In the season 4 finale, we discuss the long term economic implications of the Three I's - Inflation, Invasion of Ukraine and Interest rates. Beyond what is happening today, what will the future look like and how can you prepare for these potential realities? Alicia Planincic, Economist & Manager of Policy at the Business Council of Alberta, and Rob Roach, deputy chief economist join Todd Hirsch, ATB Financial Chief Economist to unpack all of the possibilities. The Future Of will be back in the fall with all new episodes, a new host and new guests!  Catch up on all past episodes and le ..read more

With a decade of experience and education working and living across Asia, Crystal Nash, ATB's Media Analyst joins Chief Economist Todd Hirsch to talk about the future of economic relations with Asia.  From ESG practices and diversity, to business advice and how brand loyalty - including timbits - are impacting even the smallest local economies - no topic is left behind. Crystal pulls back the curtain to help us understand the opportunities and challenges that are present as we foster postivie economic relations with Asia.  Email Todd your biggest questions about the economy and the f ..read more

ATB's Cheif Economist is joined by Sharon Sun, Trade Policy Economist at the Canada West Foundation and Distinguished Fellow at Asia Pacific Foundation. How do sectors like education, agriculture and technology amplify economic opportunities between Asia and Canada? Beyond unpacking the future of these sectors, this episode explores the growing middle class in Asia, Canada’s opportunity for innovation in spaces like food manufacturing, technological innovation and education. How will Canada go from being a footnote, to noteworthy, when it comes to economic relations with Asia? Email your bigge ..read more

Alberta is uniquely positioned to be a leader in ending homelessness. Tim Richter, president & CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness joins Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist, to discuss the current and future state of affordable housing and homelessness in Alberta and beyond.  This episode explores how Medicine Hat ended chronic homelessness, and how other cities and provinces are leveraging solutions to make big impacts.  Economic costs and data is shared throughout the episode to bring understanding to the economic strain homelessness has on communities, versus the economi ..read more

Mike Brown, President of Trico Homes and Todd Hirsch, ATB Financial's Chief Economist discuss the future of homebuilding and communities. They unpack how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly boosted the industry and required homebuilders to align with people's values and needs, and what impact this will have on home ownership and the economy in the future. Mike discusses what you, and generations to come, might expect when pursuing home ownership in the years ahead.  The need to build diverse communities to benefit the economy and businesses is a major theme. Mike also shares what he expect ..read more

In this episode, Chief Economist Todd Hirsch connects with Naheed Nenshi. Educator, researcher and former mayor of the city of Calgary.  Cities are hubs for both economic and social innovation. Where communities, policy and creativity come together - amazing potential is unleashed. As the future of cities is explored, how people interact and how resources are utilized will be a determining factor in the resiliency of a city. Subscribe to The Future Of where we connect with community and business leaders who are thinking about, planning for and leading us into the future. Ask Todd your que ..read more

Chief Economists Frances Donald and Todd Hirsch connect to discuss their predictions of the top five economic stories for 2022. By unpacking the complex topics that you see in the headlines like inflation and labor, supply chains and the Central Bank, you can be better prepared for the year ahead and gain a deeper understanding about how these stories impact individuals, businesses and communities. The episode ends with commentary around bright spots in the global and local Alberta economy, and what economists are feeling positive about in the year ahead. atb.com/thefutureof Subscribe to The O ..read more

ATB Financial’s Chief Economist,Todd Hirsch, is joined by Rob Roach, deputy chief economist at ATB Financial.  In a moderated discussion, Rob and Todd start the episode by answering listener questions about education, the economy, unemployment and COVID-19.  Next, they continue the conversation on The Future Of Trade.  Our relationship and interactions with trade have transformed dramatically over the years. Beyond goods that Canada imports and exports, the trade of intellectual property and services through virtual and online platforms is on the rise. How will technology and ou ..read more

ATB Financial’s Chief Economist, Todd Hirsch, is joined by Carlo Dade, Director - Trade and Investment Centre, Canada West Foundation. Todd and Carlo unpack the complex topic of trade and the future of trade with one of Canada’s largest trading partners, China. What is the future of trade with China as it emerges as the largest global economy? Since Canada’s exports serve the global middle class, as China’s middle class continues to grow, the opportunities for Canada to export more goods and services grows as well.  How will entrepreneurs or business owners navigate trade relations and su ..read more

ATB Financial’s Chief Economist,Todd Hirsch, is joined by Dr. Lisa Belanger, PH.D., CEO & Behaviour Change Expert of ConsciousWorks.   Dr. Lisa Belanger discusses the reality of mental wellness, self care and the future of this sector in the second episode in our series on The Future Of Wellness. From the areas individuals have control over, to the impacts of technology and the taboo nature of the topic - nothing is off limits in this conversation.  Lisa is the CEO of ConsciousWorks, a consulting firm that helps leaders apply the findings from leading-edge scientific researc ..read more