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APEBC Keynote Speaker Dr. Don Wright

June 20, 2024

Gradually, Then Suddenly

Over the past 40+ years Canada has seen a steady, gradual decline in its productivity performance, and a related growing pessimism about the prospects for the standard of living of younger generations.  In this presentation I will argue that Canada is at an inflection point – the gradual decline in our ability to generate a rising standard of living is now, apparently suddenly, turning into an economic, social, and political crisis.  I will identify the key changes that need to be made if Canada is going to turn this around.

Please note that the keynote speaker will be presenting from 10:00-11:00 am PT.  The Annual General Meeting will follow, and this portion of the event is open to APEBC members only.

Download the presentation here: Gradually, The Suddenly

Don Wright Public Policy Forum Fellow and former Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service of British Columbia Dr. Don Wright

Don’s career has spanned the academic, government and private sectors. From July 2017 to November 2020, Don was the Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service of British Columbia.

His previous government service included positions as Secretary to the Treasury Board and as Deputy Minister in the Ministries of Forests, Trade and Investment, and Education in the Saskatchewan and British Columbia governments.

From 1997 to 2001, Don worked for Weldwood of Canada, a forest products company, and was a vice president there before he returned to government service in 2001. From 2003-08 Don was the principal of Analytica Consulting, which provided advice to public and private sector clients. From 2008-2013 Don was President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology. From 2014-2017 he was President and CEO of Central 1 Credit Union.

Don has served on a number of profit and not-for-profit boards. Dr. Wright holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a Masters in Economics from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Economics from Harvard University.

Don continues to be active in public policy discussions, provides advice to selected clients, and sits on a small number of boards.

Relevant Public Policy Forum (PPF) papers:

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