
In This Economy?!
111 episodes — Page 1 of 3
Flying the friendly skies, or summertime turbulence for travellers?
There’s no place like home...if you can afford one
What's really pressuring your wallet?
Are we ready for the full integration of AI in social media?
It's mortgage renewal time: What to do if your payments are going up
Ep 112Q1 Recap: Market swings, mayhem and Trump
It's been a chaotic Q1 to say the least. Between all the Truth Social posts from US President Trump and his geopolitical stunts across the world - the markets have taken a hit. It's led to big slumps from record highs for tech stocks, and the run-up to record highs for the energy sector. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Colin White, CEO & portfolio manager, and Josh Sheluk, CIO & portfolio manager at Verecan Capital Management for a recap of the Canadian economy throughout Q1. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 111Being single is more expensive than you think
Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!' It’s known as “the singles tax” – an extra amount that solo earners pay to go through life without a partner. In some cases it can be punitive, and it’s prompted many Canadians to get creative. Host Kris McCusker speaks to financial journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams about her book “The Singles Tax: No Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners,” which can be found at your favourite book store. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 110Economic uncertainty amid a global crisis: what happens next?
The war in the Middle East has pushed global markets into turmoil, throwing early forecasts right out the window. And even before this crisis began, Canada was already on a shaky trajectory, with the biggest economic risk expected to come from upcoming trade negotiations with the United States. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Dr. Eric Kam, professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss the challenges facing policymakers right now—and, more importantly, what Canada needs to do to finally break out of the boom‑and‑bust cycle tied to global energy markets. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 109Are companies using AI as an excuse to lay you off?
Just three months in, and 2026 is already being coined as the 'Year of the Layoff', with companies blaming AI for letting chunks of their workforce go. But is tech really replacing workers — or just being used as a convenient excuse? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Ben Shiller, Brandeis University economist and associate professor, and author of 'A.I. Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, and Our Future'. The two discuss the fears of a shrinking white‑collar job market, the realities of AI’s impact, and why your future job security may depend on the sector you choose. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 108How can young Canadians get a head start on saving for retirement?
Times are tough for many Canadians, and for young Canadians, it may sometimes seem next to impossible to make ends meet. A survey from IG Wealth Management shows the landscape for young people is changing because employee pension plans are disappearing – which means the need to save more. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Aurèle Courcelles, Vice-President of Tax and Estate Planning about how to get the process started – and why an expert could be key to your success. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 107Is Canada's motorcycle market impacted by Trump's trade war?
There's been a big focus on how Canada’s auto industry has been dealing with the trade upheaval with the U.S., but what about the motorcycle market? And with spring (hopefully) around the corner, Canadian motorcycle enthusiasts are curious about the state of the market.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Landon French, President and CEO of Moto Canada, ahead of the Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show. The two discuss whether or not motorcycles are subject to tariffs, how the market has been affected by the trade disruption, and what trends Canada’s tourism sector is observing. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 106Are restaurants thriving?! In this economy?!
Canadian restaurant operators could be in for another rough year – thanks to uncertainty around trade with the U-S and higher food costs – along with a few other factors.And the industry, which has been struggling for years, is important to the country’s economy. But the numbers are not trending in the right direction.Hope is not lost.Host Kris McCusker takes a closer look at a report from Restaurants Canada with the President and CEO, Kelly Higginson. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 105How did Canada get into an economic slump?
The Bank of Canada has described what happened to the economy in 2025 as a shift away from normal trade relations with the United States and elevated uncertainty for households and businesses. While Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said what happens with the economy this year—and for interest rates—will be determined by the upcoming USMCA trade talks, today's guest argues there are much larger structural issues where you could argue the economy is already in a recession and needs dramatic policy changes by the federal government.Host Mike Eppel speaks to David Rosenberg, President and Founder, Rosenberg Research to discuss their predictions on the Canadian dollar and interest rates. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 104Do loyalty programs still pay off? Breaking down changes for Canadian consumers
One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 102In the market for a new ride? Prepare to spend big!
If you're in the market for a new truck or car, you might face sticker shock!The average price for a new vehicle in the Canadian market is now more than $60,000, and used vehicle prices are on the rise, too. So what options are you left with if you're looking for a new ride but can't afford the inflated price tag? How do tariffs play into the list price? And how will Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China affect the EV market?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Barish Arkurek, VP Insights and intelligence for Autotader.ca, to discuss what consumers can expect. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 101How to invest during geopolitical volatility
The headlines just two weeks into 2026 haven't fallen short of anything abysmal, especially centered around the happenings of US President Donald Trump. And although geopolitical uncertainty usually doesn't help the markets, Canadian stocks have continued to see record highs.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andrew Pyle, senior investment advisor and senior portfolio manager at CIBC Wood Gundy to discuss the dos and don'ts of investing during volatile times. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 100Deal or no Deal? How U.S. Trade talks will determine Canada's 2026 economy
2025 was no walk in the park for investors, homeowners, or the ordinary Canadian alike on the economic front, and a little over a week into 2026, and it seems like this year isn't looking any better.Host Mike Eppel speaks to James McCann, Senior Economist at Edward Jones to discuss what Canadians can expect from ongoing trade talks between Canada and the US, how the arrest of Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro, will affect Canada's oil sector, and potential interest decisions from the Bank of Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 99Will 2026 bring any sort of stability in the real estate market?
It's been a tumultuous year for the economy to say the least, especially in the interest of real estate and housing. The Bank of Canada cut interest rates nine times, yet buyers are still erring on the side of caution, waiting for some sort of stability before diving head-first into the market. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Shawn Zigelstein, broker and team leader for Royal Lepage to see what Canadians could expect heading into 2026. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 98Will grocery prices ever come down?
It's the kind of relief Canadians have been waiting to see for a while, but year after year, the idea of grocery prices lowering seems to be farther and farther away.Dalhousie University's annual publication, 'Canada's Food Price Report', found that families will be spending an extra 4% on groceries next year, coming out at more than $17,000. Host Mike Eppel speaks to the lead author of the report, Sylvain Charlebois, to discuss the latest in Canada's food market, and whether or not Canadians should hold their breath for lower prices. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 97How likely are people 'buying Canadian' this holiday season?
Although the 'Buy Canadian' economic movement picked up most of its steam shortly after US President Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods, the momentum is still going, even amid affordability struggles.A new report from Square Canada says more than 60% of Canadians are willing to support local, Canadian businesses this holiday season even if it means digging deeper into their pockets.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Karisa Marra, head of sales for Square Canada to discuss how Canadians are feeling heading into the holiday season, and how shopping with intention can sometimes feel better than trying to find the best deals. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 96Seasonal jobs are up, but is that a good sign for the economy?
A recent report by Indeed Canada found that seasonal job postings are up 12% this year compared to 2024, which could offer some respite for those looking for work. Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate remains elevated for the month of October, sitting at 6.9%, while youth unemployment is basically double that at 14.1%.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Brendon Bernard, senior economist at Indeed Canada to break down the report and discuss how the interest in holiday jobs says more about the bigger picture of the state of the economy. The also discuss how the current geopolitical climate plays into the unemployment market. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 95Will Budget 2025 finally solve Canada’s productivity problem?
Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced his first budget earlier this week, announcing a $78.3 billion deficit, as well as other major investments in defence, AI initiatives and housing.Included in the 406-page report are changes to improving productivity by implementing corporate tax reforms to incentivize foreign investors, as well as accelerate domestic economic growth.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Mikaela McQuade, policy and economics partner at PWC Canada, to break down whether or not Carney's investment into solving the 'productivity problem' will actually yield the results Canada deserves. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 94A snip to rates and a surge on the markets: an economic check-up!
The Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, announced the fourth policy interest rate cut this year, down by a quarter of a percentage point to 2.25%, signaling a steadiness in inflation, while simultaneously warning of a weakening economy. It comes in the midst of a volatile U.S.-Canada trade war, and ahead of a later-than-usual federal budget, with a projected deficit of close to $70 billion. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Barry Schwartz, President and Chief Investment Officer at Baskin Wealth to get a pulse check of the Canadian economy ahead of the upcoming November 4th federal budget. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 93Will Canada have to kiss its sexy credit score goodbye?
No one likes checking their credit score and seeing a hit to the rating - even the Canadian government. Credit rating agencies are bracing for the upcoming November 4th federal budget, and with a lack of fiscal updates since the last federal budget under the Trudeau government, economists aren't quite sure what they should expect when it comes to the deficit.So just how deep could the red ink run? And will the minority federal government receive the backing from any of the opposition parties to get it passed through the House?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins to discuss what former-banker-turned-Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has up his sleeve for the upcoming budget, and what he plans to do about a potentially ominously large deficit. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 92Jeep production heads south, Canada's auto sector stays in purgatory
Canada's automotive sector continues to trot along the bumpy road, after auto giant Stellantis announced its plans to relocate Jeep production from the Brampton Assembly Plant to a location in Illinois.The Brampton plant has closed its doors in 2024 in preparation for the production of the new EV model, but that's also been paused after US President Trump's tariff announcement on the automotive sector earlier this year.The residuals of Trump's push for domestic vehicle production has since threatened the livelihoods of more than 3,000 at the Brampton plant alone, with the rest of the sector biting its nails for whatever else the President has up his sleeves. And Ottawa has since announced it might bring Stellantis before a judge if it actually goes through with their $13B investment moving down South.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Greg Layson, Digital and Mobile Editor at Automotive News Canada to break down the 'why' behind Stellantis' bombshell announcement, and where it leaves Canada's fragile automotive sector. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 91Is Ontario in a housing drought?
A recent report from the University of Ottawa shows 22 out of the 34 municipalities in Ontario were given failing grades in regards to taxes and red tape restrictions surrounding development acceleration.And unfortunately, Toronto seems to be wearing that 'F' right on its sleeve, reporting under 120 new condo sales in the month of August - a number that hasn't been that low in decades. And with the federal government making legislation to increase not just more housing, but affordable housing, how can we reignite builds? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Residential Construction Council of Ontario President Richard Lyall to get the answers. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 90Back to the office! How to take the workplace from good to great
One by one, companies are mandating their employees to kiss their hybrid work-from-home model goodbye and head back into the office.But what once was before the pandemic rocked society's work-life balance, is no longer, and companies need to take the extra mile to ensure their offices pose as a productive workspace for their employees to thrive in.Host of In This Economy!? Mike Eppel speaks to Sarah Bramley, Senior VP, Workplace Advisory for Colliers Canada. She co-authored a recent report that detailed the relationship between a great office space and increased productivity. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 89Why is it so hard for young people to find a job right now?
Finding a job is difficult for anyone right now, but especially for a certain sector.Young people are having difficulty finding work. In fact, the youth unemployment rate this summer has been up to nearly 15%.A new study is taking a look at the root causes and offering some possible solutions.Host of In This Economy!? Mike Eppel speaks to L.J. Valencia, one of the co-authors of the Desjardins report. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 88Are Canadian farmers going to be okay after the latest tariff threat?
Being a farmer in Canada isn't easy at the best of times, and there's a new big challenge ahead.This week, China announced a hefty tariff on our canola products, which happens to be this country's largest agricultural export.Billions of dollars are at stake - so how damaging could this be?Host of In This Economy?! Mike Eppel speaks with Mike von Massow, a professor in the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 87Rating the overall health of the Canadian economy
As we approach the end of the summer, how is the economy actually doing and what can we expect for the rest of 2025? What does the data tell us about the impact of tariffs and what's really going on for Canadian businesses and households? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Don Drummond, economist and Staufford-Dunning Fellow at Queen's University and fellow in residence at the C.D. Howe Institute. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 86How to make sense of strong economic signals when all the pundits say the sky is falling?
Despite all the noise about tariffs and their potential impact, it appears the Canadian economy is actually weathering the storm.An interest rate cut looked like a slam dunk a month ago and now, with signs that the economy isn't falling off a cliff, it's highly doubtful that those rates will be going down.So what to make of where we're at in this economy? How do you plan when things are so unpredictable? Host Mike Eppel breaks it down with Royce Mendes, Managing Director and head of Macro Strategy at Desjardins. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 85How will the massive spending cuts being proposed by Ottawa impact you?
The civil service in Ottawa is bracing for layoffs.It comes after Finance Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne was tasked with finding $25-billion dollars in savings to offset the biggest increase in defense spending in a generation. So how does that play in to our federal government's massive deficit? And how does that trickle down to you? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Dr. Wayne Petrozzi, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 84Are we becoming less concerned with data breaches?
A data breach used to be big news. It was disconcerting to those impacted and was normally followed by a class action lawsuit. But as they become more ubiquitous, are we caring less? And if you're a victim of a data breach, what is the financial impact to you? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Hortobagyi, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering at Otka Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 83What can you expect from the economy in the second half of the year?
It's the mid-point of the year and it's the economic question everyone is asking - what's going to happen with interest rates?On this episode of In This Economy - you'll hear from an expert about whether our economy is weakening and what that means for you.Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, Managing Director of Macro Strategy at Desjardins to do some "fearless forecasting". Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 82How do we REALLY deal with the issue of affordable housing?
Housing affordability is a buzz word lately but how likely is it that it will actually become reality? Actual action on the issue has been really slow and housing starts aren't running at a pace that's it would need to be from a supply standpoint to make a meaningful difference. So what are the issues? What are the barriers to fixing this serious problem? Host Mike Eppel talks to Jordan Thomson, Director , Infrastructure Advisory at K-P-M-G Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 81Are there implications for Canada from Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill"?
In this crossover with The Big Story, you'll hear about the potential impact to Canadas economy from Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill". The bill could potentially have implications for Canadian investors and pension plans.Host Mike Eppel breaks down what it all means with guest Stephen Johnston, Director of Asset Management for Omnigence. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 80Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? It's complicated.
Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? Well, it's complicated. The Bank of Canada didn't give borrowers a break when it set policy on Wednesday, as Tiff Macklem cited the need to wait for more data points. The word "uncertainty" is being thrown around, although ironically, the economy was actually stronger in the first quarter than forecast. Host Mike Eppel speaks to experts about the lack of a cut and what that means for the market, home buyers and home owners.Guests: Claire Fan, Senior Economist, Royal Bank of Canada Phil Soper, President Royal LePage Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 79Buying a Cottage? In This Economy!?
The pandemic was a boom time in the cottage industry. As people decamped out of the city, the prices for cottages skyrocketed.However, in this softened real estate market, it's not easy to hold on to two homes, and that's becoming more obvious with the amount of cottages currently on the market.Host Mike Eppel digs into cottage life with Kingsley Ma, area VP of Re/Max Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 78No federal budget this year: what does that mean for Canadians?
A big week on the budget front, for multiple reasons. Not only did Ontario release a budget that aims to get the province through the trade war, we learned that the new Liberal government will NOT be releasing a spring document. Host of "In This Economy" Mike Eppel digs into the consequences of all the budget news this week and has a sneak peek on what the Bank of Canada might do next. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 75Post-election, digging into whether or not our economy will fall into recession
We now have clarity now on Canada's new government, but predictions about the state of economy going forward are murkier. There are signs the economy is contracting, so what does that mean for you?Host Mike Eppel speaks with Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 74Quick listen: How Monday's vote is impacting markets and looking at the challenges ahead
Monday's vote is being closely analyzed, both to finalize the results, and to determine what the impact on the market and economy will be. In this episode of "In This Economy", host Mike Eppel looks at what happened last night, and what the upcoming challenges will be with guest Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist of Desjardins Group. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 73Looking at the plight of small businesses in this very challenged year
Owning a small or medium sized business is never easy, and this year, it's been even more challenging. The small business sector is the country's largest employer and they're facing a ton of uncertainty from tariffs and the threat of higher inflation and a potential recession.Host Mike Eppel talks to Simon Gauldeault, Chief Economist and VP of Research for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to get his take. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 72Minding your mortgage in the midst of a trade war
It's a fluctuation that would - and did - send anyone over the edge, even those in the Canadian real estate market. Although the volatility didn't burn this side of the border nearly as much as it did to the south, the question still stands: what's in store for those Canadians cued up for a mortgage renewal this year? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Victor Tran, Mortgage and Real Estate Expert at rates.ca to discuss what the numbers mean and what we can expect to come in a seemingly never-ending tit-for-tat global trade war. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 71How short-sighted was Trump's Liberation Day?
US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed south. Besides the historic plunging of some of Wall Street's benchmarks as a result of the Trump's latest tariff announcement on April 2, his long-term goal of a stronger America seems more farther in the distance than he might've originally projected. But what exactly did he project? And was there any sort of input from the big players he's now backing into a corner to make his domestic-grown dreams come true? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Chief Deputy Economist at Desjardins, Randall Bartlett to make sense of the numbers. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 70Is Canada's economy in a strong place these days?
A Canadian economy once regaining its strength and gusto, is seeming to slip in its grip on success. GDP numbers from Statistics Canada were on the up to start off 2025...but the data now shows a different picture. So, where do we go from here? What's in store for Canada's economy amid Trump tariff threats? Are we in for a 'stagflation' scenario? And what does this all mean for your pocket? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Richard Forbes, Principal Economist of the Conference Board of Canada about what the current inflation numbers mean, how Trump's tariffs (and possibly new ones) could further impact the economy, and what we can look for in the coming weeks. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 69How Canadian business operators are dealing with so much uncertainty
Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult situation for Canadian operators.Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Tzimas, president of the Napoleon Group of Companies about the current situation, the impact on tariffs, and how difficult it is to be a Canadian business operator in this climate. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 68Forecasting what's next...In This Economy!?
It's been another week of uncertainty for the financial markets. With back and forth announcements on tariffs happening this week, it's been next to impossible to gauge what will happen next.Host Mike Eppel is trying to make sense of it with Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist at C-I-B-C. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 67Where to find the money to make an RRSP contribution
You want to save for your retirement - but where do you find the money? Head's up - the RRSP deadline is coming up on March 3, 2025. Host Mike Eppel is talking to an expert on why it's imperative to start saving for your retirement and how to make it less stressful. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 66How far are you willing to go to buy Canadian?
The "buy Canada" movement remains strong in the wake of tariffs levied against Canada, with more being tariffs reportedly on the way. So how far would you go to buy Canadian? Host Mike Eppel speaks to retail analyst Bruce Winder about economic show of patriotism and whether or not it's sustainable in this economy. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!
Ep 64Is anything making sense anymore in this economy?
Is anything making sense anymore in this economy? Between the ping-ponging markets, the on and off tariffs and the latest economic data, the week's been far from boring.To make sense of it all, host Mike Eppel speaks with Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at the Conference Board of Canada. Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: [email protected]. Thank you for listening!