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 Sep 23, 2024

    Canadians should brace for recession because odds are ‘not zero,’ says Poloz – National Post

    With Canada’s unemployment rate having risen from 6.4% in June to 6.6% in August, it is a further indication of recession conditions in many parts...

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    Canadians should brace for recession because odds are ‘not zero,’ says Poloz – National Post
  • Media Mentions Jul 11, 2024

    A conversation with Stephen Poloz on Canada’s economy, inflation, interest rates and productivity – ARC Energy Ideas podcast

    In discussion during an ARC Energy Ideas podcast, Osler Special Advisor Stephen Poloz says Canada has a good opportunity to develop a critical...

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  • Media Mentions Jul 11, 2024

    Canada’s pension spat exposes global institutional capital fight – fDi Intelligence

    In March 2024, an open letter signed by 92 Canadian business leaders appealed to federal and provincial governments to mandate that pension funds...

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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.