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We have a $570-billion infrastructure deficit in Canada. Yes, that’s right, a whopping $570 billion. So what do you say? Who cares?

Well, you should care because that infrastructure is made up of roads, bridges, tunnels, terminals, power generation plants, hospitals, schools and so much more that are related to our ability to care for, educate as well as move products and people. Without them our ability to get our products to market diminishes and in so doing we restrict our ability to remain an active participant in the global economy.

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Canada is, after all, a small economy trading well above its weight.

We’ve been able to maintain that position because we could get our products to market, a market that was just on the other side of the 49th parallel.

As we all know the world is changing, trading agreements are in flux or being nixed before they start. The global market is rapidly swinging towards Southeast Asia. If we can’t get our products to that market we run the risk of a stagnant economy at best, a sinking one at worst.

What does that mean for the Canadian economy in 2018 and beyond? We asked former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his positive short-term forecast, and his concerns over the long term.

Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue presents Conversations That Matter. Join veteran Broadcaster Stuart McNish each week for an important and engaging Conversation about the issues shaping our future.

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