Stephen Poloz O.C.

Stephen Poloz O.C.

Special Advisor

Ottawa

(613) 787-1013 

[email protected]

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Areas of Expertise

Stephen is a widely recognized economist with nearly 40 years of experience in financial markets, forecasting, and economic policy, including 35 years in the public sector.

Prior to joining Osler, Stephen was the 9th Governor of the Bank of Canada, Canada’s central bank. Stephen was Governor of the Bank for seven years after having previously spent 14 years there during 1981–95 occupying a range of increasingly senior positions.

An Officer of the Order of Canada, Stephen has made significant contributions to the country throughout his career and continues to do so. In April 2024, he was named the Chair of a new economic working group created by the federal government and tasked with finding more opportunities for Canada’s largest pension funds to drive economic growth here at home.

Stephen is also the author of the book titled The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future that maps out the powerful economic forces that are shaping our future and the ideas that will allow us to master them.

Prior to joining the Bank of Canada, Stephen spent 14 years at Export Development Canada, as Chief Economist (1999–2008), Head of Lending (2008–2011) and finally as President and CEO (2011–2013). He also spent four years at BCA Research, where he was Managing Editor of the International Bank Credit Analyst, one of their flagship publications.

Stephen is an Honorary Certified International Trade Professional and a graduate of Columbia University’s Senior Executive Program. He has been a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., and at the Economic Planning Agency in Tokyo, Japan. He is a frequent speaker and writer and has taught economics at the University of Western Ontario, Concordia University and Queen’s School of Business.

At Osler, Stephen provides clients with his significant expertise and strategic guidance regarding the financial system, trade, and economic policy both domestically and on a global scale.

Areas of Expertise

Media Mentions

  • Media Mentions April 1, 2025

    Former Governor of the Bank of Canada on one factor that may blunt the impact of Trump’s tariffs – Global News

    In anticipation of the Trump administration’s upcoming trade announcement, Canadians are bracing for what impact the impending tariffs will have...

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  • Media Mentions March 26, 2025

    Economic insights with Stephen Poloz – Boom and Bust

    Canada has done its best to prepare for what may lie ahead, Special Advisor Stephen Poloz says during a Boom and Bust interview.

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    Economic insights with Stephen Poloz – Boom and Bust
  • Media Mentions February 10, 2025

    Poloz: Path emerges for pensions to invest in Canadian airports – Financial Post

    Stephen Poloz spoke to the Financial Post about the possibility of pension funds investing in the country’s airports.

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  • Media Mentions February 9, 2025

    What impact will Trump’s tariffs have on Canadian economy if imposed? – CTV Question Period

    While the application of some tariffs has been placed on hold, many Canadians are concerned with the impact of impending tariffs on the Canadian...

    Read more
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Credentials

Education

  • University of Western Ontario, PhD (Economics)
  • University of Western Ontario, MA (Economics)
  • Queens University, BA (Honours Economics)

Languages

  • English
  • French

Professional Affiliations

  • Enbridge Inc., Board Member
  • CGI Inc., Board Member
  • Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, Advisory Council Chair

Osler is a leading business law firm practising internationally from offices across Canada and in New York. Our clients include industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses. We have built our reputation on our commitment to our clients' success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which we are recognized. We believe that our success is a reflection of our clients' success.