From the IONA Journal of Economics, we bring you a range of conversations and interviews to give you insights into the world of economics and all it entails.
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, Economics Professor at the Columbia Business School.
An episode produced and edited by Gérémy Côté. This episode was recorded on December 12th, 2025.
18 Dec 2025
Inside the C-Suite: How Senior Finance Leaders Think
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 finance leaders spend their time, how decision-making changes at the top, working with CEOs and boards, and the balance between strategy, controls, forecasting, and people leadership.
The episode closes with practical advice for students and early-career professionals on building strong business judgment, developing the right habits early, and preparing for leadership roles beyond the spreadsheet.
An episode of IONA Asks.
Hosted by Ferdinand Rother.
Recorded at UBC Studio.
18 Dec 2025
How History Shapes Politics: Historical Memory and the War in Ukraine
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 past through education, culture, and official narratives. Using Germany, Russia, and Ukraine as case studies, Professor Gassner explains how different memory traditions influence public opinion, foreign policy, and reactions to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Topics include Germany’s Erinnerungskultur, Russia’s use of World War II and imperial history, censorship and narrative control, and the evolution of Ukrainian identity since 2014.
This episode offers a framework for understanding why the same historical events can lead to radically different political interpretations and why memory itself has become a battleground.
An episode of IONA Asks.
Hosted by Ferdinand Rother.
Recorded at the IKB Library, UBC.
18 Dec 2025
Inside CETA: Canada–EU Trade in a Changing Global Economy
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 conversation explores why CETA has often been described as a 21st-century trade agreement and where it has succeeded, stalled, or fallen short. Professor Huebner discusses key elements such as market access, public procurement, labour and environmental standards, and the broader political economy challenges facing modern trade agreements in an increasingly digital and fragmented global economy.
This episode offers a clear, grounded look at how trade agreements actually work in practice, and what CETA tells us about the future of transatlantic economic cooperation.
An episode of IONA Asks.
Hosted by Ferdinand Rother.
Recorded in Montreal.
10 Dec 2025
Spend Big, Cut Deep: Understanding Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget
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, November 12th, 2025.
10 Nov 2025
Beyond the Boom: The Future of Canada's Oil & Gas Industry
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 episode was recorded on Monday, October 27th, 2025.
10 Feb 2025
North America's Tipping Point: The Trade War Threat Between Canada and the US
An episode produced and edited by Gérémy Côté. This episode was recorded on Friday, February 7th, 2025.
9 Jan 2025
The AI Revolution in Supply Chain Management
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 of technology in shaping the future of global trade. Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating complexity and staying ahead in a quickly-changing world!
8 Jan 2025
2025 Eurozone Economic Perspectives
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 edited by Gérémy Côté. This episode was recorded on Friday, January 3rd, 2025.
Editor’s Note: at around 33min20 Gérémy misreported Canada’s debt to GDP ratio at 52%. As of 2024, it stands at 70%. It was at 52% in 2015. Our apologies.
13 Dec 2024
Canadian Year-End Economic Update
A Bank of Canada's monetary policy announcement, a much-delayed Canadian Government Federal Economic Statement and tariff threats from US-elected President 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 produced and edited by Gérémy Côté. This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 12th, 2024.
30 Nov 2024
The Carbon Tax: Canada's Misunderstood Environmental Policy
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 wrong? Is the Canadian Carbon Tax causing inflation of goods and services? Is it really effective at lowering our carbon emissions? Why is it facing so much criticism?
Join us for this IONA Asks episode as we unpack the Canadian Carbon Tax and answer the many questions around it with the expert in environmental policy Dr. Kathryn Harrison, Professor & McLean Family Chair in Canadian Studies at the University of British Columbia.
An episode produced and edited by Gérémy Côté. This episode was recorded on Friday October 25th 2024.
Editor's Note: at around 23min Professor Harrison misreported Canada’s Paris Agreement baseline as 2007. Canada's Paris Agreement baseline is 2005.
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