Economic headlines move fast, but not every signal matters. Hosted by Ali Jaffery (https://kpmg.com/ca/en/contacts/j/ali-jaffery.html), Partner and Chief Economist at KPMG Canada, this podcast helps business leaders cut through the noise and focus on the economic developments shaping decisions today and in the quarters ahead. Each episode explores key trends, what to watch next, and the insights leaders need to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
The boardroom view: Benjie Thomas on what's keeping CEOs up at night
Ali Jaffery interviews Benjie Thomas, CEO of KPMG Canada, about the pressing concerns and strategic decisions facing Canadian CEOs today.
1 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT
Benjamin Tal on Canada's population reset and the future of housing
Ali Jaffery sits down with Benjamin Tal, CIBC Deputy Chief Economist to unpack the great population reset underway in Canada. From immigration targets and housing demand to the future of the condo market and the outlook for economic growth, Benjamin explains why the next few years could look very different from the last few. Plus, why he believes the housing market is changing for good, what's replacing the investor-driven condo boom, and a few thoughts on Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto.
French translation available here.
3 Sept 2026
The balancing act: Inflation risks, trade pressures and growth ahead
Ali Jaffery sits down with Paul Beaudry, Professor, The Vancouver School of Economics, UBC, to discuss the forces shaping Canada’s economic outlook. From a more hawkish Bank of Canada to escalating trade tensions and tariffs, they unpack the trade-offs facing policymakers, businesses and households. Plus, they examine fiscal policy and what global markets may be signaling about what comes next.
French transcript available here.
5 Aug 2026
Shock after shock: The U.S. economy, the Fed and what's next
The U.S. economy continues to defy expectations, but for how long? In this episode, KPMG Canada's Chief Economist and Partner, Ali Jaffery, sits down with Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG US, to discuss the forces shaping the U.S. outlook, from AI-driven growth and persistent inflation to Federal Reserve policy and the future of CUSMA. Together, they explore why today's economy is being shaped by shock after shock, and what businesses and investors should be watching next.
French transcript available here.
15 Jul 2026
CUSMA endgame: A whimper, not a bang
Where does Canada go from here? From tariff timelines and geopolitical tensions to business investment decisions and the possible endgame for the negotiations.
KPMG Canada’s Chief Economist Ali Jaffery, is joined by two KPMG colleagues, Joy Nott, Partner, Trade & Customs, and Lachlan Wolfers, National Leader, KPMG Law, exploring the future of CUSMA, Canada’s negotiating strategy, and the forces shaping the next chapter of Canada and USA trade relations.
French transcript available here.
15 Jun 2026
Hold the line: Rhys Mendes on rates, risk, and the economy
Canada's economy is holding steady, but for how long? In this kickoff episode, KPMG Canada's Chief Economist and Partner, Ali Jaffery, sits down with former Bank of Canada Deputy Governor, Rhys Mendes, to discuss inflation, interest rates, labour markets, U.S. policy risks, CUSMA uncertainty, and Canada's growth agenda. Drawing on more than 20 years at the Bank of Canada, Rhys offers an insider's perspective on the challenges facing policymakers and why patience may be the winning strategy for now.
French transcript available here.
9 Jun 2026
A lot can change in Any Given Quarter
KPMG Any Given Quarter is a podcast hosted by Ali Jaffery, Partner and Chief Economist at KPMG Canada. Each episode explores the economic forces shaping business today, offering timely analysis, market insights, and practical perspectives to help leaders navigate uncertainty and prepare for what’s next.
French transcript available here.
Inside a recent episode
The boardroom view: Benjie Thomas on what's keeping CEOs up at night
Published 20 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] But I think, you know, hopefully the government is starting to open the doors with immigration and that will help drive things. But then broadly within the organization, things that they can control are are looking around their overall AI integration and workforce readiness. And tied to that is cybersecurity. […]
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