Structural challenges

The world is constantly changing. Factors like trade conflicts, technological advances and climate change can challenge the very foundations of the economy. We study these developments to keep our economy strong and resilient.

In an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy, Canada faces various structural challenges that require careful analysis. These challenges are influenced not only by external factors such as geopolitics, global trade dynamics and technological advancements but also by internal factors, including demographic shifts and environmental sustainability. Understanding and addressing these structural challenges is crucial for keeping inflation low and stable, fostering growth and ensuring the economic well-being of Canadians.

Among the issues we are studying:

  • the structural factors behind Canada’s slow growth in productivity
  • how immigration and population aging impact inflation through wages, productivity and housing demand
  • how artificial intelligence will transform the demand for skills and affect productivity
  • how tariffs impact the economy and inflation in Canada
  • the impact to Canada if the US dollar ceases to be the global currency used for trade and finance

Productivity

Productivity growth is a main factor behind economic prosperity. Yet, Canada has seen slow growth in productivity for a long time. Understanding both the underlying factors behind productivity and its likely evolution are important for identifying inflationary pressures.

The four Ds: deglobalization, demographic shifts, digitalization and decarbonization

The four Ds are reshaping the Canadian economy. They may lead to more persistent pressures on inflation and cause inflation to be more volatile. For these reasons and more, examining these four structural trends is important.

  • Deglobalization is led by shifts in trade alliances and the rearranging of supply chains. It affects how Canada interacts with the global economy.
  • Demographic shifts, including population aging and immigration, influence the labour market and the demand for housing.
  • Digitalization affects productivity and the demand for skills, particularly as businesses use artificial intelligence tools more widely.
  • Decarbonization is essential to become environmentally sustainable but creates opportunities and challenges for economic growth.

The international monetary and financial system

The international monetary and financial system is the set of rules, institutions and mechanisms that govern exchange rates, cross-border flows of capital and the use of international currencies to facilitate the exchange of goods and services between countries. This system is facing heightened uncertainty and potential structural change. Geopolitical tensions, shifts in trade policies and the evolving role of the US dollar as the dominant reserve currency are key factors influencing the system. Understanding the implications of these changes for Canada is critical.

Related research

Search by Title

Content Types

Assessing Labour Market Slack for Monetary Policy

Staff discussion paper 2021-15 Erik Ens, Laurence Savoie-Chabot, Kurt See, Shu Lin Wee
Measuring labour market slack is essential for central banks: without full employment in the economy, inflation will not stay close to target. We propose a comprehensive approach to assessing labour market slack that reflects the complexity and diversity of the labour market.

Energy Efficiency and Fluctuations in CO2 Emissions

Staff working paper 2021-47 Soojin Jo, Lilia Karnizova
Carbon dioxide emissions have been commonly modelled as rising and falling with total output. Yet many factors, such as energy-efficiency improvements and shifts to cleaner energy, can break this relationship. We evaluate these factors using US data and find that changes in energy efficiency of consumption goods explain a significant proportion of emissions fluctuations. This finding also implies that models that omit energy efficiency likely overestimate the trade-off between environmental protection and economic performance.

Rising US LNG Exports and Global Natural Gas Price Convergence

Staff discussion paper 2021-14 Robert Ialenti
We assess how rising exports of US liquefied natural gas affect the convergence of natural gas prices worldwide. Our results may have implications for the development of future LNG export capacity in Canada.

From He-Cession to She-Stimulus? The Labor Market Impact of Fiscal Policy Across Gender

Staff working paper 2021-42 Alica Ida Bonk, Laure Simon
The effects of fiscal policy shocks on labour market outcomes across gender depend on the type of public expenditure. Women benefit most from increases in the government wage bill, while men are the main beneficiaries of higher investment spending.

Household financial vulnerabilities and physical climate risks

Staff analytical note 2021-19 Thibaut Duprey, Colin Jones, Callie Symmers, Geneviève Vallée
Natural disasters occur more often than before, potentially exposing households to financial distress. We study the intersection between household financial vulnerabilities and severe weather events.
Go To Page

Disclaimer

Bank of Canada staff produce research and analysis to support the work of the Bank and to advance knowledge in the fields of economics and finance. The research is non-partisan and evidence based. All research is produced independently from the Bank’s Governing Council. The views expressed in each paper or article are solely those of the authors and may differ from official Bank of Canada views.

On this page
Table of contents