TheFutureEconomy.ca Podcast

As populations age and health systems face mounting pressures, precision medicine offers a powerful shift from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized prevention. However, key hurdles remain, from breaking down data silos and navigating provincial jurisdictions to maintaining public trust and closing equity gaps across rural and urban communities. 💬 This episode features Dr. Rob Annan, Pres...

In Episode 6 of The Future of the Energy Transition Expert Series, presented by Mackenzie Investments, host John Cook, Senior VP & Portfolio Manager, Mackenzie Investments, is joined by industry leaders Lynn Côté, Executive Director at Canada Cleantech Alliance, and Tyler Hamilton, Senior Director, Climate at MaRS, for an in-depth exploration of how Canada can convert its rich pipeline of clea...

Over the past 50 years, vaccination has played an important role in public health globally. So why is public confidence shifting today? Successful immunization has made certain vaccine-preventable diseases invisible, creating a unique paradox where prevention's value is forgotten. Building vaccine trust requires moving past rigid mandates toward honest dialogue and patient-centered empathy. 💬 Fea...

In this episode, James Scongack (COO & Executive VP at Bruce Power), Richard Ma (Executive Director, Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets), and John Cook (SVP & Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Investments) examine why nuclear energy is emerging as a cornerstone of Canada's energy future and what it will take to build the next generation of reactors affordably. From fleet-based reactor develop...

In this episode, David Perry (President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute) and Kristen Leroux (Vice President & Regional Executive for Canada and Latin America at Lockheed Martin) break down the massive strategic pivot in national defence and the important role it plays in Canada’s industrial and economic strategy. From the $2 economic return generated for every $1 invested in defence capit...

How is artificial intelligence transforming the way we discover life-saving drugs and scale healthcare startups? In this exclusive interview, industry leaders break down the real-world applications, challenges, and future of AI adoption in the life sciences sector. From cutting-edge generative AI models used in small-molecule discovery to the economic hurdles facing Canadian tech ecosystems, our p...

In this episode, Constantine Karayannopoulos (Former Neo Performance Materials CEO), Onno Rutten (VP & Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Resources), and John Cook (SVP & Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Investments) break down the harsh economic and geopolitical realities of the global energy transition and the important role of critical minerals play in it. From China’s 50-year strategy to monopolize...

Why do so many major Canadian projects fail before they even begin? In this episode, Raylene Whitford, Director of Canative Energy, and John Cook of Mackenzie Investments break down the legal and economic realities of Indigenous rights in Canada’s energy sector.   From the Northern Gateway pipeline to the rise of First Nations-led LNG projects, we explore why consent is foundational, not a formali...

Canada sits on a goldmine of energy resources, yet it risks "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory" in the global race for energy leadership. In this episode of The Future of the Energy Transition expert series presented by Mackenzie Investments, Christine Healy, President and CEO of Northland Power, and John Cook, Senior VP & Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Investments, break down the paradox...

Canada stands at a critical juncture in the global energy landscape. In this inaugural episode of The Future of the Energy Transition expert series presented by Mackenzie Investments, Jackie Forrest, Executive Director at ARC Energy Research Institute, Dr. Bruce Lourie, President at Ivey Foundation, and John Cook, Senior VP & Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Investments, explore the cultural and pol...

Canada stands at a turning point in building a food system that is both affordable and sustainable. In this episode of The Wicked Solutions Series presented by Generate Canada and Farm Credit Canada, Dana McCauley, CEO, Canadian Food Innovation Network, Marie-Claude Bourgie, VP Sustainability, Farm Credit Canada, Nick Betts, Managing Director, Canadian Alliance for Net Zero Agri-food, and David Hu...

Canada faces an urgent test of resilience. In this episode of The Wicked Solutions Series presented by Generate Canada and Co-operators, Don Iveson, Executive Advisor of Climate Investing & Community Resilience at Co-operators, Hillary Thatcher, Managing Director of Investments at Canada Infrastructure Bank, Priya Bala-Miller, Managing Director of Nature Investment Hub, and David Hughes, President...

Canada’s agricultural future hinges on productivity, resilience, and innovation. In this episode of The Wicked Solutions Series, presented by Generate Canada and Farm Credit Canada, Dan Lussier, Former Director of Canadian Agri-Food Data Initiative, Craig Klemmer, Principal Economist at Farm Credit Canada, Nick Betts, Managing Director of Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food, and David Hughes,...

Canada’s construction industry is at a turning point. In this episode of The Wicked Solutions Series, presented by Generate Canada and Co-operators, Meredith Moore, CEO of Ouroboros Deconstruction, Michelle Laidlaw, Associate VP of the Home Portfolio at Co-operators, Paul Shorthouse, Managing Director of Circular Economy Leadership Canada, and David Hughes, President & CEO of Generate Canada explo...

Canada stands at a crossroads in the global resource economy. In the latest episode of The Future of Chemistry Series, Greg Moffatt, President & CEO of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), and Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, explores what it takes for Canada to harness the full potential of its mining and chemistry sectors in order to lead in...

Canada faces a pivotal moment in transforming its food systems for a sustainable future. In this latest episode of The Wicked Solutions Series, presented by Generate Canada, Dr. Tammara Soma from Food Systems Lab, Amr Addas from Farm Credit Canada, Barbara Swartzentruber from Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food and David Hughes, President and CEO of Generate Canada, explore how a circular eco...

Canada faces a pivotal opportunity to become a global leader in clinical trials. Explore how streamlined ethics reviews, greater access across communities, and bold investment in biotech innovation can improve health outcomes, strengthen equity, and grow Canada’s life sciences economy. Discover why modernizing trial infrastructure and accelerating approval processes are key to building a healthier...

Canada is confronting a new era of complex, interconnected challenges—from climate resilience to economic uncertainty. Discover how systems thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and bold, incremental innovation can unlock practical solutions to these so-called “wicked problems.” Learn why small experiments, long-term vision, and a renewed sense of purpose are the keys to building a more resilient,...

Canada stands at a pivotal moment in redefining its healthcare landscape. By harnessing the transformative potential of real-world health data, fostering public trust through transparency, and empowering patients with accessible information, we can drive significant improvements in healthcare delivery. Addressing the challenges of data privacy, interoperability, and ethical governance is essential...

Canada’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. Explore how empowering healthcare workers, embracing industry collaboration, and fostering a culture of innovation can transform patient access and system efficiency. Discover the importance of reducing barriers to innovative medicines and developing a mandate for healthcare innovation to ensure a more effective and patient-centered future. Read the f...

Canada’s skilled trades sector is at a crossroads, facing a critical shortage of workers while struggling to attract diverse talent. As housing demands rise and infrastructure projects accelerate, the need for accessible pathways, inclusive training, and modernized policies has never been greater. Explore how AI-driven training, diversity initiatives, and strategic immigration reform can revitaliz...

Canada stands at the forefront of a healthcare revolution, where AI has the power to transform patient care, ease provider burdens, and drive medical breakthroughs. As AI adoption accelerates, Canada must balance innovation with ethical governance, ensuring data accessibility, diversity, and security. Explore how AI can modernize healthcare, the role of responsible data sharing, and why Canada’s l...

Canada’s workforce is at a crossroads. Explore how evolving skill demands, digital transformation, and inclusive training initiatives can shape the future of work. Discover the challenges of declining literacy proficiency, the growing need for problem-solving skills, and the critical role of government and industry collaboration in preparing Canadians for an AI-driven economy. Don’t miss this inte...

Canada’s healthcare system is ripe for transformation. Explore how value-based healthcare is redefining patient outcomes, reducing costs, and fostering equity across communities. Learn about innovative models like hospital-at-home care, the importance of patient-reported outcomes, and the integration of digital tools to optimize health systems. Don’t miss this insightful discussion, featuring Erin...

Canada’s sustainability journey is reaching a critical turning point. Explore how green chemistry principles, circular economy practices, and innovative industry-government collaborations are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. Discover the challenges of fragmented recycling systems, high R&D costs, and the urgent need for standardizing regulations to achieve Canada’s decar...