The state of the economy and what business transformation means for Canada’s nonprofit sector (with Candace Laing)

Canada’s economic landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Businesses are navigating inflation, labour shortages, digital transformation, and growing geopolitical and trade uncertainty - including questions about the future of Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreements. As businesses adapt to these pressures, the effects ripple across the nonprofit sector.

Corporate donations, sponsorships, employee volunteering, and community investment strategies are closely tied to economic conditions. Understanding how businesses are evolving is essential for nonprofits seeking to build strong partnerships and plan for the future.

In this episode of Let’s Imagine, host Bruce MacDonald is joined by Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Together, they explore the current state of the Canadian economy, how companies are rethinking community investment and social impact, the new energy around impact investing, and what these shifts may mean for nonprofit organizations.

They also discuss digital and AI transformation, how to “challenge ourselves to break up with the present”, and what nonprofit leaders should watch for as corporate strategies evolve in an uncertain economic environment.

Make sure to check out our full episode list. This episode is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This podcast was made possible thanks to generous support from our sponsors.

SUPPORTING PARTNER