Stephen Poloz
Apr 16, 2024
Osler Special Advisor Stephen Poloz has been named as chair of a new economic working group created by the federal government and announced in Budget 2024.
As the budget document explains, the group, which will be supported by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, is being created “to find more opportunities for Canada’s largest pension funds to drive economic growth at home.”
The members of the group will “explore how to catalyze greater domestic investment opportunities for Canadian pension funds. This working group will identify priority investment opportunities that will grow Canadians’ pension savings — that meet Canadian pension plans’ fiduciary and actuarial responsibility, spur innovation, and drive economic growth.”
In particular, the working group will look at industries and sectors such as digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, physical infrastructure, venture-capital investments, home building (including building on public lands) and airport facilities.
“I am looking forward to exploring the issues around investment in Canada with the pension funds. They are among the world's most astute investors, so I am confident that we can work together to find ways to expand the range of globally-competitive investment opportunities for them, right here in Canada,” says Stephen Poloz.
The announcement received considerable coverage in the media. Outlets such as The Logic, The Globe and Mail, and The Financial Post all reported on Stephen’s appointment.