic landscape for Canadian industries, with consequences that vary across provinces. As trade with the U.S. becomes less predictable, Canada must look inward—reducing interprovincial trade barriers, strengthening domestic supply chains, and accelerating trade diversification efforts. How can federal and provincial policymakers work together to mitigate these risks and ensure economic resilience?

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Geopolitical Partners and Trade Relationships

With global alliances in flux, Canada’s trade relationships are being redefined. While the U.S. remains a central partner, diversification efforts with Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and other economies are becoming increasingly critical. How should Canada adapt its trade strategy in the face of shifting global power dynamics?

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National Security

Canada’s defense strategy is under increasing pressure as geopolitical tensions rise. With Arctic sovereignty challenged by global powers, Canada must make critical decisions about defense investments. How will Canada balance fiscal constraints with the need to assert sovereignty and meet evolving security commitments?

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Strategic Industries

Canada’s position in key strategic sectors—critical minerals, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing—will determine its role in the global economy. As the U.S. and other nations accelerate industrial policies to gain competitive advantages, Canada must define its own path. What investments and policy shifts are required to secure leadership in these sectors?

Canada’s digital economy is expanding, but much of the infrastructure, capital, and platforms behind it are controlled abroad. Without a stronger approach to data sovereignty, Canada risks losing control not only of its data, but also of the intangible assets that increasingly drive innovation and economic growth.

Research

Public hope for private action: How much does Canada’s budget move the needle on prosperity?

Geopolitical tensions, trade wars and a change in posture from the United States have ushered in new thinking in Canada. The days of being a beneficiary of a reliable, transparent…

Opportunity Amid Disruption: Supporting Canada’s Strategic Industries

Canada’s economy is under attack. But tariffs are only part of the story. Our national prosperity is also threatened by the tectonic forces of climate and demographic change. The shifting…

Re-building our Military Will be Expensive, but Create Opportunities

Lack of defence spending hits the spotlight In 2014, members of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO) reinforced their commitment to spend over 2 per cent of nominal GDP on…

Trade Partner Profile: Middle East and North Africa

In 2024, Canada exported approximately $10.4 billion CAD worth of products to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region¹, representing about 1 per cent of all Canadian exports. Imports…

U.S. Trade War Represents an $8.8 Billion Potential Gain for Canadian Tourism

President Donald Trump’s administration has put Canada–U.S. relations on edge, and Canadians are finding ways to support local industry as much as possible. The U.S. government’s whipsaw tariff announcements have…

Trade Partner Profile: India

In 2024, Canada exported $5 billion of goods to India and imported approximately $8 billion dollars worth. Indian imports of Canadian goods represent approximately 0.7 per cent of Canada’s goods…

Trade Partner Profile: South America

In 2024, Canada exported $7.4 billion worth of goods to South America.¹ Imports from the continent totaled $24.1 billion. Wheat is Canada’s biggest export to South America, accounting for 21…

Trade Partner Profile: United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (U.K.) is Canada’s third largest trading partner, behind the United States and China. In 2024, Canada exported $28.3 billion goods to the U.K. and imported $9.2 billion….

Middle Power Thinking: How Canada Needs to Engage with the World

Global relationships are in upheaval as the United States is now engaging in coercive diplomacy with former allies. In short, the US is directly using its economic and military power…

Events

Canadians are confronting a new economic and geopolitical reality, one that calls for fresh thinking, bold investment, and a shared commitment to long-term prosperity. This free webinar will explore how renewed focus on industrial policy, resource development, and nation-building projects can reshape Canada’s economic future.

As the United States adopts a more coercive diplomatic approach, Canada must reassess its global alliances. This timely webinar will explore the impacts of ongoing tariffs and what Canada can do to succeed in this evolving global landscape.

Centre for Canadian Growth and Prosperity

Through rigorous analysis and evidence-based insights, this Centre provides the knowledge required to shape policies and practices that will secure a strong, resilient, and inclusive future for all Canadians.