IONA Asks

A full-scale global trade war, confusing economic signals, the collapse of two U.S. auto giants, and repeated attacks on the Federal Reserve’s independence have made the opening of President Trump’s second term unusually turbulent for the American economy. Join us for this IONA Asks episode as we discuss the financial and economic consequences of these ongoing transformations with Brett House, Eco...

On this episode of IONA Asks, host Ferdinand Rother is joined by Professor Akash Rattan , who teaches managerial accounting at UBC Sauder and has held senior finance leadership roles, including time in the C-suite. The conversation focuses on Professor Rattan’s career journey, the realities of senior finance leadership, and what roles like CFO actually look like in practice. Topics include how fin...

On this episode of IONA Asks, host Ferdinand Rother is joined by Professor Florian Gassner , Associate Professor of Teaching in UBC’s Department of Central, Eastern and Northern European Studies, for a wide-ranging conversation on historical memory and its role in shaping politics, identity, and war. The discussion explores what scholars mean by “historical memory” and how societies remember the p...

On this episode of IONA Asks, host Ferdinand Rother sits down with Professor Kurt Huebner , Jean Monnet Chair for European Integration and Global Political Economy at the University of British Columbia, to unpack the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. Recorded at a moment of growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade norms, the convers...

On November 4th, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the 2025 Federal Budget - a plan that promises to spend big and cut deep . Join us for this IONA Asks episode taking a deep dive at Canada's 2025 Federal budget with Rebekah Young, economist at ScotiaBank. An episode produced by Gérémy Côté and Ben Doupe, edited by Christina Wu. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, No...

At a time when Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, vows to jumpstart Canadian productivity and climate-proof our economy, what is the future looking like for our homegrown oil & gas industry? Join us for this IONA Asks episode discussing the challenges facing the Canadian industry with Charles St-Arnaud, Chief Economist at Alberta Central. An episode produced and edited by Gérémy Côté. This epis...

On February 1st, US President Trump made his threats of 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican exports and a 10% tariff on Canadian oil and gas exports, a reality. The tariffs have since been paused. Is Canada really out of trouble? Join us for this IONA Asks episode as we discuss the implications of the trade tariffs for the Canadian economy and the state of the ongoing negotiations with Senator...

In an era of rapid change and digital innovation, supply chains are evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Samuel Roscoe, lecturer in Supply Chain and Operations Management at Sauder School of Business, to discuss how artificial intelligence revolutionizes supply chain management. From improving efficiency to building resilience, we explore the role...

With what looks like messy national elections, intense debates around the many recommendations of the Draghi report and the return of a Trump Administration, there are a few roadblocks waiting for the European Union this year. Join us for this IONA Asks episode as we discuss the Eurozone economic perspectives for 2025 with Carsten Brezski, Chief Economist at ING Germany. An episode produced and ed...

A Bank of Canada's monetary policy announcement, a much-delayed Federal Economic Statement, and tariff threats from President-elect Donald Trump; a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Join us for an overview of the recent economic developments in Canada and comments from the former Bank of Canada's Deputy Governor and Professor at the Vancouver School of Economics, Paul Beaudry. An episode pro...

Since its implementation in 2019, the Federal Carbon Tax has sparked criticism from Conservative politicians and many Canadians over alleged fear that it is increasing the cost of living. On the other hand, Justin Trudeau's Government and environmentalists are arguing that by putting a price on carbon pollution, Canada is reducing its emissions and encouraging innovation. Who's right and who's wro...