Canada’s economic challenge: Insights from the Coalition for a Better Future’s #GrowthForAllCdns Campaign
Executive Summary
This report provides a summary of the Coalition for a Better Future’s #GrowthForAllCdns campaign. Launched in March 2024, the campaign aimed to engage Canadians across diverse demographics to explore what economic growth means to them, focusing on youth, non-profit organizations and community groups. The campaign prompted a national conversation about economic growth as a foundation for improving Canadians’ quality of life.
What Canadians told us
Engaging a broad audience, including business leaders, community organizations and students, the discussions have painted a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities Canadians see when it comes to economic growth.
The verdict is clear: Canadians perceive a troubling lack of urgency from our leaders on this critical issue.
The campaign revealed broad public agreement on the importance of economic growth, not as an abstract concept, but as a practical necessity for:
Job creation and income growth.
A cleaner environment and sustainable practices.
Affordable housing and improved quality of life.
A recent Nanos Research survey commissioned by the Coalition echoes this sentiment. The survey found Canadians feel we’re failing to implement policies that deliver higher living standards.
This is cause for concern.
With a federal election on the horizon, the stakes for Canada’s future prosperity is high. Output per capita is declining, labour productivity has worsened, and many Canadians—particularly young people, immigrants, and racialized communities—are struggling more than ever. Meanwhile, our efforts to decarbonize the economy are faltering, and rising global uncertainties, including the new Trump administration in the United States, underscore the urgent need for Canada to become more productive.
It is imperative that all political parties present concrete ideas to lift us out of economic stagnation.
Canada's economic challenge captures the shared belief among Canadians that growth is not just about economic indicators. It’s about creating a nation where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It’s about ensuring our children and grandchildren inherit a prosperous, resilient, and fair society. It’s why urgent action is needed to compete globally, grow sustainably, and improve lives.
